Rental Assistance Grants in Colorado: 2025 Renter’s Guide

If you’re renting in Colorado and facing difficulty paying your rent, you’re not alone. In 2025, there are several rental assistance grant programs available to help Colorado renters stay in their homes and avoid eviction. This guide covers the most important statewide resources, how to apply, the official forms you’ll need, and your rights and responsibilities under Colorado state law.

Rental Assistance Programs Available in Colorado

Colorado’s rental assistance grants are designed to help low-income renters and families manage temporary hardships, prevent eviction, and maintain stable housing. Most programs are offered through state and local agencies, and some funds may be available directly from counties or cities. Here’s what you should know:

Key Statewide Programs

• Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): The ERAP provides temporary financial help for eligible renters facing financial hardship. It covers unpaid rent, utilities, and some other housing-related costs. For details and to apply, visit the Colorado Department of Human Services - Eviction Prevention Programs.
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): Federal funds administered by Colorado to local organizations for emergency rental assistance and homelessness prevention. See the Department of Local Affairs ESG Program for details.
• Colorado Affordable Housing Programs: The Department of Local Affairs - Division of Housing offers ongoing grant programs and partner resources to support renters statewide.

Who Qualifies for Rental Assistance?

• Households with income below a set limit (usually 80% of Area Median Income)
• Renters at risk of homelessness or housing instability
• Those experiencing loss of income, major expenses, or COVID-19 related hardship

Official Forms for Colorado Renters Seeking Assistance

Depending on the program, you might need to complete specific forms. Below are commonly used applications and what to expect:

• Colorado ERAP Application
  • Name: Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program Application
  • Use: Submit this form online or in person to apply for rental help if you’re behind on payments or facing eviction. Example: Maria lost hours at work and can’t make rent—she fills out this form through the official eviction prevention portal to request assistance.
  • Link: Colorado ERAP Application Portal
• Self-Help Eviction Delay Forms
  • Name & Number: Answer Under Simplified Civil Procedure (JDF 98)
  • Use: If you receive an eviction notice, use this form to file your response with the county court, which may buy you extra time while applying for rental assistance. Example: John gets a Summons for eviction and files JDF 98 before the court date.
  • Link: Download JDF 98 - Colorado Courts
• Income Verification Documents
  • Name: Proof of Income / Unemployment Documentation
  • Use: Many agencies require you to submit pay stubs, unemployment records, or benefit award letters with your assistance application. Example: Susan attaches her unemployment benefits statement to her ERAP application.
  • Link: ERAP Application Checklist

Where Do Renters Submit Their Forms?

For rental assistance, submit forms through the Colorado Department of Human Services or your local partner agency. For eviction court forms (like JDF 98), file with your Colorado County Court Clerk.

What Legal Protections Cover Colorado Renters?

Rental assistance is often tied to state and federal legal protections for renters. The main law covering tenant and landlord rights in Colorado is the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 (Property - Real and Personal)^[1]. If you need a dispute resolved, the official tribunal is the Colorado County Court in your rental’s county.

Colorado Revised Statutes: Key Areas for Renters

• Title 38, Article 12 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law) — covers lease terms, rent increases, eviction, and notice requirements
• Title 38, Article 12.5 (Rental Application Fairness Act) — protects against certain fees and screening practices

For more, see the Colorado Division of Housing Renter Resources page.

How to Apply for Rental Assistance in Colorado

The process to apply is straightforward but may vary by program. Generally, you’ll want to:

• Gather documents: photo ID, proof of income, and a copy of your lease
• Fill out the online or printable rental assistance form
• Submit required attachments (income proof, eviction notice, etc.)
• Check your email/phone for follow-up from the agency

Keep copies of all submitted forms and correspondence in case you need them for court or follow-up.

FAQs for Colorado Renters: Rental Assistance

1. What is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Colorado?
   ERAP is a statewide program that provides financial help to renters struggling to pay rent or utilities due to hardship, including risk of eviction.
2. How quickly can I get help from a rental assistance grant?
   Response times depend on the program and how complete your application is, but many agencies respond within a few weeks.
3. If I apply for rental assistance, can my landlord evict me?
   Landlords cannot evict you solely for applying for rental assistance, but it’s important to follow all court and notice deadlines. Filing certain forms, such as an Answer to eviction, may give you additional time.
4. What documentation do I need to apply for rental assistance in Colorado?
   Most agencies require a photo ID, proof of income (like pay stubs or benefits letters), a copy of your lease, and sometimes an eviction notice.
5. Where can I find help filling out rental assistance applications?
   Colorado Department of Human Services and local nonprofit agencies often provide direct help—see the resources and links below.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Human Services: Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance — Main state portal for renters
• Colorado Division of Housing: Renter Resources — Information and support links
• Colorado County Courts — Where to file eviction responses and access self-help forms
• Colorado Legal Services — Free or low-cost legal help for low-income renters
• For general questions, call Colorado Housing Connects Helpline: 1-844-926-6632

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)

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