Tennessee Rent Relief: Programs and Emergency Housing Assistance

For Tennesseans facing financial hardship, securing Tennessee rent relief is a critical lifeline for maintaining housing stability. The stress of potential eviction due to job loss, medical emergencies, or other unexpected circumstances creates an urgent need for clear, reliable information.

While many large-scale, pandemic-era emergency rental assistance programs have concluded, a network of state, county, and non-profit support systems remains available. Understanding where to turn and what steps to take is the first move toward securing the assistance needed to stay in your home. This resource provides a detailed overview of available programs, eligibility requirements, and immediate actions you can take.

Immediate Steps for Tennessee Renters in Crisis

When facing a housing crisis, taking swift and strategic action can make a significant difference. The following steps are designed to connect you with immediate support and prepare you for the application process for various assistance programs.

Your First Call for Help: Dialing 2-1-1

The most critical first step for any Tennessee resident seeking rent or utility assistance is to contact the statewide 2-1-1 service. This free, confidential helpline is operated by the United Way and serves as the central access point for social services across the state. When major state-run programs ended, they began directing all inquiries to 2-1-1.

The service functions as a triage center, connecting individuals with local agencies and non-profits that have active funding. Trained operators will assess your situation and provide targeted referrals for housing, food, and other essential needs.

Information to Have Ready for Your 2-1-1 Call

To make your call as effective as possible, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your zip code and county of residence.
• Your total household size.
• Details about your household's monthly income.
• A brief description of your financial hardship.

You can reach this service by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone or by visiting their website at 211.org.

Communicating with Your Landlord

Open and honest communication with your landlord or property manager is a crucial, proactive step. As soon as you anticipate difficulty paying rent, inform them of your situation. It is especially important to let them know that you are actively seeking and applying for rental assistance programs. Some landlords may be willing to work with you on a payment plan or temporarily halt eviction proceedings if they know that funds from an assistance agency may be forthcoming.

Gathering Essential Documents for Your Application

Nearly all rent and utility assistance programs require documentation to verify eligibility. Gathering these papers ahead of time can significantly speed up the application process and prevent delays.

Commonly Required Documents

While requirements may vary slightly between agencies, most will ask for the following:

• Valid Photo Identification: A driver's license or other state-issued ID for the primary applicant.
• Social Security Cards: Copies of Social Security cards for all members of the household.
• Lease Agreement: A current, signed copy of your lease.
• Proof of Income: Documentation of all income for every adult in the household, such as pay stubs, bank statements, or benefit award letters. If you have no income, some agencies provide a "Self Declaration of Zero Income" form.
• Proof of Hardship: Documents supporting your financial crisis, like a job loss notice or large medical bills.
• Past-Due Notices: Copies of any past-due rent or utility notices.

Even if you cannot locate every document, you should still apply. Some programs may allow you to submit a sworn statement in place of certain papers. The most important step is to begin the application process.

Statewide Housing Assistance and Eviction Prevention

While many programs are administered locally, several key resources are available to residents across Tennessee. These are often funded by the federal government and managed by state agencies or a network of legal service providers.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) Ongoing Programs

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) is the state's housing finance agency and plays a central role in administering federal housing funds. While its widely known COVID-19 Rent Relief program has ended, THDA continues to manage other vital programs that support housing stability.

Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program

THDA administers the federally funded Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program, which distributes funds to local governments and non-profit organizations. The goal of the ESG program is to help people quickly regain stability in permanent housing after a housing crisis.

These funds can be used for a variety of services, including:

• Homelessness Prevention: Financial assistance for rental arrears, security deposits, utility payments, and moving costs.
• Rapid Re-Housing: Assistance for individuals and families who are currently homeless to move into permanent housing.
• Emergency Shelter Operations: Funding for the costs of operating emergency shelters.
• Street Outreach: Services to engage with unsheltered individuals and connect them with housing and critical services.

To access help through the ESG program, you must contact a local provider in your area. The 2-1-1 helpline is the best resource for identifying these local providers.

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8)

For long-term housing stability, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8, is a key federal resource. This program provides rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families, allowing them to afford decent housing in the private market. Participants typically pay 30-40% of their adjusted income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remainder.

Eligibility is primarily based on total annual gross income and family size, and applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status. THDA administers the HCV program in 72 of Tennessee's 95 counties, while other local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) manage it in major metropolitan areas. Demand for this program is extremely high, and waiting lists are often long.

Legal Aid and Your Right to Counsel

Facing eviction is not just a financial problem; it is a legal one. If you have received an eviction notice or a court summons, it is imperative to seek legal assistance immediately. A network of non-profit legal aid organizations across Tennessee provides free legal services to low-income residents.

How Legal Aid Can Help

These organizations can provide invaluable help by:

• Representing you in court.
• Negotiating with your landlord.
• Ensuring your rights as a tenant are protected.
• Identifying illegal eviction practices.

The presence of legal counsel can dramatically improve the outcome of an eviction case. Some programs, like Shelby County's Eviction Prevention Program, even include tenant legal services as an eligible form of assistance.

Key Legal Resources in Tennessee

• Legal Aid of East Tennessee: 865-637-0484.
• Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: 615-244-6610.
• West Tennessee Legal Services: 800-372-8346.
• Memphis Area Legal Services: 901-523-8822.
• Help4TN (Statewide Helpline): 844-435-7486.

Tennessee Rent Relief Programs at a Glance

The landscape of rental assistance in Tennessee is highly localized. The primary agency and available programs vary significantly by county. The table below serves as a quick reference to help you identify the main point of contact in major metropolitan areas.

Local Rent Relief Resources by Major County and City

Because assistance is now primarily managed at the local level, knowing the key agencies in your area is essential. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of resources in Tennessee's largest population centers.

Nashville and Davidson County

Nashville residents have access to a robust network of government and non-profit organizations providing housing assistance.

Metropolitan Action Commission (MAC)

MAC is the primary community action agency for Davidson County, administering a range of household assistance programs. Applicants must be county residents and meet federal income guidelines. MAC has a universal online application portal to streamline the process.

Key programs include:

• Emergency Assistance Program: Provides one-time assistance with rent, mortgage, or water bills for residents who have experienced a recent loss of income.
• Senior Services: Offers assistance with rent, mortgage, and other needs for residents aged 60 and older.
• Homeless Services: Helps individuals who have secured housing after being homeless by providing assistance with security deposits for rent and utilities.

Local Non-Profits in Nashville

Several non-profits partner with or work alongside MAC to provide additional layers of support.

• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville: Offers short-term emergency assistance with overdue rent and utility payments, based on available funding. Contact: 615-352-3087.
• Need Link: Provides emergency financial assistance for past-due, income-based rent and utility deposits. Contact: 615-269-6835.
• Rooftop Nashville: Offers rental and mortgage assistance to prevent homelessness for residents with a regular income who have experienced an unexpected financial hardship.
• The Salvation Army: Provides financial assistance for rent and utilities. Applicants must typically complete a pre-screening survey online to determine eligibility. Contact: 615-242-0411.

Memphis and Shelby County

Housing assistance in Memphis and Shelby County is primarily coordinated through the county's Community Services Agency (CSA), with a very specific and time-sensitive application process.

Community Services Agency (CSA)

The CSA runs the Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Program to help residents with past-due rent or mortgage payments. To qualify, applicants must be a Shelby County resident, be behind on payments, and have experienced a job loss or documented unexpected expense within the last 180 days.

The application process is unique and requires careful attention:

• The application request portal opens online at www.shelbycountycsa.org on the first Monday of each month, starting at 8:00 AM.
• The portal closes as soon as the agency has reached its capacity for applications for that month.
• Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other Local Programs in Memphis

• HOME-Funded Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (HOME-TBRA): This program provides rental and utility assistance to low-income persons who are homeless and have special needs. It is administered through local non-profit organizations.
• Friends For All: This organization offers Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance (STRMU) for individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are at risk of homelessness in Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette counties.

Knoxville and Knox County

Following the end of large-scale pandemic relief programs, Knoxville's resources are now channeled through its primary housing and community action agencies.

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC)

KCDC is the public housing authority for Knoxville and Knox County. Its primary role is administering long-term programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program. KCDC accepts online applications for its HCV program from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month. KCDC also manages special purpose vouchers for specific populations, such as veterans (VASH).

Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (KnoxCAC)

Knox CAC is a broad social services agency that serves as a key resource hub. While it may not provide direct rental assistance, it helps residents regain stability through case management and supportive services. Knox CAC is the primary administrator for utility assistance programs like LIHEAP and Project Help, which can free up household funds to pay rent. For referrals to all local assistance, Knox CAC directs residents to East Tennessee 2-1-1.

Chattanooga and Hamilton County

The City of Chattanooga and local non-profits provide a range of support services for residents facing housing instability.

Office of Family Empowerment (OFE)

The city's OFE provides support through a case management model. It works with Hamilton County residents to foster economic mobility, which can include providing financial assistance and connecting families with community resources for housing, education, and employment. The OFE also runs the county's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Local Partners and Non-Profits

• Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA): As the local PHA, the CHA manages public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for the area.
• The CHATT Foundation: Formerly the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, this organization provides a wide range of services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including shelter and counseling.
• The Salvation Army: The Chattanooga chapter provides an Emergency Assistance Program that can help with food, emergency medication, and utility payments to prevent homelessness.

Other Notable Local Programs

Beyond the four major metropolitan areas, several other cities and counties operate their own rental assistance programs.

• Clarksville Rental Assistance Program: Funded by the federal HOME program, this initiative provides a rental subsidy for up to one year for income-eligible households. A key distinction is that it cannot pay past-due rent; applicants must be current on their payments to qualify.
• Rutherford County Rental Relief Program: This program provides rental assistance specifically for residents of Rutherford County. Those in need should contact the program directly for information on funding availability and eligibility.

Assistance from Non-Profit and Faith-Based Organizations

Across Tennessee, non-profit and faith-based organizations are on the front lines, filling gaps left by government programs and providing crucial emergency support.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army's Kentucky and Tennessee Division offers emergency rent and utility assistance as a core part of its mission to prevent homelessness. Local service centers work with individuals and families to assess their needs and provide timely financial aid. This assistance is aimed at those who have experienced a sudden life change, such as a job loss, as well as seniors on fixed incomes.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities provides emergency assistance in various regions of Tennessee, including the Diocese of Nashville. Based on the availability of funds, they can offer short-term help with overdue rent and utility payments for families experiencing a crisis.

Other Community Action Agencies

In addition to the major agencies in urban centers, smaller community action agencies serve many of Tennessee's rural counties. For example, the Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) provides a one-time emergency rent program for eligible applicants with past-due rent in its service area. Contacting 2-1-1 is the best way to find the community action agency that serves your specific county.

Securing Help with Utility Bills: A Key to Housing Stability

Often, a rental crisis is accompanied by a utility crisis. An inability to pay for electricity, gas, or water can lead to shut-offs and compound financial stress. Several statewide programs are specifically designed to help with these costs, which can in turn free up household funds for rent.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. In Tennessee, the program is overseen by THDA and administered through a network of 19 local agencies that cover all 95 counties.

Key Features of LIHEAP

• It provides a one-time payment directly to the utility company.
• It can help with both heating and cooling costs.
• Eligibility is based on household income, which must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income.
• The application period typically begins online on November 1st of each year.

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

Similar to LIHEAP, LIHWAP is a program designed to assist low-income households with their water and wastewater bills. This program can provide one-time assistance to households that have past-due water bills or are facing disconnection. It is administered by the same network of 19 local agencies across Tennessee.

Local Utility and Charity Programs

In addition to federal programs, many local utility companies partner with charitable organizations to offer their own assistance funds. These are often funded by customer donations.

Examples include:

• Project Help: A partnership between the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) and Knox CAC that provides emergency heating assistance.
• Plus-1: A program offered by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) and administered by the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA).
• Project HELP: A similar program offered by Nashville Electric Service (NES) for its customers.

It is always worthwhile to contact your specific utility provider directly to inquire about any available payment plans or emergency assistance programs.

 Frequently Asked Questions