$96 million available to tenants in the Houston area; What you need to know before applying

HOUSTON – Applications for the Texas Rental Assistance Program are scheduled to reopen later this month for a limited time.

Houstonians who need help paying their monthly rent can apply for help starting March 14.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs said in a press release that $96 million in rent relief is available to eligible households with rent and utility bills.

First-time applicants may be eligible for up to 18 months of rent and utility bill assistance with either late payments or a combination of past due and up to three months of current and future payments made on their behalf.

“To date, Texas Rent Relief has served more than 316,000 families affected by the pandemic. We continue to feel the urgent need for assistance, and the number of eviction applications across the state has now returned to pre-pandemic levels. We are grateful for the opportunity to reopen the App Portal for two weeks to help more Texas tenants and landlords,” said Bobby Wilkinson, Executive Director of TDHCA. “Funding is limited, so anyone who needs help paying rent and utility bills should review the program requirements now, collect all required paperwork in advance, and be ready to apply by March 14.”

Returning applicants who have not received the maximum permitted 18-month rent and/or utility bill assistance may submit an Additional Funding Request form in their existing account.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and tenants at risk of eviction will have priority.

The deadline for applying for assistance is March 28. For more information and to apply, Click here.

Those facing eviction are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice and to keep in touch with their landlord and the court. Click here or call 855-270-7655 to learn about options and get free or low-cost help.