Urgent Rental Aid Proposed for Those Facing Temporary Hardships

Arizona legislators are taking steps to aid tenants at risk of eviction through new rental assistance initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness. Bills introduced by Sen. Analise Ortiz in the Senate and Rep. Alma Hernandez in the House are currently under consideration.

Both proposals, despite differing funding strategies, seek to offer as much as three months of monetary assistance to those struggling to meet their rental obligations. “It is a short-term relief for families,” Hernandez remarked, emphasizing the unpredictability of life circumstances that can lead to sudden financial distress.

The urgency of these bills is underscored by a collaborative push from lawmakers across party lines to prioritize housing stability this session. “We can’t just support rental assistance in the same way. We have to look at it as a holistic problem,” Ortiz stated, reflecting a shared commitment to effective action rather than mere discussion.

Both Ortiz and Hernandez highlighted the necessity of securing bipartisan support to ensure the passage of these measures. Ortiz’s Senate Bill 1554 proposes allocating 10% of the state’s prime contracting sales tax revenue to a newly established Arizona Rental Assistance Fund, while Hernandez’s bill suggests a more modest 5% allocation, which may appeal to Republicans in the legislature.

If enacted, the bills would allow applications for assistance from individuals facing current or imminent difficulties in paying rent, providing them with funds directly to their landlords and prohibiting eviction during the assistance month. Eligible tenants must demonstrate a plan for future rent payments.

The Department of Economic Security (DES) would oversee the administration of this program, building on its previous experience with federally funded emergency rental initiatives. These measures stemmed from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the Arizona Rescue Plan Act, which had earlier provided significant relief to renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In prior programs, DES assisted thousands of households, distributing substantial funds for rental and utility support. However, Ortiz warned that the resources from these past relief packages are dwindling, leaving fewer options available for those needing immediate assistance. “Money that had poured into the state from Covid and ARPA is very quickly drying up,” she said.

Both legislators remain committed to fostering bipartisan dialogue in hopes of passing the rental assistance proposals. “It doesn’t matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat; if you can’t pay your rent and you need help, there should be options available to you,” Ortiz concluded, expressing optimism for cross-party collaboration.