Renters in Maricopa County facing eviction due to non-payment of rent now have access to legal services to help them understand their rights and to help prevent eviction.
On Aug. 4, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Community Legal Services (CLS) for $2.6 million for services through June 30, 2023. The contract is mutually beneficial to landlords and tenants – enabling landlords to receive rent owed and preventing the family disruption that happens as the result of an eviction.
Through this contract, CLS will provide legal assistance and representation to eligible Maricopa County tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who are facing eviction due to nonpayment of rent. CLS services include:
- Legal information about tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, and eviction process
- Legal advice specific to tenant’s case
- Legal representation in-person or virtually in landlord negotiations and at any of the County Justice Courts and/or the Superior Court, depending on the jurisdiction
Legal support is offered in addition to rent and utility assistance to help renters and landlords avoid eviction and prevent utility shut-offs.
CLS has been providing this type of assistance to residents of the City of Phoenix who are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) through the nine Justice Courts in Phoenix. With the addition of this contract by Maricopa County, all Courts in the County will now be served. In anticipation of the need in the community, CLS is adding 12 staff attorneys and 6 paralegals to work on cases under the Maricopa County contract.
The program is federally funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted to provide programs and services to help people, families and businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved spending priorities for $435 million in ARPA funds that can be tracked on a public dashboard.
For more information on the legal services available to renters in Maricopa County, and to apply for legal, rent, or utility assistance, visit www.Maricopa.gov/HelpWithBills.
About Maricopa County Human Services
As the fourth largest county in the nation home to some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Maricopa County’s population is large, growing and more diverse than ever. Maricopa County’s Human Services Department has five divisions that provide services and programs to people of all ages and abilities to promote their well-being. From offering early education to career training and employment services to case management for aging and disabled adults – the Human Services Department serves as a leader in the region to support strong families, neighborhoods, and community relationships. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to eligible Maricopa County residents at www.HSD.maricopa.gov.