Texas Rent Assistance: Local Programs and Eviction Resources

Finding Texas rent assistance can feel overwhelming, especially when facing financial hardship or the threat of eviction. While major statewide programs established during the pandemic have concluded, a robust network of local and county-level support remains available. Help for paying rent, covering utility bills, and navigating housing instability is still accessible through various government bodies, non-profit organizations, and community action agencies across the state.

The system for delivering this aid has shifted from large, centralized portals to a more localized approach. Success in securing assistance now depends on identifying the correct local program, understanding its specific eligibility requirements, and knowing the right steps to take. This resource provides a clear path through the current landscape, connecting Texans with the specific programs in their area and outlining the essential rights every tenant should know when facing an eviction.

Your First Step for Rent Help in Texas

In the current environment of decentralized assistance, knowing where to begin is the most critical step. Instead of searching through countless websites, a single phone call or website visit can connect you to a curated list of local resources tailored to your specific needs and location.

The Most Important Call to Make: 2-1-1 Texas

The most effective starting point for any Texan seeking rent or utility assistance is 2-1-1 Texas. Operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in partnership with United Way, 2-1-1 is the state's official and primary information and referral service for all health and human services. This free, confidential service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that help is always accessible.

Texans can connect with 2-1-1 in several ways:

• By Phone: Simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone. For those who cannot connect through the three-digit number, a toll-free number is available at (877) 541-7905.
• Online: The website, 211texas.org, features a searchable database of over 60,000 state and local programs. Users can enter terms like "Rent Payment Assistance" to find resources in their area. 
• Live Chat: The website also offers a live chat feature for real-time assistance from a specialist.

This service is consistently recommended by state agencies, legal aid organizations, and local governments as the definitive first point of contact for anyone in need.

How 2-1-1 Connects You to Local Aid

It is important to understand that 2-1-1 specialists do not provide financial assistance directly. Their role is to act as expert navigators. They assess a caller's unique situation and connect them to the specific local agencies—such as community action groups or non-profits—that administer funds and provide direct services in their community.

The challenge for many Texans is not a total lack of available funds, but the difficulty of navigating a fragmented system of local providers. 2-1-1 solves this problem by serving as a human-powered filter, saving individuals time and preventing the frustration of contacting organizations that cannot help them.

To get the most effective referrals, be prepared to provide some basic information about your circumstances, including:

• Your zip code or county of residence.
• The number of people living in your household.
• Your total household income.
• The nature of your financial hardship (e.g., job loss, unexpected medical expense).
• Your current housing situation (e.g., received a late notice, facing an eviction lawsuit).

By providing these details, the 2-1-1 specialist can identify the most appropriate and available resources, from emergency shelter and rental deposit assistance to long-term housing support programs.

The Current State of Government Rental Assistance

The framework for government-funded rental assistance in Texas has undergone a significant transformation. The large-scale, direct-to-applicant programs of the past have been replaced by a system where state and federal funds are distributed through local partners. Understanding this shift is key to finding the help that is currently available.

What Happened to the Texas Rent Relief Program?

Many Texans may remember the Texas Rent Relief (TRR) Program and the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP). These were the first statewide rental and utility assistance programs in Texas, providing over $2.2 billion in aid to more than 323,000 households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical to know that these programs are now closed.

The TRR and TERAP programs were launched in 2021 and funded by temporary emergency relief funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. As these were temporary measures, the funds were fully expended, and the programs concluded in the summer of 2023. Any information pointing to these programs as an active source of aid is outdated.

TDHCA's Role Today: The Housing Stability Services (HSS) Program

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) remains the state's lead agency for affordable housing and community assistance programs. However, its role in providing emergency rental assistance has evolved. Instead of administering a large, public-facing application portal, TDHCA now channels federal funds through its Housing Stability Services (HSS) Program.

Under the HSS Program, TDHCA distributes funds to a network of local non-profits, legal aid organizations, and community service providers across Texas. These local partners are the entities that provide direct assistance to households in need. This means individuals do not apply directly to TDHCA for HSS funds. The HSS Program is estimated to continue providing this funding to local partners through at least July 2025, ensuring a continued stream of resources for housing stability.

Finding Local Providers Through "Help for Texans"

To help residents find the local organizations funded by the HSS Program and other initiatives, TDHCA maintains an official online search tool called the "Help for Texans" webpage. This directory is a crucial resource for locating assistance providers in any of Texas's 254 counties.

Using the tool is straightforward:

1. Visit the TDHCA website and navigate to the "Help for Texans" page.
2. Select the type of assistance needed from the dropdown menu, such as "Rental Assistance" or "Utility Bill Payment Help."
3. Enter a city, county, or zip code to generate a list of local service providers.

The search results will display the names of organizations, their contact information, and the services they offer. This tool, along with 2-1-1 Texas, provides the most reliable pathways to finding legitimate, TDHCA-supported rental assistance in any part of the state.

County-Specific Rent Assistance Programs

While TDHCA funds providers across the state, Texas's largest urban counties often receive their own direct allocations of federal funding to operate large-scale rental assistance programs. These programs have their own distinct application processes, eligibility requirements, and funding cycles. Success often depends on understanding the specific strategy required for each locality.

Harris County and City of Houston Resources

Harris County and the City of Houston have historically collaborated on emergency rental assistance, often distributing funds through major non-profit partners like Baker Ripley and Catholic Charities. However, the availability of these large-scale programs fluctuates based on funding.

Currently, many dedicated rental assistance portals are closed or have exhausted their funds. For instance, Baker Ripley's public-facing programs are now focused on utility assistance, which has also reached its application capacity for the year. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston also indicates that its application portal for Harris County rental assistance is currently closed due to high demand.

For residents experiencing or at immediate risk of homelessness, the primary point of entry for help is the Coordinated Access system. Managed by the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, individuals can call the intake line at 832-531-6041 to be assessed for various housing programs. Residents should also continue to call 2-1-1 to be connected with smaller community agencies that may have available funds.

Dallas County Housing and Emergency Aid

Dallas County offers several avenues for housing support, though many are highly competitive and have limited availability. The Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) department oversees these programs.

• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This program provides long-term rental subsidies. However, the waiting list is currently closed and only opens periodically. Check the DCHHS website or call 214-819-1871 for updates.
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Dallas County operates an ERAP for residents living outside the city limits of Dallas. This program provides short-term rent and utility assistance on a first-come, first-served basis to households with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
• City of Dallas Social Services: Residents within the City of Dallas are served by a separate program. The city's intake line is 214-670-8416, but the rental assistance portion is frequently closed to new applications due to high demand.
• Community Council of Greater Dallas: This non-profit partner provides emergency rent and utility assistance. Their online application portal opens on the first business day of each month at 9 a.m. and closes very quickly once the maximum number of applications is reached.
• Welfare Assistance Program: For disabled residents with limited income who are not yet receiving other disability benefits, Dallas County offers a Welfare Assistance program that can provide temporary support for rent, mortgage, and utilities.

Tarrant County and City of Fort Worth Programs

Assistance in Tarrant County is divided between the county government and its largest cities.

• Tarrant County Human Services: This department provides temporary financial assistance for rent and utilities to residents living in Tarrant County but outside the city limits of Fort Worth and Arlington. Demand is extremely high, and the online portal frequently closes after reaching its quota. The program prioritizes households with an eviction notice, those with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income, and those where a member has been unemployed for 90 days or more.   
• City of Fort Worth - Community Action Partners: Residents of Fort Worth can apply for rent and utility assistance through the city's Community Action Partners (CAP) program. Applicants must meet income requirements, typically at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Bexar County and City of San Antonio Assistance

Bexar County and the City of San Antonio operate distinct but coordinated rental assistance programs, with eligibility determined by where a resident lives.

• City of San Antonio Residents: The city's Neighborhood & Housing Services Department manages an emergency housing assistance program. The application portal typically opens on the second Wednesday of each month and closes once a maximum number of applications has been received. To qualify, a household's income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. To apply or check the portal's status, residents can call 210-207-5910.
• Bexar County Residents (Outside San Antonio): Residents living in other parts of Bexar County can apply for assistance through a separate program with the same income limits. To apply, residents should visit the website provided by the county or call 210-940-1180.

For both programs, applicants will need to provide documentation of their income, their financial hardship, a copy of their lease, and their landlord's contact information.

Travis County and City of Austin Initiatives

Housing assistance in the Austin area is primarily managed by the City of Austin and the Housing Authority of Travis County, with unique application systems designed to handle high demand.

• City of Austin - "I Belong in Austin" Program: This is the city's main rental assistance program, providing financial help with rent, moving costs, and security deposits. The online portal opens for a limited period each month, and applicants are chosen through a random selection process (lottery). To be eligible, households must live within the City of Austin and have an income at or below 80% of the Area Median Family Income.
• Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC): HATC manages the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for Travis County. Similar to other high-demand areas, the waiting list is typically closed. When it opens, HATC uses a random lottery system to select a limited number of pre-applications to be placed on the official waiting list.

Finding Help in Other Texas Counties

For Texans living outside the major metropolitan areas, the most reliable methods for finding assistance remain consistent:

1. Dial 2-1-1: This service covers all 254 Texas counties and is the most comprehensive directory of local service providers.
2. Use the TDHCA "Help for Texans" Tool: This state-managed website will list TDHCA-funded partners in smaller and rural counties.

Many regions are served by multi-county community action agencies. For example, Legacy CDC provides assistance in Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties, while the South Texas Development Council serves Jim Hogg, Starr, and Zapata counties. These local organizations are the primary source of aid in less populated areas.

Support from Texas Charities and Non-Profits

Beyond government programs, a network of charitable and faith-based organizations provides a crucial safety net for Texans facing housing crises. These organizations rely on private donations and grants, so the amount of assistance available can vary. Always contact the nearest office directly to confirm the availability of funds.

The Salvation Army's Emergency Assistance

The Salvation Army is a well-known provider of emergency social services, which can include financial assistance for past-due rent and utilities. The goal of their programs is to provide immediate relief to prevent homelessness and allow families to maintain stability.

However, the availability and criteria for this assistance are determined at the local level and are entirely dependent on available funding. For example, The Salvation Army of San Antonio's financial assistance is currently restricted to veterans only. To find out if help is available, individuals must use The Salvation Army's online location finder to identify and contact the office serving their specific area.

Catholic Charities' Financial Stability Programs

Catholic Charities operates through a network of dioceses across Texas, offering a wide range of services aimed at promoting financial stability and preventing homelessness. Their programs can provide short-term financial assistance for rent, mortgages, and utilities.

Similar to other large charities, services are highly localized and subject to funding availability. Many branches have specific eligibility requirements, such as requiring an applicant to have already received a court-ordered eviction notice. Due to overwhelming demand, the application portals for major branches are often closed. Individuals should first identify which Catholic Charities diocese serves their county and then check that branch's website for current information.

Other Community Action Agencies and Local Partners

Throughout Texas, hundreds of smaller, local non-profits and Community Action Agencies form the backbone of the social safety net. These are the organizations often funded by TDHCA's Housing Stability Services program and are the primary referrals provided by 2-1-1. Organizations like Endeavors or local groups like Irving Cares provide targeted assistance to their communities. These grassroots organizations are often the most direct source of aid.

Assistance for Utility and Energy Bills

For many households, an unaffordable utility bill is the tipping point that leads to a rental crisis. Several dedicated programs in Texas focus specifically on energy assistance. Securing help with these bills can be a powerful strategy for freeing up household funds to cover rent.

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is the primary state program designed to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs. Administered by TDHCA, CEAP can provide financial assistance for electricity, natural gas, and propane bills. The program also sometimes offers support for repairing or replacing inefficient heating and cooling units.

Eligibility for CEAP is based on household income, which must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Priority is often given to the most vulnerable households, including those with elderly members, persons with disabilities, and families with children under the age of five.

Applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

CEAP is funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Texans do not apply directly to the federal government for LIHEAP funds. Instead, they must apply for CEAP through a local community action agency or non-profit organization that TDHCA has designated as a CEAP provider in their area.

To apply for utility assistance:

1. Find Your Local Provider: The best way to find the designated CEAP provider for your county is to call 2-1-1 or use the TDHCA "Help for Texans" search tool.
2. Gather Required Documents: Applicants will need to provide extensive documentation for every member of the household. This typically includes:
   • Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, state ID).
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (e.g., birth certificates, passports).
   • Social Security cards for all household members.
   • Proof of all household income for the last 30 days (e.g., pay stubs, award letters).
   • A copy of the most recent electric and gas bills.
3. Submit the Application: Contact the local provider to understand their specific application process, as some may require an in-person appointment while others accept applications by mail or online.

Facing Eviction? Know Your Rights as a Texas Tenant

Receiving a notice from a landlord can be frightening, but it is not the end of the process. Texas law outlines a specific legal procedure for eviction that landlords must follow, and tenants have rights at every stage. Understanding this process can provide crucial time to seek assistance or prepare a defense.

The "Notice to Vacate": What It Means and Your Timeline

The first step in any eviction is the "Notice to Vacate." This is a formal, written demand from the landlord that the tenant leave the property. It is critical to understand that this notice is not an eviction order. A landlord cannot legally remove you based on this notice alone.

• Timeline: The notice must give you at least three days to move out, unless the lease specifies a shorter or longer period (many leases allow for just a one-day notice).
• What it Means: The date on the notice is simply the deadline the landlord must wait for before they are legally allowed to file an eviction lawsuit with the court.
• Proper Delivery: The notice must be delivered in writing, either by hand, by mail, or by posting it on the inside of your front door.

The Legal Eviction Process in Texas Courts

If you do not move out by the date on the Notice to Vacate, the landlord must go to court to proceed. Self-help evictions, such as changing the locks or removing your property without a court order, are illegal in Texas.   

The legal process follows these steps:

1. Filing the Lawsuit: The landlord files an eviction lawsuit, called a "Forcible Detainer" suit, in the Justice of the Peace (J.P.) court.
2. Serving the Papers: A constable or sheriff must formally serve you with the lawsuit papers, which notify you of the court hearing date, time, and location.
3. The Court Hearing: The hearing is typically scheduled between 10 and 21 days after the lawsuit is filed. It is essential to attend this hearing. Failure to appear will almost certainly result in a default judgment in favor of the landlord.
4. The Judgment and Appeal: If the judge rules in the landlord's favor, you have five days to either move out or appeal the decision to the County Court.
5. The Writ of Possession: If you do not appeal, the landlord can request a "Writ of Possession." This is the final court order authorizing law enforcement to remove you. The constable must post a written warning on your front door giving you at least 24 hours' notice before they return to execute the writ.

Your Right to a Fair Hearing and Presenting a Defense

Every tenant has the right to a fair court hearing where they can present evidence and argue their case. Even if you owe rent, you may have a valid defense that could delay or stop the eviction.

Potential defenses include:

• Improper Notice: The landlord did not provide a proper written Notice to Vacate.
• Landlord Retaliation: The eviction is in retaliation for you requesting necessary repairs or exercising another legal right.
• Discrimination: The eviction is based on your race, religion, disability, or other protected class.
• Waiver: The landlord accepted a partial rent payment after giving the notice, which may waive their right to evict for that instance.

To prepare for court, gather all relevant evidence, such as rent payment receipts, photos of the property's condition, and copies of emails or letters exchanged with the landlord.

Where to Find Free Legal Aid for Housing Issues

Navigating an eviction lawsuit can be complex, and having legal representation can significantly improve your outcome. Several organizations across Texas provide free legal assistance to eligible low-income tenants.

Statewide Legal Resources for Tenants

Several statewide organizations serve as excellent starting points for legal information and referrals.

• TexasLawHelp.org: This is a comprehensive online resource providing free, reliable legal information, articles on tenant rights, and downloadable forms, including a standard "Eviction Answer" form.
• Texas Legal Services Center: This organization operates a statewide hotline for legal help with COVID-related housing issues and can refer tenants to local legal aid providers. The hotline number is 855-270-7655. This service is funded in part by the TDHCA's HSS program.

Connecting with Local Legal Aid Societies

For direct legal counsel and representation in court, tenants must connect with the regional legal aid society that serves their county. These services are provided at no cost to income-eligible Texans.

The primary providers are:

• Legal Aid of North West Texas: Serves the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and counties throughout North and West Texas.
• Lone Star Legal Aid: Serves 72 counties in East, Southeast, and Northeast Texas, including the greater Houston area.
• Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA): Serves a vast area of Southwest Texas, including the Austin-San Antonio corridor, Central Texas, and the border region.

Contacting one of these organizations as soon as a housing issue arises can provide you with the expert guidance needed to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions