Low-income renters in Arizona have a new tool to help them find affordable housing.

The Arizona Department of Housing has formed a partnership with a national not-for-profit group called Socialserve.com to provide a new service that allows those seeking affordable rental housing to search the department's portfolio of more than 30,000 apartments in the state for vacant units.

By following a link on the Department's Web site, prospective renters can select the communities, rents, amenities and other features they're looking for and get an up-to-date list of any vacant apartments built with state funding that meet their search choices.

Those who do not have access to a computer may call toll free at (877) 428-8844 and receive the information in English or Spanish, by phone, fax or mail.

According to the state Housing Department, one in 10 Arizonans are paying more than they reasonably should for housing or are living in substandard or overcrowded conditions."

By matching renters with housing that meets their income needs, we are creating an efficient method of addressing Arizona's affordable housing shortage," said Sheila Harris, director of the state Housing Department.

Through the partnership with Socialserve.com, which provides technology solutions to state and local governments, apartment vacancy information will be updated weekly. Those wishing to use the service should visit the Housing Department Web site at www.housingaz.com or call (602) 771-1000 for further information.