What documentation is required to verify homeownership when submitting an ARS Cares giveaway nomination?

ARS/Rescue Rooter does not publish a rigid document checklist upfront, but qualifying for an ARS Cares equipment donation requires verifying single-family residential ownership through a recorded deed, mortgage statement, or local property tax bill.

Community donation initiatives like ARS Cares provide complimentary heating, cooling, and water heating systems to community members in need across the United States. Contractors and program managers require clear proof of ownership because mechanical retrofits demand legal authority to pull municipal permits under the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC), protecting property rights and preventing landlord-tenant liability.

If you only do one thing: Verify that the nominee holds clear legal title to the single-family residence before drafting nomination details or submitting personal narratives.

• Recorded Deed: Present a copy of the recorded grant deed or warranty deed to establish that the nominee holds legal title to the residential structure under local land recording standards.
• Current Property Tax Statement: Submit the most recent annual county or municipal property tax assessment bill, which validates active ownership and provides the parcel identification number required for local trade permits.
• Recent Mortgage Statement: Provide a billing statement dated within 30 to 60 days showing the nominee's primary residential address matching the proposed HVAC or water heater installation site.
• Owner-Occupancy Proof: Supply a utility bill dated within 30 days or a state-issued photo ID to verify the nominee actively occupies the property as a primary residence.
• Permit Authorization Sign-off: Execute written property owner consent documentation allowing licensed ARS/Rescue Rooter technicians to pull mechanical, electrical, or plumbing permits under local municipal codes.

• Watch out for: Rental properties or tenant-occupied units, as equipment giveaway programs require installations on owner-occupied single-family homes, disqualifying tenant submissions where the landlord is not the primary occupant.
• Watch out for: Discrepancies between public county tax records and the nomination name, which can delay eligibility reviews by 2 to 3 weeks during recipient vetting.
• Watch out for: Undersized electrical panels below 100 amps or existing code violations that must be resolved before technicians can install new heat pumps or electric water heaters.

Confirm the nominee's parcel status through your local county assessor database, then submit the entry through the ARS Cares portal or call ARS/Rescue Rooter customer support at 866-399-2885 for active campaign schedules.