Last updated: June 26, 2026
Quick Answer
The City of Chandler offers emergency grants to help residents cover rent, mortgage, and utility bills affected by job loss, reduced income, or unexpected hardship. Tenants apply through the Maricopa County pre-screening portal, landlords apply through AZCEND’s Community Action Program, and utility assistance requires a follow-up call to Chandler Utility Services at 480-782-2280. Previous recipients can reapply for additional funds. Spanish-language assistance (Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia) is available.
About Chandler’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The City of Chandler provides emergency grant assistance to families facing financial hardship — whether from job loss, reduced income, or unexpected expenses that have made it difficult to keep up with rent, mortgage, or utility payments. Unlike loans, these are grants that do not need to be repaid. Importantly, households that have previously received assistance can still reapply for additional funds if they continue to face qualifying hardship.
Chandler’s program operates within the broader Maricopa County Emergency Rental Assistance Program framework, which serves residents across the county. Chandler residents who are outside the city limits can also access resources through the county-level program. The Arizona DES Emergency Rental Assistance program provides a statewide layer of support as well, covering eligible households with rent, utility, and energy costs.
Program at a Glance
How to Apply for Chandler Rental and Utility Assistance
Rental Assistance (Tenants)
The first step for tenants is completing a pre-screening application through the Maricopa County client portal. This online form determines whether your household meets basic eligibility before advancing to a full application. The portal also provides detailed instructions on the complete application process. Having your income documents, lease agreement, and any eviction or late rent notices ready before you start will help move things faster.
Utility Assistance
- Complete the same pre-screening form on the Maricopa County portal.
- After submitting online, call the City of Chandler Utility Services at 480-782-2280 to notify them that you have applied. This step ensures your utility assistance request is properly tracked and flagged for support.
Landlord Rental Assistance
Landlords whose tenants have fallen behind on rent can apply on the tenant’s behalf through AZCEND’s Community Action Program. The process involves two required steps:
- Apply through AZCEND and complete a brief pre-screening to determine whether the tenant qualifies for assistance.
- Provide your tenant with a copy of the Landlord Application on Tenant Behalf Form. Both parties — landlord and tenant — must sign this form before the application can proceed.
Landlords who actively support their tenants through this process generally see faster approvals and full recovery of past-due rent, since funds are paid directly to the property owner upon approval. Residents in nearby East Valley cities can also find similar landlord-initiated application processes through the Mesa rental assistance program.
Behind on rent or utilities in Chandler? Find out what emergency assistance may be available to you.
Chandler Cares Team: Additional Emergency Support
For families facing broader crisis situations — not just rent, but also job loss, rising bills, food insecurity, or emergency shelter needs — the Chandler Cares Team operates through the City of Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources Department. The team can connect residents to rental support, utility aid, and other emergency services, and serves as a navigation resource for families who aren’t sure which programs they need or where to start.
Residents who live outside Chandler city limits but within Maricopa County are still covered by the county-wide program. The Maricopa County ERAP serves unincorporated parts of the county as well as residents of cities not covered by their own municipal programs. The Chandler Salvation Army also maintains an emergency rental assistance fund that may be accessed independently of county programs.
Pro Tip
If you’ve already received Chandler ERAP assistance in the past, you are still eligible to reapply for additional funds. Don’t assume a previous award makes you ineligible — the program explicitly allows previous recipients to request continued support if they face ongoing or new financial hardship. Review alternatives to eviction alongside your application to understand all options available while funds are being processed.
Other Maricopa County Rental Assistance Resources
If you live in the broader Phoenix metro area, several city-level programs run parallel to Chandler’s that may be relevant depending on your address:
- Phoenix ERAP — Available to City of Phoenix residents; covers rent and utilities regardless of citizenship or immigration status, with no Social Security number required.
- Mesa ERAP — Serves Mesa residents with rent and utility assistance; MesaCAN provides in-person application support at 635 E Broadway Rd (Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm).
- Maricopa County ERAP — For residents in unincorporated Maricopa County or cities without their own dedicated programs. Excludes Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix (which each have their own programs).
Frequently Asked Questions About Chandler Rental Assistance
Need Help With Rent or Utilities in Chandler?
Chandler’s emergency grants may cover past-due rent, utilities, and more — and previous recipients can reapply. Connect with an advisor to find out what you qualify for today.
