Rent and Utility Help

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Temporary Rental & Utility Assistance (TRUA)

As of November 15, 2024 at 8:00 am MT, Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program will no longer accept new applications. Eligible TRUA applications submitted prior to the deadline will continue to be reviewed. Additional rental and utility assistance funds will become available in January 2025. At that time, please visit the HOST Rent and Utility Help webpage (denvergov.org/RentHelp) for information on the new application process.

For status updates or to make changes to an existing application, contact the CARE Center Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm MT:

  • Call or text (303) 838-1200
  • Chat with a representative by using the yellow chat function found in the bottom right corner of the CARE Center welcome page.

Due to the high volume of TRUA applications submitted, wait times will be longer than expected. Not all applicants will receive assistance, regardless of when they applied. Applicants who do not receive assistance in 2024 may reapply in 2025. 

The Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program offers three types of assistance to eligible households:

  1. Rental Assistance – Up to 6 months of rental assistance may be provided to an eligible household one time within a 12-month period (calendar year). This may include rental arrears, the current month’s rent, and one future month’s rent.
  2. Utility Assistance – This program provides utility assistance to Denver Water and/or Xcel Energy (electric, gas) for renters and homeowners. Utility assistance may be provided to eligible households one time per utility within a 12-month period (calendar year).
  3. Relocation Assistance – This may include security deposit, first month’s rent, and application fees. Deposit and first month’s rent will count as one month each toward the 6-month maximum. Relocation Assistance may be provided one time (concurrently with Rental Assistance). 
Refer to the TRUA Program Guidelines (español) for more detailed information and guidance. Please note that financial assistance is not guaranteed and is subject to the applicant’s continued program eligibility and availability of program funds.
For questions and further assistance, including language access and technical support, contact the CARE Center Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm MT:
  • Call or text (303) 838-1200
  • Chat with a representative by using the yellow chat function found in the bottom right corner of the CARE Center welcome page.

 

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

More detailed eligibility criteria are outlined in the TRUA Program Guidelines (see above).

  • Household income must be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI)
  • Household must be experiencing a financial hardship or other housing crisis
  • The residence for which assistance is being requested must be the primary residence and located in both the City AND County of Denver

Minimum Documentation Requirements

Applicants must provide at least one document for each category below. Additional documents may be requested as needed, including ones not listed here. More detailed program requirements are outlined in the TRUA Program Guidelines (see above).

1. Proof of Income (for each person 18 years of age and older) can include, but is not limited to:

  • Pay stubs
  • Tax returns (most recent filing)
  • Bank statements

2. Evidence of Tenancy/Ownership can include, but is not limited to:

  • Denver property record
  • Signed lease agreement
  • Official document showing Tenant’s name and address, such as rent ledger, utility bill, driver’s license, or pay stubs

3. Evidence of Rent Due can include, but is not limited to:

  • Signed lease agreement
  • Tenant ledger
  • Demand or eviction notice
  • Past payment receipts

4. Evidence of Financial Hardship (or other housing crisis) can include, but is not limited to:

  • Self-attestation within the online application
  • Additional documents may be requested on a case-by-case basis

5. Photo Identification

  • Valid photo identification issued by any governmental entity (U.S. or foreign)
  • All other acceptable forms of identification are listed in the TRUA Program Guidelines

Appeals Policy & Form

We understand the urgency of your housing situation. If your request was denied due to ineligibility and you believe that you are eligible, you may appeal this decision to the City and County of Denver's Department of Housing Stability (HOST) by emailing DenverTRUA@denvergov.org.

Appeal Form(PDF, 439KB) (español(PDF, 391KB))

Please write '[FirstName] [LastName] Appeal of TRUA Denial' in the message subject line and include:

  • Completed Appeal Form
  • Any relevant documentation to support your request
  • Your contact information
  • Your address
  • The reason(s) for denial, and
  • Why you believe that this determination was made in error.

Need More Help?

For status updates, questions, and further assistance, including language access and technical support, please contact the CARE Center Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm MT:

For in-person help completing your application, such as uploading documents, you may visit or get in touch with one of these community organizations:

  • BuCu West Community Connectors
    • Located in the Westwood neighborhood
    • 4200 Morrison Road Unit 3 Denver, CO 80219
    • (720) 541-9324
  • Colorado Housing Connects
    • Located near the West Colfax and Sloan Lake neighborhoods
    • 1 (844) 926-6632
  • East Colfax Community Collective (EC3)
    • ONLY serving residents who live in the 80220 zip code
    • Located in the East Colfax neighborhood
    • 1195 Newport St Denver, CO 80220
    • (720) 295-0152

 

For housing navigation support, tenant-landlord mediation, and other resources, reach out to Colorado Housing Connects: 1 (844) 926-6632 or https://coloradohousingconnects.org

If you are facing a pending eviction, connect with an eviction legal assistance provider for free services as soon as possible:

Additional Partner Resources

Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program – helps homeowners get caught up on past-due housing/mobile home payments, property taxes, lot rent, insurance, and housing utilities

Colorado Housing Connects and 1-844-926-6632 – utility payment assistance, information on housing resources such as affordable housing, Tenant-Landlord Mediation services, and public benefits assistance

Denver Human Services (DHS) Emergency Assistance or 720-944-4DHS (4347) – limited emergency assistance funds available for deposit, first month rent, and rent assistance for households with a demand for rent or Eviction Notice as well as Xcel payment assistance

Energy Outreach Colorado– assistance with Xcel Energy electric or gas utilities (Denver County only)

Mile High United Way and call 211 – multilingual and confidential service that connects individuals to critical resources including food, shelter, rental assistance, childcare, and more 

Sunshine Home Share Colorado – assists people above the age of 55 stay in their homes by safely matching them with someone seeking housing

 

Have Questions or Need Help?

Contact the CARE Center

Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:30pm MT

 

Upcoming CARE Center closures
November 28 - 29 (all day)
December 13, 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
 December 24 - 25 (all day)
January 1 (all day)
January 20 (all day)

 

Suspect Fraud?

Report fraud to DenverTRUA@denvergov.org

Program Fliers

TRUA General Information Flier(PDF, 1MB)

TRUA General Information Poster(PDF, 1MB) (11" x 17")

TRUA Applicant Eligibility Fliers

English
color(PDF, 1MB)
black & white(PDF, 79KB)

Spanish
color(PDF, 1MB)
black & white(PDF, 92KB)

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