Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order Tuesday, March 24, delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days.
“Nobody should be forced out of their home because of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “This order is about protecting public health and providing relief to families impacted by this virus — whether through sickness or economic hardship. This is the right thing to do to support Arizona families during their time of need and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Today’s action aligns with recent federal actions.
On March 18, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a suspension of all evictions for HUD-financed properties. On the same day, the Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the coronavirus national emergency.
The Arizona Department of Housing offers assistance to Arizonans struggling to make mortgage payments. Through the Department’s “Save Our Home AZ” program, Arizonans may qualify for:
- Principal Reduction Assistance,
- Monthly Mortgage Subsidy Assistance for under and unemployed Arizonans,
- And Second Lien Elimination Assistance.
- View the executive order HERE.
SOHAZ Program questions may be directed to the Arizona Department of Housing, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling (602) 771-1000 or by visiting housing.az.gov/save-our-home.
The Arizona Department of Housing also operates a toll-free hotline staffed with housing counselors to answer questions about housing in Arizona. To reach a housing counselor toll free, Arizonans can call: 1-877-448-1211.
The Arizona Multihousing Association today released the following statement in response:
“No one wants to see sick or vulnerable individuals or families evicted in the midst of dealing with a serious health crisis,” said Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus, the President and CEO of the Arizona Multihousing Association. “We support taking immediate action to protect and support struggling residents during the COVID-19 crisis, but we also want to offer a note of caution here.
“At the same time as many apartment residents are struggling with income loss, Arizona property owners also are tightening their belts in a huge way. These businesses are working hard to meet their monthly obligations: make payroll, pay bank loans and mortgages, and pay their utilities, insurance costs and tax obligations.
“We will continue to work with Gov. Ducey and state and federal leaders to find a comprehensive solution that addresses all the many impacts of this crisis – a solution that balances relief for renters with relief for property owners.”
