Texas Eviction Assistance: Financial Aid and Legal Support

Facing the threat of eviction can be an overwhelming experience, but there are eviction assistance programs in Texas designed to provide financial aid and legal support. Although major statewide pandemic-era initiatives have concluded, a robust network of local government programs, legal aid organizations, and community non-profits continues to offer crucial help.

Understanding where to turn for rent assistance, utility payments, and legal counsel is the first step toward stabilizing your housing situation. Taking swift, informed action upon receiving a notice to vacate is the most effective way to protect your rights and access the resources available to you.

Facing Eviction in Texas: Immediate Steps and Key Resources

The landscape of eviction assistance in Texas has shifted significantly. Large-scale, centralized programs like the Texas Rent Relief (TRR) and the Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) officially closed in 2023. These programs once provided billions in aid but are no longer accepting new applications.

This change means that support is now administered through a decentralized system of local and regional entities. For a person in crisis, navigating this fragmented system can be daunting. The most critical first step is to connect with statewide "navigator" services designed to direct you to the specific local help you need.

Your First Call for Help

In a complex system, knowing who can simplify the maze is invaluable. Two primary resources serve as central hubs for Texans seeking eviction assistance, regardless of their county. Contacting them should be your immediate priority.

• Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) Eviction Helpline: This is a premier resource for any tenant facing eviction. Qualified Texans can receive free legal information and advice directly from attorneys. TLSC attorneys can also negotiate with landlords and help you find and apply for local rent and utility assistance. The statewide Eviction Helpline number is   855-270-7655.
• 2-1-1 Texas: Operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website is an essential step. They provide referrals to local organizations that offer rental assistance, utility payment help, food, and other basic needs.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

The Texas eviction process operates on a strict and rapid timeline. From the moment a landlord issues a "Notice to Vacate," the clock starts ticking on critical deadlines for responding, appearing in court, and appealing a decision. Delay can significantly limit your options.

Contacting the TLSC Eviction Helpline or 2-1-1 Texas as soon as you believe you may be unable to pay rent is the most effective strategy. Early intervention provides legal aid attorneys more time to negotiate with your landlord and gives you a better chance of successfully applying for financial assistance before a court case is even filed.

Securing Legal Protection: Your First Line of Defense

Engaging with legal aid is one of the most powerful steps a tenant can take to prevent an eviction. Data from Harris County has shown that an overwhelming majority of tenants, with one analysis finding only 1.96%, historically face eviction proceedings without legal representation. This disparity highlights a critical vulnerability that legal aid organizations are structured to address.

Services Provided by Legal Aid

Free legal aid providers in Texas offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to keep tenants housed. Their role is not just reactive but proactive, aiming to resolve the housing crisis before it escalates.

• Negotiation and Mediation: An attorney can contact your landlord to negotiate a resolution, such as a payment plan or more time to find new housing, often preventing a court case.
• Financial Assistance Application Support: Legal aid staff are experts in local rental assistance systems and can guide you through the complex application process, increasing your chances of approval.
• Court Representation: If a lawsuit is filed, a legal aid attorney can represent you in court, file an Answer on your behalf, present evidence, and challenge improper procedures.
• Eviction Diversion and Record Sealing: Legal aid can help secure a lump-sum payment for the landlord in exchange for dropping the lawsuit. This allows the court case to be dismissed and made confidential, protecting your rental history.

Major Texas Legal Aid Providers

While the TLSC Eviction Helpline is the best statewide starting point, Texas is served by three primary regional legal aid organizations.

• Legal Aid of Northwest Texas: Serves residents across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, West Texas, and the Panhandle region.
• Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA): Serves a vast area including the Austin-San Antonio corridor, Central Texas, and counties along the Texas-Mexico border.
• Lone Star Legal Aid: Serves the Greater Houston metropolitan area and the counties of East Texas.  

For anyone in rural counties or with a court hearing in less than five days, the TLSC Eviction Helpline at 855-270-7655 remains the most critical point of contact.

The Link Between Legal and Financial Aid

The connection between legal and financial aid is a strategic model for effective eviction prevention. A pending eviction creates urgency for both the tenant and the landlord. For the landlord, an eviction is a costly and time-consuming process with no guarantee of recovering lost rent.

Legal aid organizations operate at the intersection of this crisis. They use their knowledge of available rental assistance funds as leverage in negotiations. The offer of a guaranteed, lump-sum payment is often more attractive to a landlord than an uncertain eviction. Therefore, contacting legal aid should be viewed as a primary step toward securing rent money, not just a last resort for a court battle.

Localized Eviction Assistance Programs: A County-by-County Directory

With the end of centralized statewide programs, eviction assistance in Texas is now primarily administered at the local level. This means programs, eligibility, and application processes vary significantly from one county to another. The following directory provides actionable information for Texas's largest metropolitan areas to help you find the correct resource quickly.

Harris County (Houston Metro)

Assistance in Harris County is coordinated through the county's Housing & Community Development (HCD) department and a strong coalition of legal service providers.

Key Programs

• Eviction Defense Program: This core program provides free legal services to tenants at risk of eviction. To qualify, a household's income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
• Housing Stabilization Programs: This initiative focuses on preventing homelessness through personalized case management and time-sensitive financial assistance, in collaboration with United Way of Greater Houston.

Legal Support and Contacts

• Houston Eviction Defense Coalition: This partnership includes Lone Star Legal Aid, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, and local law schools. Their goal is to have attorneys present in all 16 Harris County Justice of the Peace courts.
• Immediate Help: Tenants with a court date should immediately call 361-35EVICT (384-2842) or text "APPLY" to that number.
• Homelessness Prevention: For those already homeless or losing housing within days, the Coordinated Access intake line at 832-531-6041 provides referrals to shelters.

Dallas County (Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex)

Navigating assistance in Dallas County requires understanding the distinction between programs for residents within the City of Dallas versus those in other parts of the county.

County and City Programs

• Dallas County (Outside City of Dallas): The Emergency Rental Assistance/Welfare Program provides short-term aid to disabled indigent residents. For information, call 214-819-2000. The Wrongful Eviction Prevention Program (WEPP) offers free legal aid to low-income residents facing wrongful eviction.
• City of Dallas: The Office of Community Care provides emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, though funding is limited. The primary intake line is   214-670-8416.

Non-Profit Network

A wide network of non-profits provides critical support across the county. Organizations like the Urban League of Dallas, the Housing Crisis Center, and Catholic Charities Dallas frequently offer rental assistance and legal aid.

Tarrant County (Fort Worth & Arlington)

The source of assistance in Tarrant County often depends on your city of residence, as federal funds are allocated differently to large municipalities versus the county government.

Navigating Local Programs

• Residents Outside Fort Worth and Arlington: The Tarrant County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is for renters who have suffered a financial hardship. Applications are prioritized for those with an active eviction notice or very low income. Apply at(   https://www.GetRentHelp.com) or call 817-850-7940.
• All Tarrant County Residents: The City of Fort Worth's Community Action Partners (CAP) program serves all of Tarrant County, providing utility bill assistance and, when available, rental assistance.  
• Homelessness Prevention: The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program offers short-term assistance to tenants at imminent risk of losing their housing.

Bexar County (San Antonio Metro)

Bexar County and the City of San Antonio operate distinct but coordinated programs. A local ordinance in San Antonio proactively connects tenants with these resources.

City and County Assistance

• City of San Antonio: The Neighborhood & Housing Services Department (NHSD) runs a Rental Assistance Program for city residents facing a documented financial hardship. The program has specific income eligibility limits. Call   210-207-5910 or email evictionhelp@sanantonio.gov.
• Bexar County (Outside San Antonio): A separate program exists for residents outside the city limits with similar eligibility requirements. Call   210-940-1180 or visit www.habctx.org/TRAM to apply.

Notice of Tenants' Rights

San Antonio requires landlords to attach a Notice of Tenants' Rights to every Notice to Vacate for non-payment of rent. This notice encourages communication and directs tenants to financial assistance resources.

Travis County (Austin Metro)

Assistance in the Austin area is primarily channeled through a city-led program administered by a non-profit partner.

Key Austin Programs

• "I Belong in Austin" (IBIA) Program: This is the main emergency rental assistance program for Austin residents, administered by El Buen Samaritano. It provides help with rent, moving costs, and security deposits. Applicants must live in Austin and have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The program uses a random selection system, and the application portal opens for a limited period each month. Call   737-214-7406 for assistance.
• Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC): HATC administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which provides long-term rent subsidies. This is not an emergency grant program and operates with a waiting list.
• Front Steps - "First Steps" Program: This homeless prevention program offers one-time financial assistance to those in the Austin Metro Area at imminent risk of homelessness, defined as losing housing within 14 days.

Statewide Charitable Support Networks

Beyond government-funded programs, several major charitable organizations operate extensive networks across Texas. These non-profits often have more flexible criteria and can provide aid when government funds are unavailable. Assistance is administered locally, so contacting the office in your community is the necessary first step.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a well-established provider of emergency assistance in communities throughout Texas. Their mission includes helping families maintain housing stability.

Services and Access

Local Salvation Army centers offer emergency financial assistance for rent and utility bills, aiming to provide timely intervention. The availability of assistance depends on locally raised funds. Individuals must contact their local office to inquire about the application process, as services are not centralized. Always call first to confirm available services, as they may have specific priorities, such as assisting veterans only.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities operates through a network of dioceses across Texas, with each regional agency managing its own social service programs.

Services and Access

Programs range from one-time emergency financial assistance to intensive case management like rapid re-housing. Because services vary by region, you must contact the Catholic Charities agency that serves your diocese. For example, the Houston agency works through the "The Way Home" Coordinated Access system, while the Central Texas agency uses an online request form.

Understanding Your Rights: The Texas Eviction Action Timeline

The legal eviction process in Texas, known as a "forcible detainer" suit, is governed by strict rules and deadlines. Understanding this process is an active timeline that presents specific opportunities to seek help, assert your rights, and prevent the loss of housing.

Step 1: The Notice to Vacate

• What it is: This is the mandatory first step. A landlord must provide a formal, written notice to vacate at least three days before filing any court action, though the lease can specify a different period.
• Your Action: This notice is a critical warning, but it is not an eviction order. This is your signal to act immediately and call the TLSC Eviction Helpline. This window is your best opportunity to resolve the issue before a lawsuit is filed.

Step 2: The Eviction Lawsuit is Filed

• What it is: If you don't move out, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit in the local Justice of the Peace (JP) court. A constable will serve you with the official court papers.
• Your Action: Contact legal aid immediately. Carefully review the court papers for accuracy. It is highly recommended that you file a formal "Answer" with the court, which states your defenses.

Step 3: The Court Hearing

• What it is: This is the trial where both the landlord and tenant present their cases to the judge, who then makes a ruling.
• Your Action: Do not miss your court date. If you fail to appear, the judge will likely issue a "default judgment" against you. Attend the hearing and bring all evidence, such as rent receipts and communication with your landlord.

Step 4: The Five-Day Appeal Window

• What it is: After a judgment is issued against you, you have a very strict five-day period to appeal the decision to the County Court. This count includes weekends and holidays.
• Your Action: This is an extremely tight deadline. If you wish to continue fighting the eviction, you must file the appropriate appeal paperwork with the JP court within this window. Securing legal assistance is crucial for this step.

Step 5: The Writ of Possession (Final Eviction)

• What it is: If you do not appeal, the landlord can request a final court order called a "Writ of Possession." This authorizes a constable to physically remove you and your belongings.
• Your Action: The constable must post a written warning on your front door at least 24 hours before the physical removal. This is the final notice before law enforcement will arrive.

Preparing Your Application: A Master Checklist of Required Documents

Applying for eviction assistance can be a bureaucratic challenge, especially under stress. While each program has slightly different requirements, most ask for a core set of documents. Gathering these in advance can significantly speed up the process and improve your chances of receiving aid.

The Master Checklist

• Proof of Identity (for all adult household members):
• A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License, State ID, Passport).
• Proof of Household Composition:
• Social Security cards for every person in the household.
• Birth certificates for all children under 18.
• Proof of Residence and Tenancy:
• A complete copy of your current, signed lease agreement.
• A recent utility bill in your name for the address.
• Proof of Housing Crisis:
• The formal "Notice to Vacate" from your landlord or court-filed eviction papers.
• A rent ledger or statement from your landlord showing the past-due amount.
• Proof of Income (for all adult household members for the last 30-60 days):
• Pay stubs from your employer.
• Official award letters for benefits (Social Security, TANF, SNAP, etc.).
• Statements showing unemployment benefits.
• A "Declaration of No Income" form if you have no income.
• Proof of Financial Hardship:
• A termination letter or notice of furlough from an employer.
• Documentation of a significant reduction in work hours.
• Receipts for a large, unexpected expense, like a medical bill.
• Bank Statements:
• Recent statements (last 30-60 days) for all checking and savings accounts to verify income or lack thereof.

 Frequently Asked Questions