Arizonans having trouble paying rent could receive short-term relief under bills introduced at the Legislature.
Rep. Alma Hernandez’s bill, supported by the Arizona Multihousing Association, proposes the state direct 5% of prime contracting taxes to rental assistance statewide.
Applicants could be anyone who is late paying rent or anticipates falling short of rent. They would be eligible for up to 3 months of assistance every 12 months.
The goal is to prevent evictions and potential homelessness by providing support.
“It is a short-term relief for families,” Hernandez said. “Perhaps they got sick, and they’re not able to work for a few weeks, or God forbid, something happens and someone in their family passes away, and that’s who they depend on in the household. Things happen all the time. We can never plan ahead for emergencies. It is a way for us to be able to alleviate some of that pressure on families, ensuring that we’re able to help keep them in their home until they get back on their feet.”
