Rental Assistance Program
The Estes Park Housing Authority and Town of Estes Park acknowledges the challenges in the housing market for renters such as the demand for homes, increase in pricing, and low inventory and created significant barriers to living in our community. As a result, local renters often have a disadvantage because of limited and affordable inventory, in which they are competing with multiple parties to secure housing. This program is aimed to support local renters in the open market, as well as affordable units.
The Estes Park Housing Authority intends to partner with Crossroads Ministry to manage the application process and distribute funds to approved applicants. Once approved, the agreed upon rental assistance will be granted directly to the landlord. This program is meant to serve year-round residents that need rental assistance with a one-time rental assistance payment or monthly subsidy not to exceed the annual approval limit.
These guidelines are subject to change based on availability of funds, conditions of property, and market conditions. The Estes Park Housing Authority does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, disability, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin
Eligible Renters | Renters must be full-time residents and employed in the Estes Valley and current or anticipated monthly rent must be more than 35% of your household gross income. Applicants cannot be housed in income-restricted housing at the time of the application. |
Eligible Renter Households | Household AMI limit of 115% Renters will be required to list the income of ALL parties living in the household. Upon approval, the granted total payment will be sent directly to the landlord or leasing agent of the property. |
Eligible Properties | Eligible properties must be located within the Estes Park School District R-3 boundaries. |
Maximum Monthly Rental Payment | $4,800 per year with a maximum of $400 per month |
Maximum Annual Assistance | $4,800 per year for assistance with housing such as a security deposit and fees associated with entering a lease, or other one-time payments. |
Primary Residence | Renters are required to use the rental residence as their primary and only residence, as defined by the Estes Park Housing Authority. No short-term rentals are eligible for rental assistance. |
Landlord Responsibility | Landlords must agree to rent a decent, safe, and sanitary unit to the tenant. EPHA requires an inspection of the property and a copy of the lease agreement between the landlord and tenant prior to the distribution of funds. The landlord must agree to not terminate the lease with the tenant within 30 days of receiving rental assistance payment. The landlord must agree to keep rent structure at the maximum of 100% AMI throughout the duration of the lease agreement as identified by Larimer County. This information can be found on the EPHA website. |
Lease Terms | 6-month lease, minimum. Subleasing rental assistance will be accepted with proper documentation from the landlord. |
Early Lease Termination | If renter must terminate the lease prior to the expiration for any reason, renter must notify the Estes Park Housing Authority Housing Program Manager at EPHA@estes.org. If the renter is evicted, the landlord is responsible for giving at least 30 days’ notice and notifying EPHA. |
Application Process | Applications and case management will be administered through Crossroads Ministry. Visit their website and complete the application first. Once complete, call 970-577-0610 to schedule an appointment to turn in your application and supporting documents. Specify that you are applying for the Workforce Rental Assistance Program.
Supporting documents needed with application: -Photo identification -Proof of residency in the Estes Valley (example-utility bill) -Current lease or letter from landlord -Proof of income -Landlord name, phone number, and email address |
Repayment of Funds | The Rental Assistance Program is considered a grant to support the local Estes Valley workforce. Repayment will only be required if the renter does not occupy the property as a primary residence OR utilizes the property for a short-term rental. |