Landlords in Adams County can apply for rental assistance on behalf of tenants

Landlords of residential properties in Adams County can now apply for rental assistance on behalf of tenants who have fallen behind on their rent and could face eviction as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In partnership with Adams County and local municipalities, Maiker Housing Partners announced it will allocate more than $1.5 million for rental and mortgage payment assistance in the county, according to Laura Schwinkendorf, a spokesperson for Maiker Housing Partners.

“The negative impact this crisis has had on our communities, and especially our most vulnerable residents, is significant and continues to grow,” Raymond H. Gonzales, county manager for Adams County, said in a statement. “It is our hope this additional funding will help alleviate some of the hardships our residents are experiencing through the end of this very difficult year.”

The application does not have a limit for the number of residents on whose behalf a landlord can apply. Applicants will need to provide documentation of tenants who are behind on their rent, and landlords must agree to not evict any tenants while the application is being processed. Renters can also apply on their own behalf.

“Allowing landlords to apply on behalf of tenants is a creative solution to help both our families and our business owners,” said Eva Henry, an Adams County Commissioner who is part of the county’s Housing Stability Response and Recovery Team.

Colorado’s moratorium on evictions expired on June 14, but landlords are still required to give tenants 30 days notice to vacate the premises. 

An estimated 20% of Coloradans were considered housing insecure at the end of July, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. The survey defines housing insecure as a household that has either missed last month’s rent or mortgage payment, or has little to no confidence that they can pay next month’s rent or mortgage on time. 

According to a data analysis done by the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project, which formed in March to provide legal representation for tenants facing eviction, more than 390,000 people in Colorado could face eviction by September.

Since April, Adams County has distributed over $350,000 as part of its short-term rental and mortgage assistance program, according to a press release. All Coloradans can apply for rental assistance regardless of immigration status. 

“With Federal, State and local (evictions) moratoriums in constant flux, we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure those experiencing financial hardships as a result of COVID-19 are not in danger of losing their housing during this unprecedented time,” Peter LiFari, executive director of Maiker Housing Partners, said in a statement.

Residents and landlords across Colorado can apply for state rental or mortgage assistance at www.211colorado.org or by calling 211 to be connected to a local agency.