Homeowner and Renter Resources
- Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
- Rental & Senior Living Resources
- Homeowner Assistance & Homebuyer Information
- Foreclosure Prevention for Homeowners
- Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Fair Housing is the right for individuals to obtain the housing of their choice, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status.
The laws prohibit landlords, sellers, lenders, and insurance agents from discriminating against anyone who comes under any one of the above seven “protected” categories in the purchasing, rental, financing, or insuring of housing. All types of housing are covered, including single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, mobile homes, and other dwellings.
Housing professional subject to fair housing laws include Real estate firms, Leasing agents, Home builders, Apartment owners, Mobile home dealers, Appraisers, and Insurance providers.
Signs of possible discrimination:
- Refusing to show, sell, or rent available housing
- Making a statement that the dwelling is not right for your family
- Charging more to buy or rent, or asking for a larger security deposit
- Insisting you live in the family area of the rental complex
- Refusing to make reasonable physical modifications to a building or parking for someone with a disability, or refusing to allow an assistive animal
- An unreasonable refusal to provide a mortgage loan or homeowners insurance
- You are not contacted after acceptance of your application
- Steering to certain communities or neighborhoods based on race, ethnic composition, or familial status
Complaint Process
If you feel you have been discriminated against, please contact the City’s Revitalization Manager. You will be asked to complete and return a complaint referral form; this information will be held confidential. Visit the Arizona Attorney General’s office website for more information. To know your rights under the law, please read the attached Fair Housing brochure or visit HUD’s website.
Additional Fair Housing Resources:
- Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Civil Rights Division, 602-542-5263 or TTY 602-542-5002 https://www.azag.gov/civil-rights/discrimination/housing
- Arizona Center for Disability Law, 602-274-6287 or https://www.azdisabilitylaw.org/
- Southwest Fair Housing Council, 602-252-3423 or TTY 520-670-0233 http://swfhc.com/
Affordable Rental Housing in Tolleson
Casa de Merced https://www.mercyhousing.org/AZ-Casa-De-Merced
62 N. 92nd Drive, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Accessible, affordable supportive housing for income-eligible seniors (age 62+).
Copper Cove Apartments http://www.copper-cove-apartments.com/
101 N. 91st Avenue, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Affordable rental housing for income-eligible applicants featuring 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.
Tolleson Garden Apartments
900 N. 95th Avenue, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Affordable rental housing for income-eligible applicants featuring 1 and 2 bedroom apartments.
Public Housing
Maricopa County manages two public housing complexes – John Hollar Gardens and Baden Homes – in the City of Tolleson. A total of forty-five units with 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms are available to income-eligible applicants. Contact the Peoria office of the Housing Authority of Maricopa County at 602-744-4590 for more information. https://maricopahousing.org/programs/public-housing/
Rental Payment Assistance
If you are having trouble paying your rent, the City of Tolleson’s Community Action Program (CAP) office offers some temporary financial assistance to qualified households: Call 623-936-2760
Renters’ Rights
Renters have rights under the law. Under Arizona State law there are two Residential Landlord and Tenant Acts, one that pertains to standard rental housing and the other to renters in Mobile Home Parks. Disputes that arise between landlord and tenants are generally considered private matters. If you are seeking guidance concerning the Residential Landlord Tenant Act, you may wish to consult with an attorney. Public members not represented by attorney may find it helpful to contact free community legal services.
Resources on renters’ rights:
- Community Legal Services of Arizona: 602-258-3434 or https://clsaz.org/legal-practice-areas/housing-law/
- Landlord-Tenant Conflicts (housing counseling services with Chicanos Por La Causa): 602-253-0838; https://cplc.org/Programs/Housing#Housing_Counseling_Services
- Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act - https://housing.az.gov/general-public/landlord-and-tenant-act
- Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord Tenant Act and Relocation Fund https://housing.az.gov/arizona-mobile-home-landlord-tenant-act-information-and-relocation-fund
- Arizona Association of Manufactured Home and RV Owners http://aamho.org/site/
Section 8 Housing
The City of Tolleson does not operate a Section 8 housing program. Those wishing to apply for Section 8 rental units in Tolleson or those that already have a voucher can contact the Housing Authority of Maricopa County. https://maricopahousing.org/programs/section-8/
Senior Housing Resources
Area Agency on Aging http://aaaphx.org/
Offers a large variety of program and services to enhance the quality of life for residents of Maricopa County, including adults aged 60+.
- Senior Adult Independent Living (SAIL) https://www.aaaphx.org/program-services/senior-adult-independent-living-sail/
- 24-Hour Senior Help Line – 602-264-4357 or for the hard of hearing and deaf, TEXT 520-775-1899 SMS (Short Message Service).
Casa de Merced https://www.mercyhousing.org/AZ-Casa-De-Merced
62 N. 92nd Drive, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Accessible, affordable supportive housing for income-eligible seniors (age 62+).
PACE Senior Housing Assistance Program http://www.seniorhousing.org/
480-268-2677
A free community service to help people find Senior Housing or Senior Care options in the Phoenix metro area.
Homeowner Assistance & Homebuyer Information
Maricopa County’s Weatherization Program
Maricopa County homeowners living outside the cities of Phoenix and Mesa may receive weatherization services to improve the health and safety of the home and environment by increasing energy efficiency and conserving natural resources.
Weatherization measures include, but are not limited to:
- Installation of energy-efficient light bulbs, smoke alarms, and insulation
- Repair or replacement of water heaters and air conditioners
For more information, contact the Maricopa County Home Improvement Program, 602-506-5911, or https://www.maricopa.gov/5214/Apply-for-Home-Improvement-Programs
Certified Housing Counseling Agencies
The following agencies provide assistance with pre-purchase and post-purchase coaching, credit and budget counseling, and pre-foreclosure counseling.
- Administration of Resources and Choices, 602-374-2226, https://arc-az.org/
- Chicanos Por La Causa, 602-253-0838, https://www.cplc.org/housing/counseling.php
- Trellis, 602-258-1659, https://trellisaz.org/education/housing-counseling/
- List of all in Arizona: https://www.hud.gov/states/arizona/homeownership/hsgcounseling
Foreclosure Prevention for Homeowners
Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? Or are you currently in default and facing foreclosure? If so, contact a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified housing counselor from the list below for free assistance. Homeowners who work with a housing counselor are 70 percent more likely to achieve a positive result when attempting a loan modification, forbearance agreement, or a change in payment plans.
Pre-Foreclosure Counseling
- Administration of Resources and Choices, 602-374-2226, https://arc-az.org/
- Chicanos Por La Causa, 602-253-0838, https://www.cplc.org/housing/counseling.php
- Trellis, 602-258-1659, https://trellisaz.org/education/housing-counseling/
Additional Foreclosure Prevention Resources
- Save Our Home AZ Program, 602-771-1000, https://housing.az.gov/save-our-home
- Offers Principal Reduction Assistance, Monthly Mortgage Subsidy Assistance for under- and unemployed Arizonans, and Second Lien Elimination to qualified Arizona homeowners.
- Foreclosure Information Workbook (both English and Spanish): https://www.azag.gov/outreach/publications/arizona-foreclosure-information-workbook
Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance
One of the most difficult steps in the home buying process is saving for a down payment. If you lack the resources for a down payment, plan to occupy the home you purchase, and are willing to take a homebuyer education course, you may qualify for down payment grants through the programs listed below.
- Home Plus – Home Loan Program (through the Arizona IDA) - https://homeplusaz.com/
- Home in 5 Advantage Program (Maricopa County’s IDA)- https://homein5advantage.com/
- Trellis (non-profit housing agency) - https://trellisaz.org/ or 602-258-1659
Contact Us
Noel Schaus
Revitalization Manager
Contact: 602-702-2401
9055 W. Van Buren St.
Tolleson, AZ 85353
For assistance please call 623-936-2728
Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The goal for the City’s Housing and Revitalization Division is to promote reinvestment in the existing housing stock and encourage quality new housing development. Preserving existing housing through repairs and rehabilitation and increasing sustainable home ownership are keys to revitalizing Tolleson’s neighborhoods.