Are you a Colorado resident struggling to keep up with rent payments? Facing the daunting prospect of eviction can be incredibly stressful. Fortunately, resources are available to help. Understanding programs like the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) and how they relate to broader rent relief initiatives, including those inspired by the CARES Act, is crucial for accessing support. This guide provides comprehensive answers to common questions about emergency rental assistance in Colorado, ensuring you have the information needed to navigate these challenging times and find potential solutions through programs designed to offer cares rent relief.
Understanding Emergency Rental Assistance in Colorado
What Exactly is Rental Assistance?
Rental assistance is financial aid designed to support individuals and families who are struggling to pay their rent. In Colorado, the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) provides emergency rental assistance to eligible residents. This funding aims to prevent eviction and displacement for Coloradans who have fallen behind on rent due to financial hardship, meet specific income criteria, and are facing housing instability. These programs are vital safety nets, offering cares rent relief to those most in need.
CERA vs. ERA: Decoding Colorado’s Rent Relief Programs
It’s important to distinguish between different rental assistance programs. You might have heard of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. This program utilized federal funds to provide rent relief during the pandemic. The Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program is distinct from ERA. CERA is funded by state resources from Proposition 123, ensuring continued support for renters in Colorado even after federal ERA funds have been exhausted.
While CERA builds upon the framework of ERA, there are some key differences to be aware of:
- Income Limits: CERA has a stricter Area Median Income (AMI) limit. To be eligible for CERA, your household income must be at or below 60% of the AMI for your area. The ERA program previously had a higher limit of 80% AMI.
- Lookback Period: CERA considers a longer financial history. The “lookback period,” which is the timeframe used to assess your financial need, has increased from 12 to 24 months under CERA. This means the program will look at your income and financial situation over the past two years to determine eligibility.
- Lifetime Assistance Cap: A significant change is the removal of the 18-month cap on lifetime assistance that was present in the ERA program. Under CERA, there is no such limit, offering potentially more extended support for those who qualify, aligning with the broader goals of cares rent relief initiatives to provide sustained assistance.
For the most up-to-date details on these changes and program specifics, always refer to the official DOLA Emergency Rental Assistance website.
Who is Eligible for Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA)?
To qualify for emergency rental assistance in Colorado, you must meet specific criteria to ensure that cares rent relief reaches those in genuine need. Eligibility requirements include:
- Colorado Residency: You must be a current resident of Colorado.
- Valid Colorado Lease: You must have a valid lease agreement for a rental property located in Colorado.
- Income Below 60% AMI: Your household income must be at or below 60% of the Area Median Income for your county. You can check income limits by county using resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Risk of Eviction or Displacement: You must demonstrate a risk of eviction or displacement. This can be shown through various forms of documentation, including:
- Being behind on your rent payments.
- Receiving a formal demand for rent payment from your landlord. This could be a demand notice, an eviction notice, a notice of non-payment, or a notice to quit.
- Evidence of current eviction proceedings, such as a court summons (Forcible Entry and Detainer) or a sheriff’s notice.
- Documentation showing you are currently in mediation with your landlord as required by Colorado House Bill 23-1120.
- Lack of Other Funds: You must attest that you do not have access to other funds that could be used to pay the overdue rent.
- Past Assistance: You must not have received rental assistance from another local, state, or federal emergency rental assistance program within the past 24 months. This ensures that cares rent relief is distributed to those who haven’t recently benefited from similar programs.
Applying Again After Previous Rental Assistance
If you have received rental assistance in the past, you may still be eligible to apply for CERA. The key factor is the timeframe since your last assistance. If it has been at least 24 months since your last rental payment was covered by an emergency rental assistance program, and you currently meet all other eligibility requirements, you can re-apply. This acknowledges that financial hardships can recur, and cares rent relief may be needed again.
Assistance for Mobile Home Renters
Yes, CERA extends to renters of mobile homes and mobile home lots. If you rent a mobile home or a lot for your mobile home in Colorado and meet all eligibility requirements, you can apply for assistance to cover your mobile home rent and any associated lot fees. This recognition of mobile homes as housing and the inclusion of lot fees under cares rent relief is important for this segment of renters. Furthermore, households renting manufactured housing or the land it occupies may also be eligible for assistance with utilities and other housing-related expenses, broadening the scope of support.
Navigating the CERA Application Process
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for CERA?
Preparing your application thoroughly is essential for a smooth process. A complete CERA application requires several documents to verify your eligibility and need for cares rent relief. Make sure you have the following ready:
- Valid Identification: You will need to provide a valid form of identification. Acceptable forms include:
- A driver’s license or identification card issued by any U.S. state or territory.
- U.S. military or military dependent identification card.
- U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card.
- Native American Tribal Document.
- Document issued by any government instrumentality (U.S. or foreign).
- Document issued by an educational institution (U.S. or foreign).
- Note: You are not required to disclose your immigration status or provide citizenship documentation.
- Valid Colorado Lease: You must submit a copy of your current, valid lease agreement in Colorado.
- Eviction Risk Documentation: Provide documentation demonstrating your risk of eviction or displacement. This could include:
- Demand notice from your landlord.
- Eviction notice.
- Court summons.
- Notice of non-payment of rent.
- Notice to quit.
- Mediation documents as per HB 23-1120.
- Sheriff’s notice.
- Updated Income Information: Provide current income information to demonstrate that you meet the income eligibility requirements. Specific acceptable documents are detailed on the DOLA Emergency Rental Assistance website.
Always refer to the DOLA Emergency Rental Assistance website for the most detailed and updated list of required documents and acceptable forms of each document.
How and When Can I Apply for CERA?
The CERA application process begins with a pre-application. Here’s how it works:
- Pre-Application: Interested individuals must complete a pre-application form available on the DOLA website. This form collects basic information to determine initial eligibility and manage the application volume.
- Random Selection: Due to limited funding, not all pre-applicants will be invited to submit a full application. A random selection process is used to invite a limited number of pre-applicants to proceed to the full application stage. This ensures fairness in access to cares rent relief when demand exceeds available funds.
- Invitation to Apply: If you are randomly selected, you will receive an email invitation to complete a full application through an online portal. This email will contain specific instructions and a link to the portal.
- Full Application: You must complete the full application in the online portal and submit all required documentation within seven (7) days of receiving the invitation. Failure to meet this deadline may result in forfeiting your opportunity to apply for assistance during that cycle.
- Application Periods: DOLA accepts pre-applications on a monthly or bimonthly basis, depending on funding availability. These pre-application periods are typically open for a limited time, often around three days each month.
To stay informed about upcoming pre-application periods and access step-by-step application instructions, regularly check the DOLA Emergency Rental Assistance website.
How Will I Know If I Was Selected to Apply?
If you are selected from the random selection process to proceed with a full CERA application, you will be notified via email. This email will be sent to the email address you provided in your pre-application. The email will contain an invitation to access the Neighborly portal, where you will complete and submit your full application. It’s crucial to monitor your email regularly after submitting a pre-application.
Important Note: Being selected to apply does not guarantee that you will receive rental assistance. To receive funds, you must still:
- Complete the full application accurately and thoroughly.
- Submit all required documentation.
- Meet all eligibility requirements as verified during the full application review process.
What Happens If I’m Not Selected?
If you are not selected in a particular random selection round, you will receive an email informing you of this outcome. This email will also include information about other resources and options that may be available to you. It’s important to explore these alternative resources if you are not selected for CERA in a given application cycle.
Can I Reapply If Not Selected?
Yes, if you are not selected to complete a full application in one application cycle, you can reapply in subsequent pre-application periods. When the State re-opens pre-applications for the next cycle, you are welcome to submit a new pre-application. Each pre-application period is a fresh opportunity to seek cares rent relief.
Language Accessibility of the Application Portal
The CERA application portal is designed to be accessible to individuals with diverse language needs. The portal is available in multiple languages. You can select your preferred language within the portal interface. Look for “User Options” in “My Profile” to change the language settings.
If you require additional translation assistance to complete your application in Spanish or another language, you can contact the CARE Center for support. They can be reached by calling 1 (303) 838-1200, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mountain time. This ensures that language barriers do not prevent eligible individuals from accessing cares rent relief.
What If the Pre-Application is Closed?
If you attempt to apply and find that the pre-application portal is closed, it means that the current application cycle has ended. You will need to wait for the next pre-application period to open. Application cycles are typically announced on the DOLA Emergency Rental Assistance website.
In the meantime, if you need immediate assistance or want to explore other options, contact the CARE Center. They can provide information about other available resources and help you navigate your options while waiting for the next CERA pre-application period. You can reach the CARE Center by calling or texting 1 (303) 838-1200, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mountain time.
Understanding CERA Assistance and Next Steps
How Much Rent Relief Can I Receive from CERA?
The maximum amount of emergency rental assistance you can potentially receive through CERA is capped at seven (7) months of rental assistance or $10,000, whichever is less. The actual amount of assistance awarded depends on your household’s past-due rent balance, as determined during the application process.
While some households may be eligible for limited prospective rent assistance (covering future rent payments), all awards are subject to the overall maximum limits of seven months or $10,000. CERA aims to provide substantial, yet time-limited, cares rent relief to address immediate housing crises.
What Expenses Does CERA Cover?
CERA assistance is primarily intended to cover your rental payments on a short-term basis. It can also cover certain associated fees if those fees are necessary to prevent your eviction or displacement. The focus is on keeping people housed and providing immediate cares rent relief for housing costs.
Who Processes My Application and Payment?
The State of Colorado partners with various non-profit organizations to administer the CERA program and provide rental assistance to applicants. When you apply, your application will be reviewed by one of these partner non-profit organizations. They will:
- Review your application and documentation.
- Contact you if they need additional information or clarification.
- Process your payment if your application is approved.
It is crucial to respond promptly if you are contacted by representatives from one of these non-profit partners. Timely communication will help ensure your application is processed efficiently.
If you have questions about the status of your application or need to know which non-profit is processing it, you can contact the CARE Center for assistance at 1 (303) 838-1200, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mountain time.
Checking Your Application Status
After you submit your CERA application, you should receive a confirmation email. This email will contain a link to the application portal. You can track the status of your application by logging into this portal using the provided link.
Once your application is under review, you may be contacted directly by one of the non-profit providers who are processing applications. If you have been contacted by a provider, it is best to work directly with them for any questions about your application status or to provide additional information they may request.
For general inquiries or if you haven’t been contacted by a provider and have further questions, reach out to the CARE Center by calling or texting 1 (303) 838-1200, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mountain time.
Re-Applying After Denial Due to Documentation
If your CERA application was denied because you did not provide adequate documentation, you have options. If the State opens pre-applications again in the future, you are eligible to submit a new pre-application. In your new application, ensure you carefully provide all required documentation to avoid denial for the same reason.
Additionally, if you believe your application was wrongfully denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Your denial letter will contain instructions on how to appeal. Follow these instructions carefully if you wish to challenge the denial decision. The appeals process is in place to ensure fairness and accuracy in the distribution of cares rent relief.
Specific Questions for Renters
Mistake on Pre-Application – Can I Resubmit?
If you made a mistake on your CERA pre-application, such as forgetting to attach your demand notice or eviction document, do not resubmit the pre-application. Instead, immediately contact the CARE Center by calling or texting 1 (303) 838-1200, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time. They can advise you on how to correct the error.
Minor mistakes or omissions other than missing critical eviction documents can often be addressed if you are selected to complete the full application. The CARE Center will guide you on the best course of action based on the specific error.
Submitting Multiple Applications
No, you should only submit one pre-application per pre-application period. Submitting multiple applications will not increase your chances of being selected and may cause confusion or delays in processing. Duplicate applications are not permitted.
Applying on Behalf of Someone Else
Generally, individuals must apply for CERA on their own behalf. However, if an applicant is unable to access email, the internet, or needs other assistance with submitting a pre-application, they should contact the CARE Center. The CARE Center can provide support and guidance to individuals who need help with the pre-application process, ensuring that cares rent relief is accessible to everyone, including those with limited technological access or other challenges. Call 1 (303) 838-1200, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time for assistance.
If selected to complete a full application and you need further support, the CARE Center can also provide assistance with the full application process.
Information for Landlords and Property Managers
Can Landlords Apply on Behalf of Tenants?
No, landlords or property managers cannot apply for CERA on behalf of their tenants. The tenant must initiate the application process themselves. However, landlords play a crucial role in the process by providing necessary documentation when requested and cooperating with the program to facilitate cares rent relief for their tenants.
Required Landlord Documents
Once a tenant’s CERA application is being processed and the tenant has indicated their landlord, the property owner or manager will need to provide certain documents to verify tenancy and facilitate payment. These documents typically include:
- Verification of Tenancy: Documentation confirming the tenancy for the period for which rental assistance is requested. A current lease agreement usually serves this purpose.
- Landlord Financial Information: Financial information needed for payment processing, including a W9 form dated within the past six (6) months. This is essential for the non-profit partner to issue payment for cares rent relief funds directly to the landlord.
- Additional Verification (Case-by-Case): In some instances, DOLA or the provider agencies may request additional verification documents on a case-by-case basis. Landlords should be prepared to provide these documents promptly if requested.
Landlords providing a Social Security Number (SSN) instead of an Employer Identification Number (EIN) will also be required to submit a form of identification, such as a state ID or driver’s license, for verification purposes.
How and When Will Landlords Receive Payment?
Non-profit partners administering CERA are committed to processing applications and payments as quickly as possible. The aim is to review complete applications within four to six (4-6) weeks after submission.
Once all necessary application materials have been received, the application is approved, and landlord verification is complete, landlords can typically expect to receive payment within approximately fourteen (14) days. Payments are generally made directly to the landlord to ensure that cares rent relief is applied directly to the tenant’s rental account.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide clear and helpful information about Colorado’s emergency rental assistance programs, particularly CERA, and how it provides cares rent relief to eligible residents. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and available resources, renters and landlords can work together to access this vital support and prevent housing instability.
