Texas Rental Assistance: Current Programs and How to Apply for Aid

Texans facing financial hardship and the threat of eviction often seek information on the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This term is typically associated with large-scale, statewide aid. However, the landscape of housing assistance in Texas has fundamentally changed.

The primary statewide programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic have concluded. This has shifted the system of support to a network of local government and non-profit organizations. Understanding this new, decentralized structure is the first and most critical step for residents in need of immediate help.

The Current State of Rental Assistance in Texas: A Shift from Statewide to Local Aid

The large, centralized rental assistance programs that many Texans came to rely on are no longer active. This has created a significant challenge for residents. The burden of finding and navigating aid has now shifted from a single state portal to a complex web of local providers.

Closure of Major Statewide Pandemic-Era Programs

Two major initiatives formed the backbone of statewide emergency rental assistance in recent years: the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP) and the Texas Rent Relief (TRR) Program. Both were administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) using federal funds to help households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP): This program provided rental assistance for up to six months to eligible households. It officially closed on January 14, 2022.
• Texas Rent Relief (TRR) Program: This was the largest statewide program, providing over $2.2 billion in aid to more than 323,000 households. The TRR program and its associated Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TDEP) stopped accepting applications and closed in the summer of 2023.

The closure of these programs, particularly the user-friendly TexasRentRelief.com portal, marked the end of a centralized solution for most of the state. Previously, residents from 250 of Texas's 254 counties could use a single website to apply for aid. That streamlined access point no longer exists.

The New Reality: A Decentralized System of Local Aid

With the end of federal emergency funding, the responsibility for rental assistance has devolved to individual cities, counties, and non-profits. The TDHCA now primarily serves as a directory, referring individuals to local providers through its "Help for Texans" portal.

This fragmentation means that the availability of funds, eligibility requirements, and application processes vary dramatically from one location to the next. This increases the navigational burden on vulnerable individuals. Success in securing aid now depends on identifying and engaging with the correct local entities, each with its own rules and funding limitations.

Your First Steps: Statewide Gateways to Finding Local Help

While there is no longer a single application for the entire state, three critical statewide resources serve as the primary starting points for any Texan seeking rental assistance. A successful search requires a three-pronged approach that addresses financial, navigational, and legal needs simultaneously. Engaging with all three resources is the most effective strategy.

1. The TDHCA "Help for Texans" Portal

The "Help for Texans" webpage, managed by the TDHCA, is the state's official directory for finding local housing and community service providers. It is the most direct replacement for the former statewide application system.

• How to Use It: A resident can visit the portal, select the type of assistance needed, and enter their city or county to generate a list of local organizations that may provide financial support.
• Managing Expectations: It is crucial to understand that the organizations listed often have limited funding and may be at capacity. Persistence is essential; applicants should contact every relevant organization and be prepared for waiting lists.

2. 2-1-1 Texas / United Way Helpline

The 2-1-1 Texas program, operated with the United Way, is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral service. In 2024, the most frequent requests made to the helpline were for utility, rent, and mortgage assistance.

• How to Access It: Texans can connect with specialists by dialing 2-1-1, calling 877-541-7905, or searching the online database at https://www.211texas.org/.
• What It Provides: Specialists can identify local rental assistance programs, food banks, legal aid services, and other resources, providing a more holistic support network.

3. TexasLawHelp.org for Legal Guidance

For any tenant facing the threat of eviction, understanding their legal rights is as important as finding financial aid. TexasLawHelp.org is a statewide resource dedicated to providing free, reliable legal information to low-income Texans.

• How to Use It: The website offers self-help articles explaining the eviction process, tenant rights, and necessary legal forms. It also provides a directory to find local legal aid organizations.
• When to Use It: A tenant should consult this resource immediately upon receiving a "Notice to Vacate" from their landlord.

Deep Dive: Rental Assistance Programs in Major Texas Cities

The availability and structure of rental assistance vary significantly across Texas's major metropolitan areas. Each region has its own set of administering agencies, funding cycles, and eligibility rules.

Houston and Harris County

Rental assistance in the Houston area is managed by a collection of non-profit organizations and housing authorities, often in partnership with the city and county.

• Key Agencies: Major relief efforts have historically been collaborations between the City of Houston, Harris County, Baker Ripley, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
• Current Programs: Ongoing support often comes through specialized programs. For example, Catholic Charities operates programs for those currently homeless, which require a referral from the area's coordinated entry system, "The Way Home". Other non-profits, like Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) and the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC), may offer assistance with specific requirements.
• Housing Authorities: For long-term assistance, residents can turn to the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) and the Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA), which administer federal programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.

Dallas and Dallas County

The Dallas area's rental assistance landscape is characterized by programs that frequently open and close based on funding availability. It is critical for residents to check the status of programs regularly.

• Key Agencies: The City of Dallas Office of Community Care and Dallas County are the primary government entities, often partnering with non-profits like Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas and Catholic Charities Dallas.
• Funding Status: It is common for city and county portals to be closed to new applications due to a lack of funding. Residents must monitor official websites for announcements of new funding rounds.
• Eligibility: Past programs typically required household incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and proof of financial hardship. County programs are generally restricted to residents living outside the city limits of Dallas.
• Housing Authority: The Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) manages long-term rental assistance, including public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program, through its online RentCafe portal.

San Antonio and Bexar County

San Antonio has one of the most structured, yet highly competitive, rental assistance programs in the state, with a specific and time-sensitive application window.

• Key Agencies: The City of San Antonio's Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD) is the lead administrator, working with partners like Endeavors.
• Application Process: The online application portal opens for a very limited time on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at 1 p.m. The portal closes quickly once a maximum number of applications is received, often within an hour. Residents must reapply each month as applications do not carry over.
• Assistance Details: Approved households may receive up to three months of assistance, with a maximum of $3,500 for rent and $1,500 for utilities. A household can only receive this assistance once in a 12-month period.
• Eligibility: Applicants must provide extensive documentation, including valid ID, a current lease, proof of financial hardship, and income verification showing a household income at or below 80% of the AMI.

Austin and Travis County

Austin's rental assistance program is administered through a non-profit partner and uses a random selection process to manage high demand.

• Key Agencies: The City of Austin funds the "I Belong in Austin" program, which is administered by El Buen Samaritano.
• Application Process: The application portal is open from the 1st through the 7th of each month. A limited number of eligible applicants are randomly selected for processing. Unsuccessful applicants must reapply the following month.
• Eligibility: Applicants must live within the City of Austin's full-purpose jurisdiction and have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI).
• Housing Authorities: The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC) manage long-term federal housing programs.

Comparative Analysis of Major Metro Rental Assistance Programs

The disparate nature of local programs can be confusing. The following table provides a high-level comparison of the key operational details for Texas's four largest metropolitan areas.

Understanding the Types of Housing Support Available

"Rental assistance" is a broad term that encompasses a variety of programs. Residents in crisis often seek immediate, emergency help, but many government programs are structured for long-term support. Understanding the distinction is key to managing expectations.

Emergency Short-Term Assistance

This aid is designed to prevent an immediate eviction or utility shut-off.

• What it is: Typically a one-time grant or assistance for one to three months to cover past-due rent, future rent, or utility arrears.
• Who provides it: This aid is most often distributed by city and county programs and non-profit organizations like The Salvation Army. Funding is often limited and fluctuates.

Longer-Term Rental Subsidies

These programs provide ongoing housing stability but are not intended for immediate emergency relief due to long application processes and waiting lists.

• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): Funded by HUD, TBRA provides rental subsidies for up to 24 months, often tied to a self-sufficiency program. This program is not available in all parts of Texas.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This is the federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families. Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) administer the program, but waiting lists are common and can be several years long.

Specialized Programs

Some programs are targeted to specific populations with unique needs.

• Veterans: The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines a Housing Choice Voucher with case management and clinical services.
• Persons with Disabilities: The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) program provides rental assistance to extremely low-income persons with disabilities, linking affordable housing with supportive services.
• Homelessness Prevention and Re-Housing: These programs are designed to assist households at imminent risk of homelessness or to help those already experiencing homelessness move into permanent housing.

Protecting Your Housing: Eviction Prevention and Texas Tenant Rights

Facing an eviction is a legal process, and tenants have specific rights that can protect them. Securing financial aid is only one part of the solution; understanding the legal landscape is equally vital.

The Texas Eviction Process Explained

An eviction in Texas, legally known as a "forcible detainer" suit, must follow a specific legal process.

1. Notice to Vacate: The landlord must first deliver a written notice demanding the tenant move out, typically with a three-day notice period.
2. Filing of Lawsuit: If the tenant does not move out, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit at the local Justice of the Peace (JP) court.
3. Court Hearing: The tenant will be served with a citation to appear in court. It is critical to attend this hearing to present a defense.
4. Judgment and Appeal: If the judge rules for the landlord, the tenant has five days to appeal the decision.

During the pandemic, the Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) allowed judges to pause cases while tenants applied for aid. With the closure of that program, this automatic, court-mandated intervention is gone. It is now entirely up to the tenant to proactively seek financial and legal resources.

Finding Legal Help for Eviction

Securing legal representation can dramatically improve a tenant's outcome in an eviction case. Several organizations across Texas provide free legal services to low-income residents.

• Statewide Helpline: The Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) operates a statewide Eviction Helpline at 855-270-7655. This is a critical resource, especially for those in rural areas.
• Regional Providers:
• Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex: Legal Aid of North West Texas (lanwt.org).
• Austin-San Antonio Corridor: Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) (trla.org).
• Greater Houston and East Texas: Lone Star Legal Aid (lonestarlegal.org).

Key Tenant Rights Under Texas Law

All Texas tenants are protected by the Texas Property Code. Knowing these basic rights can empower a tenant to advocate for themselves.

• Right to a Habitable Dwelling: Landlords must repair any condition that materially affects a tenant's physical health and safety.
• Right to "Quiet Enjoyment": This ensures a tenant's right to live in peace without undue disturbance from the landlord.
• Protection Against Retaliation: A landlord cannot retaliate against a tenant for exercising a legal right, such as requesting a necessary repair.
• Rules on Landlord Entry: A landlord must generally provide reasonable notice before entering a tenant's home, except in an emergency.
• Required Security Devices: Landlords are required by law to install and maintain certain security devices, including keyed deadbolts on all exterior doors.

How to Prepare a Successful Rental Assistance Application

The application process for rental assistance can be demanding. Being prepared with the correct documentation can significantly speed up the process and increase the chances of approval.

The Universal Document Checklist

While specific requirements may vary, nearly all rental assistance programs in Texas will ask for the following documents.

• Identification: A valid, government-issued photo ID for every adult in the household.
• Proof of Residency: A complete and signed copy of the current lease agreement.
• Income Verification: Proof of all sources of income for every adult household member for the last 30 to 60 days.
• Proof of Financial Hardship: Documentation that proves the need for assistance, such as an eviction notice or a past-due utility bill.
• Social Security Information: Copies of Social Security cards or the numbers for all household members.

Understanding Area Median Income (AMI)

Area Median Income (AMI) is the single most important factor in determining eligibility. It is the midpoint of all household incomes in a specific geographic area, as determined annually by HUD.

• How it Works: Most programs require a household's total gross income to be at or below 80% of the AMI for their county and household size. Some programs prioritize applicants with even lower incomes.
• Finding Your Limit: Income limits are publicly available on the websites of HUD or the TDHCA.

Proactive Steps to Take

In addition to preparing documents, tenants can take several proactive steps to improve their chances of securing aid.

• Communicate with Your Landlord: Inform your landlord that you are applying for assistance. Since most programs pay the landlord directly, their participation is often mandatory.
• Apply to Multiple Sources: Do not rely on a single application. Apply for every city, county, and non-profit program for which you are eligible.
• Be Persistent and Follow Up: After submitting an application, monitor its status closely. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information, as a delay could jeopardize your application.

Frequently Asked Questions