Phoenix, February 6, 2026
The Arizona Legislature is advancing House Bill 2682, proposing a statewide rental assistance program to help families facing temporary financial hardships. This bipartisan initiative, spearheaded by Representative Alma Hernandez and co-sponsored by Tony Rivero, aims to prevent housing instability, with $5 million allocated to aid eligible renters. The bill has passed critical committee hearings, reflecting a shared commitment among lawmakers to address housing challenges and support the state’s economy through targeted assistance measures.
Phoenix Sees Bipartisan Push for Statewide Rental Assistance
As Phoenix continues its trajectory of economic growth and innovation, the resilience of its residents and the vitality of small businesses are paramount. Stable communities form the bedrock of a thriving economy, allowing Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and workers to focus on personal achievement and contribute to local prosperity. However, even in a flourishing environment, temporary financial challenges can emerge, underscoring the importance of thoughtful policy solutions that support individuals while upholding fiscal responsibility.
Recently, a significant bipartisan effort in the Arizona Legislature aims to introduce a statewide rental assistance program, a move that could provide a crucial safety net for families experiencing short-term financial distress. This initiative seeks to prevent housing instability, recognizing that stable housing is fundamental to maintaining a strong workforce and vibrant local economy. Such measures, when carefully crafted, can empower individuals to overcome temporary setbacks without extensive bureaucratic entanglement, aligning with principles of targeted assistance that fosters self-sufficiency and contributes to overall economic growth.
Legislative Momentum for Housing Stability
A new bill, House Bill 2682 (HB 2682), has seen a bipartisan push in the Arizona Legislature to provide rental assistance to residents struggling to pay rent. The bill successfully passed a key committee hearing, signaling a consensus among lawmakers on the need to address housing challenges. This legislative step reflects an understanding that fostering a stable environment for families can prevent more costly societal issues down the line, ultimately benefiting the entire state.
Sponsored by Democratic Representative Alma Hernandez, with Republican Representative Tony Rivero as a co-sponsor, HB 2682 advanced through the House Commerce Committee with a 7-4 vote on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. This cross-aisle cooperation highlights a shared commitment to finding practical solutions for Arizona families.
Designing the Assistance Program
HB 2682 proposes to allocate $5 million to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to establish a new statewide rental assistance program. This program is designed to offer targeted financial support to qualifying renters who are facing temporary financial emergencies.
Under the proposed program, eligible renters could receive up to $5,000 to cover up to two months of rent. A crucial provision of the bill states that landlords would be prohibited from evicting a tenant during the months covered by this state-level assistance. The goal is to provide a short-term buffer, allowing individuals and families to regain their financial footing without the immediate threat of losing their homes. To ensure timely support, decisions on applications for assistance are intended to be made within 5 days.
Eligibility and Focus
Eligibility for this rental assistance program would be focused on families with children and renters experiencing a temporary financial emergency. Applicants would need to demonstrate residency, show a future ability to pay rent, be no more than two months behind on rent, and provide documentation of a genuine emergency. This assistance would be limited to once per year. This structured approach aims to ensure that aid reaches those most in need during critical periods, fostering personal responsibility while providing a temporary lifeline.
Economic Implications and Past Programs
The introduction of a new rental assistance program comes after the conclusion of a previous statewide initiative. The prior Arizona Rental Assistance Program, funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, ended in August 2024. That program provided a lump-sum benefit payment equal to three times a household’s monthly rent, not to exceed $10,500, to eligible low-income seniors and families with children. Program benefits under that initiative could be used for rental arrears, future rent, and rent late fees and penalties.
The need for such programs is underscored by recent data. Maricopa County recorded over 87,000 eviction filings last year (2025), a record high and a 21% increase over 2019. A significant 96% of these cases stemmed from nonpayment of rent, often triggered by short-term setbacks like unexpected car repairs or medical bills, rather than chronic irresponsibility. This highlights how unforeseen circumstances can quickly destabilize even diligent households, impacting Phoenix AZ business and the broader community.
A Cost-Benefit Perspective
During the committee hearing for HB 2682, some Republican members voiced concerns that the bill could lead to an expansion of government and the creation of a “wasteful entitlement program.” However, other Republican lawmakers countered this perspective, asserting that the cost of keeping individuals housed is considerably less than the expenses associated with providing homeless services. This viewpoint suggests that proactive measures like rental assistance align with conservative principles of prevention, accountability, and fiscal responsibility by avoiding the higher costs associated with managing homelessness. It’s an investment in community stability that can reduce burdens on other public services and indirectly support Phoenix small business environments by maintaining local consumer bases.
Estimates suggest that the proposed $5 million investment for this new program could assist between 1,000 and 1,600 families. Furthermore, evictions themselves are costly for property owners, typically incurring expenses ranging from $3,500 to $10,000 in legal fees, lost rent, and turnover expenses. By directly paying landlords, the program could offer a more efficient solution than prolonged legal battles, ensuring units remain occupied and income streams for property owners are maintained.
Broader Housing Landscape in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), established in 2002, plays a crucial role in administering programs focused on creating, preserving, and investing in affordable housing across the state. ADOH also oversees the federal Section 8 Housing Voucher program and the Housing Trust Fund. The Housing Trust Fund, administered by the ADOH Director, is designed to support projects and programs that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households and facilitate housing affordability programs.
For Fiscal Year 2026, the Housing Trust Fund’s operating budget includes $388,800 and 3 full-time equivalent positions, consistent with the previous fiscal year. However, there is no new General Fund deposit specifically for the Housing Trust Fund in FY 2026. Organizations like the Arizona Housing Coalition advocate for increased and sustained funding for the State Housing Trust Fund, recognizing its importance in addressing ongoing housing challenges across Arizona.
Beyond state initiatives, community resources like 211 Arizona also play a vital role, connecting individuals and families to various local and statewide services, including housing crisis programs. These layered approaches highlight the complexity of ensuring housing stability and the ongoing efforts within the state to support its residents.
Conclusion
The bipartisan efforts behind House Bill 2682 reflect a pragmatic approach to supporting Arizona’s communities and fostering sustained economic growth. By offering targeted, temporary rental assistance, the state can help families navigate unexpected financial hurdles, preventing evictions that can lead to broader social and economic costs. This legislative initiative underscores the value of strategic interventions that support individual resilience and the overall strength of the local economy.
As this bill progresses through the legislative process, it provides an important opportunity for Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and citizens to consider how thoughtful policies can support a stable and prosperous environment. Engaging with local legislative discussions and supporting community-based housing initiatives are key ways to contribute to a resilient Phoenix small business landscape and vibrant neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is House Bill 2682?
- House Bill 2682 (HB 2682) is a new bill in the Arizona Legislature proposing a statewide rental assistance program.
- What is the current status of House Bill 2682?
- House Bill 2682 passed the House Commerce Committee with a 7-4 vote on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
- How much funding is proposed for the new rental assistance program?
- The bill proposes to allocate $5 million to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to create the new rental assistance program.
- Who would be eligible for rental assistance under HB 2682?
- Qualifying renters would include families with children and individuals experiencing a temporary financial emergency. They must demonstrate residency, show a future ability to pay rent, be no more than two months behind, and document a genuine emergency.
- What is the maximum assistance a qualifying renter could receive?
- Qualifying renters could apply for up to $5,000 to cover up to two months of rent.
- Would landlords be able to evict tenants receiving this assistance?
- No, landlords would be prohibited from evicting a tenant during the months covered by the assistance.
- What agency would administer this new program?
- The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) would be responsible for creating and running the new rental assistance program.
- When did the previous Arizona Rental Assistance Program end?
- The previous Arizona Rental Assistance Program, which was funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, ended in August 2024.
- How many eviction filings were recorded in Maricopa County last year?
- Maricopa County recorded over 87,000 eviction filings last year (2025), which was a record high.
- What is the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)?
- The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) was established in 2002 to administer programs that create, preserve, and invest in affordable housing statewide.
Key Features of the Proposed Arizona Rental Assistance Program (HB 2682)
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Number | House Bill 2682 (HB 2682) | State-level |
| Current Status | Passed House Commerce Committee (7-4 vote, Feb 3, 2026) | State-level |
| Proposed Funding | $5 million | State-level |
| Administering Agency | Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) | State-level |
| Maximum Assistance per Household | Up to $5,000 | State-level |
| Assistance Coverage | Up to two months of rent | State-level |
| Eviction Protection | Landlords prohibited from evicting during assistance period | State-level |
| Eligibility Criteria (Key) | Families with children, temporary financial emergency, demonstrate residency, show future ability to pay rent, no more than two months behind, documented emergency | State-level |
| Assistance Frequency Limit | Once per year | State-level |
| Decision Timeline Target | Within 5 days of application | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arizona’s Income Growth Highlights Economic Resilience
10 Essential Insights into Phoenix’s Real Estate Market for First-Time Buyers
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
