Many low-income families in Texas cannot pay the rent of their houses due to the current post-pandemic economic difficulties. Many rent assistance programs assist these families in keeping up with their rent payments and eliminating the chances of getting evicted from their houses. The following programs below are offered to eligible families and individuals statewide or by different counties.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program
The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program assists tenants with renting a home and paying security and utility deposits. Not only that, but it also covers rent for the next two years, or until the applicants become self-sufficient. However, several conditions must be met to receive this support.
- The applicants must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Drug users must have completed substance abuse treatment in the previous 12 months.
- Applicants must not be listed on any sex offender databases.
- Other HUD rent assistance is not available to the applicants.
- Landlords must do their background checks based on their standard screening standards.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program allows states and territories to operate programs that help low-income families with children attain economic independence. States use TANF to support various services and monthly financial assistance payments to low-income families with children.
TANF funding can be utilized to give a one-time, non-recurring benefit to assist families in meeting a short-term, non-recurring need. A short-term benefit can be used for a security deposit, utility assistance, or rental assistance for up to four months. It permits low-income and needy people to get one-time rent assistance if they meet the following criteria:
- You have 18-year-old or younger children in your family.
- You're unemployed and have no money or resources.
- You're about to lose your home and have a medical emergency.
Texas Rent Relief
The Texas Rent Relief Program is dedicated to assisting tenants who have fallen behind on their rent or utility expenses. It has aided over 300,000 Texans in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic that swept the state. In addition, they've given Texas renters over $1 billion in emergency cash to help them pay their rent and utility bills, including past due rent and utilities.
Texas City Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Texas City Emergency Rental Assistance Program is for tenants living inside the city borders of Texas City. Eligible households in Texas City/Galveston County can receive up to three months of assistance, including at least one month of past-due rent, up to 120 percent of the fair market rates.
To be eligible for assistance, you must meet the following requirements:
- Previously, both the tenant and the landlord had to fill out an application. However, only landlords are eligible to apply at this time.
- Must be a resident of the City of Texas City.
- Income equal to or less than 80% of the HUD Area Median Family Income.
- The COVID-19 epidemic has to have had a financial impact.
- Must be at risk of being homeless or having their living situation jeopardized.
City of Irving Rental Assistance Programs
The City of Irving has two Rental Assistance Programs to assist people and families who have been impacted financially by COVID-19 or other causes. Each program is unique to the type and amount of aid covered, the support period, eligibility conditions, standards, and funding source.
This program gives short-term rental help to low-income Irving residents experiencing financial hardship, have received a Notice to Vacate or Late Payment, and have an annual household income of less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps low-income families who cannot pay rent or utilities due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Catholic Charities administer this program on behalf of the City of Irving.
El Paso Rent Help Program
The program offers rental assistance to landlords and tenants of residential rental homes in El Paso County for tenants facing financial hardship.
To be eligible, tenants must earn less than 80% of Area Median Income and be facing eviction due to COVID-19's direct economic impact. Rent assistance is available for up to 12 months of past-due payment and up to 3 months of future rent for tenants. The length of time of the assistance will be determined by eligibility and funding sources.
Brazoria County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The United States Treasury funds the Brazoria County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Counties with populations of over 200,000 people across the country were given the option to receive direct financing under this award. Brazoria County voted to opt-in because they wanted to ensure that their part of the cash went directly to the people who live in the wonderful county. This program also helps inhabitants of rental properties in the County who have lost income due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Fort Worth Emergency Rental Assistance
This program aims to keep families from getting evicted from their homes due to their inability to pay rent. It provides assistance for rent, past due rent, utilities, past due utility payments, and other housing expenditures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Treasury Department and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs contribute funds. To be eligible, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Renters earning less than or equal to 80% of the Area Median Income.
- At least one unemployed household member has a reduced household income or has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19.
- Are high risk of becoming homeless or housing insecure.
Conclusion
Emergency rent assistance programs are being offered by various departments of the State of Texas, and different counties to low-income families and those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs are helping the disadvantaged keep a roof over the heads of their families.
Are you interested in learning more about the various programs and foundations that can help you with your financial needs? Read more of Gov Relations' resources on our website!
