Vice Mayor, Maricopa County Launch Eviction​​​​​​ ​​​Protection Pilot Program

Maricopa County announced the launch of the Eviction Prevention Pilot Program. This pilot, which was formally approved by the Board of Supervisors in May, will provide much-needed rental assistance for residents, and in turn, financial stability for property owners. Maricopa County is partnering with the City of Phoenix, which will provide utility assistance and case management to ensure positive outcomes for program participants going forward. Hom, inc. will administer the program and engage directly with property owners and residents.

“Too many households in our hardest hit neighborhoods live one emergency away from losing their home," said Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington. "I am grateful for our partnership with the County to implement a pilot that will direct help where it is needed most and that will pair assistance with follow-up support, so families aren’t left on their own after the rent is paid. Additionally, most property owners want resolution, not eviction. This pilot invites owners to partner with residents and the courts to resolve the issue swiftly and keep households housed. Together, we can reduce costs, reduce eviction filings, and deliver the stability that benefits families, owners, and our neighborhoods alike."

The program provides one-time rental assistance to families who may be experiencing a hardship that prevents them from being able to make a payment and are behind on rent. Additionally, the program is designed to intervene before an eviction case goes through the court system.

“A large number of Maricopa County residents have a majority of their monthly income go directly towards their rent, and when an accident happens that forces them to redirect funds, they have no way of paying for the roof over their heads,” said Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. “This pilot program will ensure that population doesn’t get left behind, won’t step into a courtroom, and will have the resources to have ongoing success. Catching a potential eviction case early is critical for this pilot, as it will avoid any unnecessary legal fees for both parties, and ensure 100% of the funding goes towards rent costs.

As there are conditions for residents to meet, property owners must submit proper documentation and attestations to receive the funding as well. A condition of receiving financial assistance includes the property owner agreeing that the amounts paid by the program fully satisfy the covered rental arrears and eligible charges. The property owner will also not initiate or continue nonpayment eviction based on amounts resolved through the Maricopa County Eviction Prevention Pilot. Required documentation that must be provided includes a tenant ledger, W9, among other forms.

The $800,000 funding for the program will be directed to City of Phoenix zip codes with elevated eviction rates. Those zip codes, which are in District 3 and predominantly District 5, include:

• 85008
• 85040
• 85041
• 85042

“District 5 has some of the highest eviction rates in Maricopa County, so for my constituents to be an emphasis for this pilot program ensures meaningful outcomes will occur for families who need it most,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5. “For this program to also focus on continued supports like case management after the resident is funded also lets them know they aren’t going to be thrown to the wind once their rent is paid. Maricopa County and its partners will be alongside them during their most trying times.”

The Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA) provided guidance on program structure and will also assist Maricopa County with identifying the right property owners to participate. Once property owners are engaged, residents who would benefit from the program will be notified of possible eligibility. The pilot program is funded from Maricopa County’s FY 2027 budget.

Data from the pilot will be valuable to make informed decisions regarding the future of this program. Follow-ups will be done with residents and property owners to check success rates of the pilot, and to offer any support that may be additionally required.

For more information, please visit the Eviction Prevention Pilot webpage.

Media Contact
Adam Waltz
adam.waltz@phoenix.gov
602-781-1334