Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance
The Division of Housing (DOH) has emergency rental assistance funding for Coloradans who have fallen behind on their rent, meet income limits and other qualifying factors, and are at risk of eviction or displacement. The random selection will be open to Coloradans, and those facing eviction will continue to be prioritized.
We understand that there is more demand than funds available, and our top priority is to ensure that we can meet as many Coloradans' needs as possible in an equitable, clear and efficient manner.
Program Details
Assistance Limits and Covered Expenses
Assistance amount: Assistance awards cannot exceed seven months of rent, or $10,000, whichever is the lesser amount. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How funds may be used: Assistance may be used to cover your rental payments on a short term basis and may also cover associated fees if required to protect you from displacement. In some cases, relocation assistance may be provided.
Eligibility Requirements
This program is designed to assist renters who are at risk of eviction and meet other eligibility requirements. We encourage you to review your eligibility before applying so you can decide if this program is the right fit.
Overview: Two Ways to Apply
Households seeking emergency rental assistance must meet eligibility requirements, be selected through either the Monthly Random Selection or the Daily Random Selection, and complete a full application. Refer to the How to Apply for CERA page for more details.
Monthly Random Selection
To apply for the Monthly Random Selection, households must…
- Meet all eligibility requirements.
- Have one of the following active eviction documents related to nonpayment of rent. Refer to these documentation examples to determine what some of these documents look like.
- A demand for rent
- A court summons/eviction notice
- A stipulation agreement
- A writ of restitution
- A sheriff’s notice
- Mediation documentation
- Payment plan documentation as established by HB25-1168
Refer to the Monthly Random Selection page for full documentation requirements.
To Apply
Pre-applications for the Monthly Random Selection are currently closed.
The next monthly pre-application window:
- Opens: Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
- Closes: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Daily Random Selection
To apply for the Daily Random Selection, households must…
- Meet all eligibility requirements.
- Have one of the following active eviction documents related to nonpayment of rent. Refer to these documentation examples to determine what some of these documents look like.
- A court summons/eviction notice
- A stipulation agreement
- A writ of restitution
- A sheriff’s notice
Households that have only a demand for rent document, mediation documentation, or payment plan documentation as established by HB25-1168 are not eligible for the Daily Random Selection.
To Apply
- Call the CARE Center: (303) 838-1200
- Open: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
CERA Application Assistance
- Call or text the CARE Center: (303) 838-1200
- Live chat with the CARE Center
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
The CARE Center can help you understand your options, check some eligibility requirements, apply for assistance, and find other resources if this program cannot help right now.
Immediate Housing/Rental Assistance
Individuals facing homelessness or eviction can find resources by calling 2-1-1 Colorado. While the Division of Housing doesn't provide immediate aid, 2-1-1 connects people with emergency shelter, food, rental assistance, healthcare, and more.
2-1-1 Colorado is a confidential and multilingual service in Colorado that focuses on linking residents with essential services through phone or online channels. This service operates via four Area Information Centers across the state.
No matter where you are in Colorado, dialing 2-1-1 gives you access to local resources for food, housing, child care, counseling, or substance abuse treatment. It's the one number for the help you need.
- View the 2-1-1 Colorado website.
- Call 2-1-1 Colorado.
If you are a resident of Denver, Colorado, you may be eligible for the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program.