If you live in Arapahoe County, Colorado, and you’re behind on rent, facing a utility shutoff, or need help with a security deposit, the county has a program that may be able to help.
The Arapahoe County Rental Assistance Program can provide up to $5,000, but there’s an important catch: the application portal is only available during limited monthly openings and closes once application capacity is reached.
The next opening currently listed by the county is Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
What the Arapahoe County Rental Assistance Program Covers
This program provides short-term help for households experiencing housing instability. Assistance may be available for:
- Past-due rent when you have a current demand notice or eviction notice
- Utility bills when you have a current shutoff or disconnection notice
- Security deposits for eligible households moving into housing
The county is not currently accepting mortgage assistance applications through this program.
Who Qualifies
To qualify, you generally need to:
- Live in Arapahoe County, Colorado
- Have household income below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Have a qualifying housing need, such as past-due rent with a current demand or eviction notice, a utility bill with a current shutoff notice, or an eligible security deposit need
- Demonstrate a plan for keeping up with your housing costs going forward
- Not have received Arapahoe County rental assistance within the previous 12 months
Depending on your situation, the county may require documentation showing that any remaining balance has been paid or that you’ve established an approved payment arrangement.
If you’re not sure whether your household falls below 80% AMI, our Area Median Income guide can help you understand how these limits work.
Who Gets Priority
Funding is limited, so Arapahoe County reviews applications according to established priorities.
The county currently lists the following priority order:
- Applicants with an Arapahoe County eviction summons and scheduled court hearing
- First-time applicants
- Applicants with a remand for rent notice
- Households with income below 80% AMI
- Other households experiencing housing instability or at risk of eviction
Meeting one of these priorities doesn’t guarantee assistance. Funding remains subject to program availability and approval.
How Much Can You Get?
The program can provide up to $5,000 in assistance.
That’s a maximum, not a guaranteed payment. The amount approved depends on your documented need, eligibility, available funding, and the information provided during the application process.
When Does the Application Portal Open?
Arapahoe County normally opens its Rental Assistance application portal on the first Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m.
However, the county has specifically scheduled the next application opening for:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
The portal doesn’t remain open for the entire month. It closes once the county reaches its application capacity, and the county doesn’t publish a fixed closing time.
If you visit the application portal and see an “Invalid URL” message, the county says that means the portal is currently closed.
Because the application can close once capacity is reached, have your documents ready before the scheduled opening so you can complete your application while the portal is available.
Always check the Arapahoe County Rental Assistance page shortly before applying in case the schedule changes.
What to Prepare Before the Portal Opens
Depending on the type of assistance you’re requesting, you may need:
- A current eviction notice, demand notice, or utility shutoff/disconnection notice
- Identification for household members
- Proof of household income
- A current rent ledger from your landlord or property manager if you’re requesting rental assistance
- Documentation related to your security deposit if that’s the assistance you’re requesting
- Other documents requested by the county to verify your eligibility and housing need
If you don’t have standard income documentation, the county also provides a Self-Attestation of Income form that may be available in qualifying situations.
Once you’ve submitted your application, watch carefully for requests for additional information. Applicants and property managers generally have 10 calendar days to respond to documentation requests. If requested documents aren’t provided within that period, the application may be closed.
How to Apply
When the portal is open, apply through the Arapahoe County Rental Assistance page.
Because the portal accepts applications only until the month’s capacity is reached, gather your documents before October 6 rather than waiting until the application becomes available.
If you have questions about eligibility, required documents, or whether the portal is currently accepting applications, contact Arapahoe County Rental Assistance:
Phone: 303-738-7891
Email: housingassistance@arapahoegov.com
Relief Recap
The Arapahoe County Rental Assistance Program can provide up to $5,000 toward qualifying past-due rent, utility bills, or security deposits for eligible renters.
The next application opening currently listed by the county is Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The portal closes once application capacity is reached, so it’s important to have your documents ready ahead of time.
If you need another option while you wait, our Help Near Me directory can help you find additional rent, utility, and housing assistance programs in your area.
