Rental Funds

Supporting Local Renters, Strengthening Eagle County

Rental Funds is a rental assistance program designed to help locally employed, year-round residents secure stable housing. As housing costs rise and availability remains limited, this program provides essential support to those who need it most, helping Eagle County remain a vibrant and welcoming community for all. Launched in 2022 and updated in 2025, Rental Funds now features streamlined eligibility, a focus on long-term affordability, and a one-time payment structure designed to reach more local households.

How it Works

The Rental Funds program provides a one-time payment of the first month’s rent, paid directly to the landlord, for Eligible Renters who are initiating a new 12-month (or longer) lease in Eagle County. This support helps local workers and families secure housing, while ensuring assistance is distributed fairly and efficiently throughout the community.

Program Overview

A comprehensive overview of the key features, benefits, and requirements of the Rental Funds program.

  • Renters must earn at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and qualify under the definition of Eligible Household as defined in the Eagle County Affordable Housing Guidelines.

  • Applicants must be full-time, year-round residents employed by a business located in Eagle County, with a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

  • Renters may not have available cash or assets exceeding five times the assistance amount. Asset verification is required.

  • Eligible rental properties must be located within Eagle County and used as the renter’s primary and only residence.

    Short-term rentals and subleases are not eligible.

  • A written lease of at least 12 months is required.

    The program is limited to one payment per Eligible Renter every three years.

  • Renters are responsible for paying the full security deposit as required by the lease.

  • Landlords must provide a safe, habitable unit and agree to an Eagle County inspection if requested.

  • If the renter terminates the lease or becomes ineligible before the lease ends, repayment of the assistance may be required.

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Follow these steps to begin your journey home with Rental Funds!

  • Start by reviewing the Program Guidelines to make sure you and the property meet all eligibility requirements, and to gain a deeper understanding of how the program works.

  • Find a rental property in Eagle County that meets the program’s eligibility requirements. Make sure the property is available for a 12-month lease or longer, and that the landlord is willing to participate in the program. You will need details about the property and the landlord for your application.

    The landlord will be required to submit a signed W-9 and a copy of the executed lease as part of the process.

  • Gather the following documents to support eligibility:

    • Valid government-issued photo identification

    • Asset disclosure (recent bank statements)

    • Proof of current employment at an Eagle County business (recent pay stubs)

    • Proposed 12-month lease agreement (or longer)

    • Employment offer letter from an Eagle County business (if applicable)

    You won’t fill out the application yet, this step is just to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork ready.

  • Contact the Program Manager to schedule an appointment to verify eligibility and review documents. If everything is in order, you will receive a link to the electronic application, along with a blank W-9 form for your landlord to complete. The landlord can either provide the completed W-9 to you for upload with your application or submit it directly to the Program Manager.

    The Program Manager’s contact information is listed below.

  • Fill out your electronic application and upload all required supporting documents.

    Do not sign a lease until you receive program approval. This ensures you are eligible for the program before making any commitments.

  • Once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed, you will be notified of your program approval status via email.

    • If approved, you will be required to sign additional documents. At this point, you may proceed with signing your lease and coordinating with your landlord and the Program Manager for the next steps.

    • If your application is denied, you will receive an explanation of the decision and information about any next steps or options for reapplying, if applicable.

  • Once you are approved for the program, you may sign your lease with the landlord. The Program Manager will coordinate directly with your landlord to provide the first month’s rent payment. The landlord must submit a signed W-9 and a copy of the executed lease.

    Note: The signed W-9 can be provided to you for upload with your application or sent directly to the Program Manager.

  • With your first month’s rent paid by the program and your security deposit paid by you, you’re ready to move into your new home.

Program Guidelines

For detailed information, please review the Rental Funds Program Guidelines.

Program Manager

For more information and to apply for the program, contact Melinda Dow at The Valley Home Store.
melinda.dow@eaglecounty.us
970-328-8700

Additional Resources

Homebuyer Education
Eagle County Affordable Housing Guidelines