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Tenant Assistance Programs in Texas: How to Find the Support You Need

If you’re renting in Texas and facing financial difficulties, there are a number of programs designed to support tenants like you. Whether you need help with rent, security deposits, or other housing costs, the state of Texas offers several options through programs aimed at improving housing stability. Below, we’ll cover key tenant programs, who’s eligible, and how to apply.


1. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program

The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program helps low-income households access affordable housing through rental subsidies and utility/security deposit assistance. Funded by HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program, TBRA offers support for up to 24 months and may extend assistance for qualifying participants who are working toward self-sufficiency.


Eligibility: Household income must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI). Assistance is primarily available in rural areas and to eligible persons with disabilities in urban areas.


How to Apply: Visit the Help for Texans page (https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans) to find local TBRA providers by entering your city or county​.


2. Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program

Texas’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) provides rental subsidies for low-income individuals and families, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. Through this program, tenants pay a portion of the rent based on their income, while the remaining amount is subsidised directly to the property owner by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).


Eligibility: Qualified households must earn less than 50% of the area’s median income, with priority given to households earning below 30%.


How to Apply: For details, reach out to a local Public Housing Authority (PHA) in your area, or visit the HUD Texas PHA directory (https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/programs/housing-choice-voucher-section-8-housing) for contact information​.


3. Project Access Program

The Project Access Program assists low-income individuals with disabilities transitioning from institutions to community-based housing by providing Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. This program helps those leaving nursing facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and other institutional settings find affordable housing options.


Eligibility: To qualify, applicants must meet Section 8 requirements and have a documented disability that impedes independent living.


How to Apply: To learn more or apply, contact the TDHCA Section 8 Division by visiting the Project Access webpage​.


4. Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program

The Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program combines HUD rental assistance with VA-provided case management for veterans experiencing homelessness. Participants are connected with affordable housing options and receive ongoing VA support services.


Eligibility: Applicants must be homeless veterans engaged with VA case management.


How to Apply: Contact your local VA Medical Center or learn more through the HUD-VASH program page​ (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/vash).


5. Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program offers HUD-funded vouchers to Texas renters in crisis, including those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or escaping domestic violence. These vouchers, available through partnerships with local Continuums of Care (CoCs), help vulnerable households access stable housing quickly.


Eligibility: Applicants must be referred by a partnering CoC.


How to Apply: If you think you qualify, contact your local CoC (https://www.thn.org/resources/#general-contact).


How to Apply and Program Eligibility Requirements

Navigating these programs can be challenging, but TDHCA and HUD offer resources to make the application process easier. Many of these programs are managed locally, so eligibility and application requirements can vary slightly based on your location. Be sure to gather the required documentation, including income verification, proof of residency, and any necessary disability or veteran status documentation, before applying.


For detailed instructions and assistance, check the Help for Texans portal, which provides local contact information and lists available resources.


Houston Programs

Houston Housing Choice Voucher Program

Houston’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8) assists low-income renters, seniors, and people with disabilities by covering part of their rent in the private market. Renters pay 30-40% of their income, and the program covers the difference. The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) manages this program, although the current waitlist is closed.


Harris County TERAP

The Harris County Tenant Eviction Relief Assistance Program (TERAP) assists renters outside Houston’s city limits (excluding Baytown and Pasadena) with COVID-19-related rental support.

City of Houston Rental Assistance

Houston and Harris County also provide emergency rental assistance for city and county residents affected by economic hardship.

Fort Bend County Rental Assistance

Fort Bend County offers rental assistance for residents facing housing instability due to economic hardship.

Finding Housing Support in Texas

If you’re facing housing instability in Texas, these tenant assistance programs can offer the support you need to secure safe, affordable housing. From rental subsidies to targeted support for veterans and individuals with disabilities, Texas’s housing programs aim to help you stay in your home or transition to new, stable housing. Explore your options today by visiting TDHCA’s resources or reaching out to local agencies. With the right guidance, you can find the support to make your housing goals a reality.


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