Eviction Information
Tenants behind on rent or utility bills may be eligible for emergency funds available to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past-due rent and utilities). Find information on eviction assistance programs below.
Rent and Mortgage Assistance
You should apply for any rent assistance that you may qualify for. However, you can only receive one rental assistance payment per month. If you apply to two different programs and both give you help for the same month, you will have to pay one back right away. Keep records to prove you applied.
Texas Rent Relief. Texas Rent Relief is currently closed to new applications. All active applications must be submitted by November 26.
Local Rent Assistance Programs. The legal aid community is maintaining two online spreadsheets with contact information for local rent assistance programs. Make sure to check each source to find a program serving your area.
- Spreadsheet A: Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program offices
- Spreadsheet B: Other Local Rent Assistance Programs
- Consumer Financial Protection Protection Bureau Rent Help Finder
- Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' Help for Texans
City and County Websites. Go to your city and county websites to see what help may be available. Many local governments help with rent — for example, the Dallas County Emergency Housing Assistance Program.
Note that some programs require landlord participation. Others do not.
Mortgage Assistance. You can talk to your lender or servicer about getting forbearance. Forbearance temporarily pauses your mortgage payments.
There are also local programs that can help with mortgage payments.
- Spreadsheet C: Texas Emergency Mortgage Assistance Service Providers by Organization
- Spreadsheet D: Texas Emergency Mortgage Assistance Service Providers by County (Download and type in your county to perform a search.)
Forty-Fourth Emergency Order (formerly the Texas Eviction Diversion Program)
If you have an upcoming eviction hearing, take advantage of the tenant protections under the Texas Supreme Court's Forty-Fourth Emergency Order (formerly the Texas Eviction Diversion Program). The Texas Supreme Court requires judges to pause your case for at least 60 days and seal the case records if:
- The landlord has taken steps to get rental relief for your unit, or
- The landlord agrees to pause the case while the tenant seeks rent assistance.
Remember, your landlord must get the court's permission before they can forcibly evict you. But be aware that an eviction case on your record can make it more difficult to find housing in the future. Sealing your eviction case under the Forty-Fourth Emergency Order can be a big help if you ever look for a new home.
Fast-Track Rent Assistance Application (for pending Texas Rent Relief applicants only). If you have an upcoming eviction hearing or are facing utility shutoffs, you can apply online and then fast track your application by calling 833-989-7386. Have your case or docket number ready when you call.
Local rent relief programs may also be able to speed up your application if you tell them you have an upcoming eviction hearing.
Need Help Applying?
Find legal aid organizations that can help you apply for rent assistance and access tenant protections.
Learn MoreMore Eviction Information & Resources
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Eviction Process OverviewLearn More
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Guide: COVID-19 Eviction AnswerLearn More
How to respond to an eviction lawsuit during the COVID-19 emergency.
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Appeal an EvictionLearn More
You can appeal to County Court if you lose your eviction case in Justice Court.
For Courts and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
A directory of legal aid organizations that can help answer legal questions, guide parties through assistance applications, and in some cases provide representation. See which organizations serve your county.
Learn More