The Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Services (EPRAS) program expands legal and financial services for those facing a potential eviction. The program helps people resolve eviction-related housing issues through legal services, rental assistance and mediation. If you live in Boulder and are facing a potential eviction, don’t wait to act.
Contact an eviction prevention coordinator to assess your situation and connect you to resources that best meet your needs.
Once you have requested services a coordinator will contact you to discuss your options.
EPRAS staff will connect you to the appropriate resource and offer follow up support as needed.
Additionally, Colorado Legal Services has created informational videos on the following topics:
The EPRAS program is funded by the Long-Term Rental Tax, which requires the following for long-term rental license holders:
Find answers to frequently asked questions below.
The Rental License Excise Tax requires long-term rental holders to pay a tax on dwelling units which funds the EPRAS program. EPRAS helps meet the needs of community members facing a potential eviction through legal services, rental assistance, and mediation.
The Rental License Excise Tax was the result of a community ballot initiative called No Eviction Without Representation. The tax was approved by voters in November 2020 and the tax went into effect Jan. 1, 2021. View the ordinance.
The EPRAS program continues to prove successful in preventing eviction and keeping community members housed. EPRAS helps both landlords and tenants work to resolve past due balances and find mutually agreeable solutions. 97 percent of tenants engaged in EPRAS services avoid eviction. Learn more about the EPRAS program on the city’s website.
As of August 2024, the tax is $75 per dwelling unit, annually, and the proposed increase would bring it to $78.90 per dwelling unit per year. The proposed increase is 5.2% which was calculated using 2023 Consumer Price Index. A 5.2% increase would result in a $3.90 increase per dwelling unit.
If adopted by council, the new rate will be certified to the county assessor to be collected in 2025.
The ordinance language approved by voters allows for an annual increase with approval by City Council, however this is the first time the city is proposing an increase.
Since its launch in January 2021, the EPRAS program has seen an increase in demand for rental assistance each year. The proposed increase would allow the program to keep pace with rising housing costs and inflation.
The ordinance language allows for an annual increase with approval by City Council.
City Council will determine if there will be an increase to this tax as part of the budget hearings on Oct. 3 and Oct. 17.
To share your input, learn how to get involved in City Council meetings or submit feedback directly to council.
If you have a question about rental licensing, please submit an inquiry through the ‘Rental Housing Licensing’ category on Inquire Boulder under the ‘Licensing and Fees/Taxes’ option.
The Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Services (EPRAS) program launched in January 2021 to help meet the needs of community members facing a potential eviction. The program helps people resolve eviction-related housing issues through legal services, rental assistance and mediation.
This program was swiftly implemented after voters passed the No Eviction Without Representation measure in November 2020 and is funded through an excise tax paid by landlords on each property they operate with a rental license. The EPRAS Program is part of the city’s Community Mediation and Resolution Center which works with community partners to provide landlord-tenant mediation and maintains resources for landlords and renters.
The 2023 report summarizes the third year of EPRAS program operations. Key highlights include:
Served 809 tenants, a 51% increase over 2022.
Distributed $364,545 directly to 175 households. An average of $2,095 per household.
Distributed $350,000 to 214 households through a partnership with Emergency Family Assistance Association.
133 tenants received legal services through EPRAS.
Mediation services helped prevent eviction at court for 40 individuals within the city of Boulder 61 additional individuals in Boulder County.
The EPRAS program continues to prove successful in preventing eviction and keeping community members housed. Consistent with previous years, rental assistance is the primary concern for the vast majority of tenants facing eviction and the need continues to rise with the rising cost of housing. New state supports have become available to tenants at earlier stages of the eviction process, but it remains to be seen how this new source of funds will help meet current needs in our community.
For information on clients served, outcomes and other program data visit the EPRAS dashboard.
