Get an easy, fast loan decision. Your money can be deposited directly into your account in as little as 5 minutes after your application is processed.
Apply for Your Loan Now
On this page:
Texans facing financial hardship and the threat of housing instability require urgent help with rent. While the primary statewide Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP) and Texas Rent Relief (TRR) Program are now closed, assistance has not disappeared. Aid has shifted to a network of local city, county, and non-profit organizations across the state.
Understanding this new landscape is the first step toward securing support. The focus is now on connecting with local providers who distribute federal and state funds to residents in their specific communities.
End of Statewide Programs
The large-scale, centralized rental assistance programs from the pandemic era have concluded. The Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP) closed on January 14, 2022, and the Texas Rent Relief Program (TRR) stopped operations in the summer of 2023. These temporary initiatives from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) provided billions in aid to thousands of Texas households.
A Shift to Localized Support
The end of these programs marks a fundamental change in how aid is delivered. The system has moved from a single, statewide application portal to a decentralized model. TDHCA now channels federal and state grants to local governments and non-profits who manage their own assistance programs.
This transition means that availability, eligibility, and application processes vary significantly by location. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin often have more established programs than smaller counties. A person's zip code is now a key factor in accessing emergency housing aid, requiring a targeted, community-focused search for help.
Even with the shift to local control, several statewide resources are essential starting points for anyone in Texas seeking rental assistance. These services help navigate the complex network of local providers.
2-1-1 Texas: The Most Important First Step
The most critical first step is to contact 2-1-1 Texas. Operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 2-1-1 is a free, confidential information and referral service. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211texas.org, you can connect with specialists who identify local agencies providing rent and utility assistance.
To get the most effective help, be prepared with your zip code, household income, household size, and the nature of your financial hardship. This allows the 2-1-1 specialist to provide the most accurate referrals for your community.
TDHCA's Help for Texans Portal
While TDHCA no longer accepts direct applications, its "Help for Texans" webpage is a vital directory of local organizations it funds. Users can search the portal by the type of assistance needed and their city or county to find a list of local service providers and their contact information.
Keep in mind this is a directory, not a guarantee of aid. The portal notes that local providers may have exhausted their funds due to high demand. If no provider is listed, contact your local city or county government directly.
Legal Aid and Eviction Prevention Services
For tenants who have received a notice to vacate or are facing an eviction lawsuit, legal assistance is crucial. The type of help available can differ depending on whether an eviction has been filed.
The Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) offers an alternative to a formal eviction judgment. This program allows judges to pause eviction proceedings for 60 days, giving landlords and tenants time to receive rental assistance to cover past-due rent. This prevents homelessness and helps tenants avoid an eviction on their record.
Several statewide organizations provide free legal resources:
Contacting these resources immediately can provide critical guidance and potentially stop an eviction.
With rental assistance now administered locally, knowing where to turn in your area is essential. Programs in Texas's major metropolitan areas have unique processes and eligibility rules.
Harris County and the City of Houston
Residents of the Houston area are served by the Houston-Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This is a collaborative effort between the city and county to provide financial support for rent and utilities. Program Administration The program's funds are distributed through two experienced non-profit organizations:
A network of community agencies serves as "navigators" to help residents complete their applications correctly.
Eligibility and Application
To qualify, an applicant must live within Houston or Harris County, demonstrate housing instability, have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Other local organizations, like Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM), may use a lottery system for applications, so check their websites frequently for updates.
Required Documents
Be prepared to provide documents such as proof of income reduction, a copy of your lease, photo ID, and Social Security cards for all household members.
Dallas County and the City of Dallas
The Dallas area has a divided system, and it is critical to apply to the correct program based on your address.
Program Administration
Eligibility and Application
Both programs generally require a household income at or below 80% of the AMI and proof of financial hardship. Due to high demand, application portals open and close frequently. Applicants must monitor the official websites, as the Dallas County program often uses a lottery system for its pre-screening process.
Covered Expenses
These programs can cover past-due and future rent, utility arrears, and sometimes costs for internet service or temporary hotel stays.
Bexar County and the City of San Antonio
The San Antonio area has one of the most predictable application cycles, which benefits residents who are prepared to act quickly.
Program Status & Administration
The City of San Antonio's Housing Assistance Program accepts applications on the second Wednesday of every month, beginning at 1:00 PM. The online portal closes as soon as the monthly maximum is reached, making it a first-come, first-served system. A separate program is available for Bexar County residents living outside city limits.
Eligibility and Application
Households must typically have an income at or below 80% of the AMI and document a recent financial hardship. The primary application method is through the city's official housing assistance portal. Residents can also call 210-207-5910 for information. Non-profits like Catholic Charities and Christian Assistance Ministry also provide aid.
Travis County and the City of Austin
The primary rental assistance program for Austin residents is the "I Belong in Austin" program, administered by the non-profit El Buen Samaritano.
Eligibility
Applicants must reside within the full-purpose jurisdiction of the City of Austin and have a household income that does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI).
Application Process
The application portal is not continuously open; it opens for a limited period each month, typically for about one week.
Other organizations, such as AGE of Central Texas, can help with applications, while the Austin Tenants Council offers housing advocacy.
Tarrant County (including Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grand Prairie)
Rental assistance in Tarrant County is highly localized. It is crucial for residents to apply to the correct entity based on their home address.
Key Contacts
Eligibility and Process
General requirements include a low household income and risk of housing instability. Application portals may close temporarily due to high volume, so check back regularly if you are unable to apply.
El Paso County
In El Paso, assistance is delivered through a network of non-profit and community organizations rather than a single government portal.
Program Administration Key organizations leading the effort include:
Key Resources
The city's El Paso Helps portal is an excellent central resource, connecting residents to services through El Paso United at 915-400-7401. El Paso County General Assistance is another primary contact for aid. Specialized Programs El Paso also features programs for specific populations, such as the Amistad for Veterans Project and programs for residents living with HIV.
While rules vary, most programs share common criteria. Preparing your documents in advance is an empowering step, as application windows often open and close quickly.
Common Qualification Criteria
Your Application Checklist: Documents to Gather
Have clear digital copies of the following documents ready to upload:
True housing stability often requires a broader range of support beyond short-term rental assistance.
Help with Utility Bills
Many emergency rental assistance programs also provide funds for past-due utility bills. Additionally, Texans can seek help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Weatherization assistance programs can also help lower future utility bills by making homes more energy-efficient.
Long-Term Housing Solutions
For households needing more than temporary aid, several long-term support programs exist.
Protecting Your Rights as a Tenant
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Texas is a powerful tool. Resources like TexasLawHelp.org provide plain-language information on leases, repairs, and the eviction process. Organizations like the Austin Tenants Council offer counseling to help renters maintain stable housing.
If your specific area is not listed, your first step should be to call 2-1-1 Texas or visit their website. They provide the most comprehensive, localized referrals. You can also contact your city or county government's housing or human services department directly to inquire about unlisted local aid programs.
Yes, many local programs in Texas allow and even encourage landlords to apply on behalf of their tenants. However, the tenant's household must still meet all the program's eligibility requirements, including income limits and demonstrating a financial hardship, for the application to be approved.
No, receiving unemployment does not guarantee eligibility. While it is a strong way to document a financial hardship, which is a key requirement, you must still meet all other criteria for the specific local program, such as residing in the service area and having a household income below the Area Median Income (AMI) limit.
While most emergency programs focus on past-due rent for tenants with an existing lease, some local agencies may offer help with security deposits. These are often part of "rapid re-housing" or homelessness prevention initiatives designed to help people secure new permanent housing. Contact 2-1-1 to find these specific programs.
You must act immediately. Inform the court that you have a pending application for rental assistance. This may make you eligible for the Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP), which allows a judge to pause the eviction for 60 days to allow time for the assistance to be approved and paid.
Eligibility for non-citizens varies by the local program and its funding source. Some programs may require at least one member of the household to be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status to qualify for assistance. It is best to check the specific requirements of the local provider.
Typically, no. Most emergency rental assistance programs prohibit payments to an applicant's immediate family member. A formal, signed lease agreement between the tenant and a landlord who is not a relative is almost always a required document to prove a legitimate rental arrangement.
Many organizations administering the Texas emergency rental assistance program also offer housing stability services. These can include free financial counseling, case management to connect you with other resources, credit counseling, and legal aid for housing issues to help ensure your long-term stability.
Area Median Income (AMI) is a data point published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It represents the midpoint income for a specific geographic area, like a county or metropolitan area. Local assistance programs use these figures to set their income eligibility limits, often at 80% or 50% of the AMI.
No, emergency rental assistance is provided as a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid. The funds are intended to provide stability during a crisis. As long as all information provided on your application was truthful, you will not be expected to pay the money back.
Don't let a less-than-perfect credit score stop you from hitting the open road; securing a motorcycle loan with bad credit is more attainable than you might think. Discover the pathways available to finance your dream ride and learn how to navigate the process successfully, even with a challenging credit history.
Unlock financial flexibility and seize opportunities with a Florida personal loan, your key to addressing immediate needs or investing in your goals. Discover how these versatile funds can empower your Sunshine State lifestyle, offering a straightforward path to achieving what matters most to you.
Unlock Michigan's diverse personal loan options, offering flexible financial solutions for consolidating debt, funding home improvements, or tackling unexpected expenses. Discover how a personal loan can provide the financial agility you need to achieve your goals with manageable terms.
