Turbo Takeaways
- The Texas Rent Relief Program (TRR) launched in February 2021 and closed in summer 2023.
- TRR reopened for a limited window in March 2023 and offered assistance for eligible first-time applicants at that time.
- Texans searching for rental help now can use state and local resources to find current programs.
What Is the Texas Rent Relief Program?
Texas Rent Relief (TRR) was a federally funded emergency program run by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) that helped eligible households cover rent and utility costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program launched in February 2021 and later closed in summer 2023.
During the periods when applications were open, assistance could cover past-due rent and utilities and, in some cases, additional months under program rules at the time. TRR also prioritized households facing urgent housing instability, such as imminent eviction.
Is the Texas Rent Relief Program Open Again?
The Texas Rent Relief (TRR) program isn’t currently open. The program was first introduced statewide with the goal of providing emergency assistance to tenants and landlords affected by the pandemic.
In November 2021, the TRR program closed due to insufficient funding. The project briefly reopened to accept new applications in March 2023, only to close again after demand greatly exceeded the remaining funds.
What Is the Texas Eviction Diversion Program?
The COVID-19 pandemic affected hundreds of thousands of Texans throughout the state. As an emergency measure, the government introduced two main assistance programs at the time: the TRR and the TEDP.
The Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) aimed to help Texas renters stay in their homes, extending up to six months of assistance to eligible applicants facing eviction lawsuits due to overdue rent.
The program also used a special court process that allowed courts to divert eviction lawsuits to the TEDP. This was a temporary program that closed in the summer of 2023.
How the TRR Application Process Worked
While the Texas Rent Relief program is closed, here's an overview that explains how eligibility and applications worked when the portal was open, including the types of documents applicants were typically asked to provide.
What You Needed To Become Eligible
When applications were open, eligibility generally required household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and the rental unit was your main/primary residence and located in Texas.
Additionally, at least one household member had to meet one of the following criteria:
- Qualified to receive unemployment insurance benefits
- Experienced financial hardship
- Faced a reduction in household income or increased significant costs
Households also had to demonstrate they were at risk of housing instability, homelessness, or inhabiting unhealthy or unsafe conditions. Paperwork such as past-due rent notices, utility bills, or eviction notices was required for verification.
Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC, offers advice to Texas residents enrolling in rent relief or similar plans. “When receiving financial assistance from any program, it’s always best to keep detailed records of your financial information, such as income, current debts, and your household budget, just in case your information is questioned or additional copies of documents are required, now or in the future.”
How Long Did It Take to Process Applications?
When the portal was open, applications were submitted online through TexasRentRelief.com or by phone, and priority was given to households facing imminent eviction.
All other applications were processed in the order they were received. Processing times varied, and delays were more likely when additional documentation was requested.
What To Do if Payment Was Approved but Not Received?
When the program was active, applicants were advised to monitor email and mail for documentation requests and follow up through the program’s published contact channels if a payment was approved but not received.
Today, Texans can use the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and local resources to locate current rental assistance options.
Alternatives To Rent Relief in Texas
Even though Texas Rent Relief is closed, Texans may still find rental help through local programs. A good starting point is TDHCA’s “Help for Texans” resources, which can help identify programs available in your area.
You can also call 211 Texas to speak to a local specialist who can help you find rent relief in Texas. If you’re being evicted, consider getting legal assistance for your eviction hearing.
Additional Financial Resources in Texas
If you're facing financial challenges, there are several resources available in Texas that can help you get back on track. Below are a few options to consider:
- Debt Relief Plans
Texas debt relief programs like credit counseling and debt settlement can help manage and reduce unsecured debt like medical bills and credit card balances. - Stimulus Checks
While there are no current stimulus programs, Texans may still benefit from tax credits and rebates that can lower taxable income. - Financial Assistance
Texas provides various financial assistance programs, including cash aid, food stamps, and rent assistance, to support residents during tough times.
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