Monthly Random Selection Information

The Monthly Random Selection is one of two ways to apply for the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance program. To see more information about the Daily Random Selection, see the How to Apply for CERA page.

Check the Emergency Rental Assistance web page for current application windows and deadlines.

Monthly Random Selection Process

1. Submit a pre-application and upload required documents during the monthly pre-application window.
   • You can only submit one application per household for each pre-application period.
   • Landlords and property managers cannot apply on behalf of a tenant.
   • Anyone who applies during the open pre-application period has the same chance of being selected. Applying earlier does not improve your chances of being selected.
2. After the pre-application window closes, a random selection will take place.
3. You will be notified through email of your random selection result.
4. If you are selected, you will receive an email invitation to complete a full application. The selection email will notify you of the full application deadline; you can expect to have about a week to complete the full application.

Eligibility Requirements

• Your household meets all of the eligibility requirements.
• You have one of the following active eviction documents related to nonpayment of rent: a demand for rent, a court summons/eviction notice, a stipulation agreement, a writ of restitution, a sheriff’s notice, mediation documentation, or payment plan documentation as established by HB25-1168.

Eviction Documentation Requirements

To qualify for the Monthly Random Selection, a household must be past-due on rent and have one of the following active documents. Please note, your document must show no signs of alteration and must include the following details in order to be selected in the monthly random selection. (Explore these documentation examples.)

• A demand for rent document must contain
  • Address or description of the premises
  • Tenant name
  • The landlord's signature or the signature of their agency or attorney and the signature date
  • Additional legal requirements
    • Specification of the grounds for eviction (i.e. unpaid rent)
    • Date and time to either comply (i.e. pay) or vacate
    • A statement demanding rent or possession
• An eviction notice/court summons, a stipulation, or a writ of restitution must contain
  • Court information
  • Name
  • Court Date
• A sheriff’s notice must contain
  • Court information
  • Address
  • Name (if applicable)
  • Date
• Mediation documentation must contain
  • Non-required mediation
    • Address
    • Name
    • Date
    • Signature pages (if applicable)
  • Mediation required by HB23-1120
    • The official mediation email from the Office of Dispute Resolution is acceptable documentation and must include:
      • Address
      • Name
      • Date
• Payment plan documentation (as established by HB25-1168) must contain
  • Address
  • Name
  • Date
  • Monthly payment amount
  • Completed signature pages

What to Expect if You Are Selected

If you are selected through the Monthly Random Selection, you will receive a selection email inviting you to complete the full CERA application in the Neighborly portal. The selection email will contain more details about what information and documentation is required for the full Neighborly application as well as the application deadline. Being selected to complete the full application does not guarantee you will receive assistance. You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit complete documentation.

What to Do if You Are Not Selected

Because more tenants apply than the program can assist, some applicants are not randomly selected to continue in the application process.

• You will receive an email explaining your selection status.
• Not being selected does not mean you were denied, and you may apply again during a future monthly pre-application window.
• Visit the Additional Resources page for other emergency rental assistance options.

What Happens if You Are Selected but Do Not Qualify

If you were selected but deemed ineligible, you will receive a selection email stating the reason for ineligibility.

• If you are deemed ineligible and believe the decision was made in error, you may appeal this determination to the State of Colorado’s Division of Housing. Appeal information will be provided in the email notifying you of your ineligibility, or you can receive the appeal information by calling the CARE Center.
• If you were deemed ineligible because you received emergency rental assistance from a state-administered program within the past 24 months, you can reapply after the 24 months have passed. If you are unsure when you last received assistance, you can call the CARE Center at (303) 838-1200 for more information about when you may qualify again.