The ARCHES Project

Tenant Checklist

Download this Checklist as a PDF.

Are you eligible for Oregon emergency rental assistance?

Must meet these three requirements:

  1. Are you seeking assistance to pay rent and/or utilities? Do you have an unpaid rent balance for your primary rental residence that begins on or after March 13, 2020?
  2. Has anyone in the household experienced reduction/ loss of income since April 1, 2020 related to COVID-19? (and/OR incurred significant expenses OR other financial hardships OR qualified for unemployment benefits)
  3. Do you have a past-due rent notice, an eviction notice, or can you demonstrate housing instability or risk of homelessness, past due utilities, and/or need assistance paying future rent or utilities?

Note: Your immigration status will not be a barrier to receiving these services.

Before completing the online application, you’ll need the following items:

  1. Verify Identity

    (need ONE of the following)

    • State issued program ID or license
    • Passport/Birth Certificate/Social Security Card/Jail ID
    • An employment identification card
    • Certificate of marriage or license
    • Copy of a certified divorce decree
    • Copy of a certified, court-ordered maintenance award (if legal) or a notarized statement declaring separation
    • Single or Joint bank accounts, certified purchases or loans that show residential address
    • Credit report showing residence and single or joint financial activity
    • Military ID/VA Medical card/Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214)
    • ODHS Benefits ledger/Social service ID
    • Letter from a non-profit or government agency attesting to applicant’s identification
  2. Verify Income

    (All household members over the age of 18 must provide ONE of the following)

    • IRS Tax forms such as a 2020 1099, 1040/1040A or Schedule C of 1040 showing amount earned and employment period or most recent federal income tax statements
    • A 2020 W-2 form, if you have had the same employer for at least two years and increases can be accurately projected
    • Most recent paycheck stubs (consecutive: six for weekly pay, three for bi-weekly or semi-monthly pay, two for monthly pay)
    • A letter of termination from your job
    • Employer-generated salary report or letter stating current annual income or Earnings statements
    • Current bank statements
    • Proof of application for unemployment benefits
    • Proof that unemployment benefits have expired
    • Self Employed – tax records, statements, or other documentation of loss of employment
    • IF YOU HAVE NO INCOME: You can complete a Certification of No Income in the application
  3. Verify Residence

    (need ONE of the following that shows your address)

    • State issued program ID or license
    • A signed lease or written rental agreement
    • Utility bill showing past or current amount due
    • Credit report showing residence and single or joint financial activity
    • Official letter from third party (Landlord, Government agency, financial institution, medical institution, or school)
  4. Verify Rent and/or Utility Bills Due

    (Including Internet, garbage, water, electric, gas and bulk fuel)

    • A current lease signed by the applicant and landlord or sub-lessor that identifies the unit where the applicant resides and shows the rental payment amount
    • If you don’t have a signed lease, proof of your rent amount may include one of the following:
      • Bank statement, check stub or other proof that shows a pattern of paying rent
      • Written confirmation by a landlord who can be verified as the actual owner or management agent of where you rent
      • Landlord Verification of Rent Due
      • If landlord refuses to sign you may also submit a Self-Verification of Rent Due
      • Other formal attempt to collect rents or notification of rents due/outstanding
    • All utility bills you are claiming showing your account information and amount due

Note: There are alternative options for documentation of application requirements for those that cannot produce some or all of these materials; please proceed with the application portal if you are eligible.

Please note: you cannot request reimbursement for expenses you have already paid