Las Vegas Rent Help 2026–27: CHAP Is Closed. Here's What Replaced It
Updated: 15 hours ago
CHAP is closed. In Las Vegas, rent help now runs mostly through the eviction courts, mainly for seniors and people with disabilities. Here is who it reaches, how to get in, and what everyone else can do.
AT A GLANCE
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If someone told you to "apply for CHAP," that advice is out of date. Clark County says its Eviction Prevention and Fixed Income Rental Assistance programs, which grew out of the pandemic-era CARES Housing Assistance Program (CHAP), have used up their available funding and are no longer accepting applications.
Rent help in Southern Nevada now runs mostly through the eviction courts, and mainly for seniors and people with disabilities. This guide explains who that help reaches, how to get into it, and what everyone else can do.
The short version
Your situation | Best first step | Contact |
|---|---|---|
Age 62+ or on SSI for a disability, facing eviction for unpaid rent | File a tenant answer on time and ask about the Eviction Diversion Program | Civil Law Self-Help Center, 200 Lewis Ave. |
Any tenant who received an eviction notice | Get legal guidance | Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, 702-386-1070 |
Need to know what other Clark County help is open | Call Social Services | 702-455-4270 |
Looking for other rent programs | Call the agencies the county lists | HELP of Southern Nevada 702-369-4357; HopeLink 702-566-0576; ULAN 702-648-3500 |
What Happened to CHAP
Clark County's news release explains how the program changed over time:
CHAP started as the county's response to COVID-19. It provided housing and utility help to low-income families, seniors and working people. The county says it paid more than $375 million in rental assistance to more than 70,000 households and utility assistance to 60,000 households.
In December 2023, CHAP became Eviction Prevention and Fixed Income Rental Assistance. Since then, the county says, $28,306,198.98 has gone to 3,778 households.
Those programs have now completed their allocation and are no longer accepting applications. Applications already in the queue are being processed in the order received until the money runs out. Priority goes to the elderly and people with disabilities referred by the Eviction Diversion Program at Las Vegas Justice Court.
You may still see older county FAQ pages that describe Eviction Prevention benefits and send you to chap.clarkcountynv.gov. Those benefits applied while the program was funded. Don't count on them now. Call 702-455-4270 to confirm what is open.
The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP)
The Eviction Diversion Program is now the main way rent money reaches tenants. Clark County describes it as a joint program that postpones eviction proceedings so tenants can be connected with resources such as legal aid and rental assistance.
Who it covers
According to Clark County's February 2026 announcement, EDP covers:
seniors age 62 or older, and
people receiving SSI benefits because of a disability.
To qualify, you must:
be facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, and
file a tenant answer within the notice period.
The second requirement is critical. If you miss the deadline to answer your eviction notice, you lose your path into EDP.
If you miss the deadline to answer your eviction notice, you lose your path into Eviction Diversion.
What you get
The county says that eligible tenants and landlords receive rental assistance while working with Clark County Social Services, and that a Legal Aid Center lawyer represents the tenant. The county reports a success rate close to 90%.
Where it operates
EDP started as a pilot at Las Vegas Justice Court. Starting February 2, 2026, it expanded to the Henderson and North Las Vegas Justice Courts. The 2025 Nevada Legislature funded the expansion through AB475. In an August 2025 release, the county said EDP had received a $15 million allocation from the Legislature.
New eviction forms for all three courts are on the Civil Law Self-Help Center website.
How to Respond to an Eviction Notice in Time
Read the notice right away and find the deadline.
Get the tenant answer form from the Civil Law Self-Help Center, either online at civillawselfhelpcenter.org or in person at 200 Lewis Avenue, first floor, in Las Vegas. Clark County lists both.
File the answer before the deadline with the justice court listed on your notice: Las Vegas, Henderson or North Las Vegas.
If you are 62 or older or receive SSI for a disability, say so and ask to be screened for Eviction Diversion.
Call Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada at 702-386-1070 for guidance. Clark County's FAQ lists this number for people who have received an eviction notice.
For the full court process, see our Las Vegas eviction court guide below.
If You Don't Qualify for EDP
Many renters are under 62 and not on SSI. If that's you:
Call Clark County Social Services at 702-455-4270. The county says the call center can explain other programs and resources that are available. The main office is at 1600 Pinto Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89106, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact the community agencies the county lists: HELP of Southern Nevada (702-369-4357), HopeLink (702-566-0576) and the Urban League (ULAN, 702-648-3500). The county says they may have other programs.
Still respond to any eviction filing on time. Even without EDP, filing an answer gets you a hearing and time to negotiate.
Lower your other bills. Utility help and a reduced bus fare can free up money for rent. See our Las Vegas RTC reduced-fare guide.
Before you call
Clark County's Social Services FAQ links to a full list of the documents CCSS accepts. Before you call or go to court, gather:
☐ photo ID;
☐ your lease and any notices from your landlord;
☐ proof of income, such as pay stubs or an SSA or SSI award letter. The award letter matters for EDP if you're on SSI for a disability;
☐ proof of age if you are 62 or older;
☐ the eviction notice and any court papers.
Ask CCSS or your Legal Aid lawyer whether they need anything else.
If You Are Denied or Your Eviction Is Granted
Ask the court or your lawyer about next steps right away. Eviction timelines in Nevada are short.
Clark County's FAQ says that if your eviction was already granted, you may not be eligible for rental assistance, but other programs may exist. It tells you to call 702-455-4270, option 1.
If you're losing housing, ask CCSS for its list of emergency shelters. The county's FAQ links to one.
Ask the community agencies above whether they have help with deposits or moving costs.
Common Mistakes
Waiting for CHAP to reopen. The county says the funding is exhausted.
Ignoring the eviction notice. EDP requires a tenant answer filed on time.
Assuming you're not eligible because the eviction is already filed. EDP is designed for tenants who already have an eviction case.
Not mentioning your age or SSI status when you answer and talk to the court.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK
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More help in Las Vegas
See every FSR guide for Las Vegas in one place on our Las Vegas Financial Help Guides hub.
Related guides
Official sources
Programs and funding change. Before you act, confirm with Clark County Social Service at 702-455-4270.
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