Frequently Asked Questions

What is ERAP?

The Emergency Rental Assistance program makes available $170 million to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rental and utility assistance is available to households who are obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling. Rental assistance can be used for unpaid, current and future rent and utilities. Funding may also be available for other housing-related expenses incurred directly or indirectly due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

What Does it Cover?

Rent

Utility bills, this includes electric and gas

Water and sewer

Trash removal, fuel oil, wood and pellets

Other expenses related to housing costs such as hotel/motel costs

Am I Eligible?

Must be obligated to pay rent; AND be able to demonstrate current primary residence in a housing unit in New Mexico

Able to show a financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic

A household income that falls under the COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program Income Limits

Unemployed and/or receiving unemployment benefits (optional)

Able to demonstrate risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability

Able to demonstrate rent and utility obligations incurred since March 30, 2020

What Documents do I Need?

The applicant is renting a residential dwelling

That the applicant lives in NM

That the applicant has been indirectly or directly impacted by COVID-19

The at least one household member is at risk of homelessness or housing instability

Documentation showing the applicant’s household is under the Program Income Limits

What Documents do I Need to Apply?

You will need one (1) document from each of the categories below:

Documentation showing that you are renting

• A Lease Agreement;

• A Letter from Your Landlord

• Utility Bill (Water, Electric, Gas) in Your Name

• Bank Statements or Canceled Checks showing a pattern of rent payment

Documentation showing that you are renting

• Pay Stubs

• Unemployment Award Letter

• Most Recently Filed Income Tax Return

• Bank Statements or Canceled Checks showing a pattern of rent payment

Documentation showing that you are renting

• Notice of Delinquency/Non-Payment

• Notice of termination

• Eviction Notice from a Landlord; Utility Shut-off Notice

• Bank Statements or Canceled Checks showing a pattern of rent payment

Documentation showing that you are renting

• Job loss

• Job furlough

• Closure of place of employment

• Reduction in self-employment pay

•Job loss and/or wage reduction due to requirement to be quarantined based on a positive Covid-19 diagnosis

•Other circumstances leading to financial hardship

Emergency Rental Assistance Program Hotline

1-833-485-1334

Need Help with your Application?

Bernalillo County Economic Development Department:

Email questions to BerncoRent@bernco.gov

or call (505) 468-1279.

City of Albuquerque Eviction Prevention:

CABQ Family and Community Services –

(505) 768-2860

Email questions to dbazan@cabq.gov

Dona Ana County Rent and Utilities Assistance Program

Dona Ana County ERAP Hotline

575-525-5898

Email questions to ERAP@donaanacounty.org