Bill > HB2882

This bill establishes a new rental assistance program administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to help tenants with housing costs. Under the program, tenants can apply for rental assistance once every twelve months, with the potential to receive up to three months of support. The department must approve or deny applications within five business days and will pay assistance directly to landlords, or to tenants if landlords refuse direct payment. Importantly, tenants do not need to be delinquent on rent to apply, and the program can cover upcoming rental payments. The bill requires DES to establish a free financial literacy class for tenants seeking assistance and prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent during months covered by rental assistance. The bill also modifies the state's housing trust fund, allocating 50% of certain transferred funds to this new rental assistance program, and makes technical changes to how tax revenues are distributed to support this and other state initiatives. The goal appears to be providing temporary financial support to tenants facing housing cost challenges while promoting financial education and stability.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83355