I hope everyone gets the assistance that they need. Federal aid has gotten to only a fraction of Texans applying for assistance because they're behind on rent and trying to avoid being evicted. After the software glitches, they were asked to resubmit their applications. 3/11/2021 Funding Update: $918,238,535 available If you or someone you know still needs help with the rent relief process or pending eviction, you can apply for free legal help at https://www.lonestarlegal.org or by calling 1-800-733-8394. <>/Metadata 393 0 R/ViewerPreferences 394 0 R>> Weeks after her eviction, Scott received an email from Texas Rent Relief on Nov. 9 acknowledging that it had initially sent the check to the wrong address. If you need assistance with a previously submitted application, our customer service staff can assist you by phone by calling 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368). It is kind of a miracle that they are able to do it.. On Jan. 27, Williamson County constables came to execute the eviction. Those constituents were told they were unable to receive their eligible assistance while the agency recouped the funds, the lawmakers wrote Thursday to TDHCA board Chair Leo Vasquez. April 8, 2022 0000017510 00000 n I was a good tenant, Gates said. Reporting: On February 15, 2023 Treasury released ERA1 & ERA2 Quarterly Demographic Data for Q1 2021 through Q3 2022; January 2023. The application process is managed through a software application called Neighborly. Failure to respond will delay application review and timeline for approved payments. A Texas rent relief program has been plagued by problems. ) Texas received more than $2 billion out of the American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package President Joe Biden signed into law last year, to set up the Texas Rent. This news article provides an overview of the Texas Public Utilities Commission's recent order and how it will affect customers in Texas. Other program limitations may also apply please see https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/covid19-response.htm for details. Perhaps it goes without saying but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. You will get a 30-minute legal consultation with information, advice, and resources. According to a legislative report, of the 176,000 people who have begun applications for rental assistance, just over 1,000 have had their applications approved. 2023 Local Profile is a registered trademark of Community Profile LLC. Other organizations That help paying rent in Houston. I am amazed at the strength and resilience that these folks have to figure out how to get on the internet, when they dont have internet at home, and their resourcefulness in getting rent relief at this point, she said. Find a complete list of them here. View The Texas Eviction Diversion Program Highlights. Effectiveness of. They were very well informed that that money was there and it was coming to them, said Scott, whos now living in a short-term rental in Missouri City with her four kids. In order to receive federal rent relief funds through the state, landlords had to sign an agreement that forbids them from evicting tenants for nonpayment during the time period covered by the assistance. In March 2022, Texas Rent Relief received additional funding to the tune of $47.8 million from the U.S. Treasury Department. Then you can type what your issue or concern. Assistance continues to grow with an average of $6 million approved per day in the last week, with marked increases seen weekly. As of July 26, more than 95,000 households have received assistance from the Texas Rent Relief Program, and almost $600 million in relief has been paid out, according to the TDHCA. Call to schedule an appointment with a legal representative. Find the program in your area by state , territory, or tribe and apply for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA). r.t)gfv9~;Y>)?4{(gbx|/Ipv.8|0a(#0`~GhFc=pxr1{YpG0 Our vision is to inspire and engage our members and stakeholders to end the affordable housing crisis in Texas. All Rights Reserved. TXHAF is administered by TDHCA with funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. cy,a`G|~OOsQ>gR-"F HT$uUD$>@he^? A free legal hotline available to South Texas residents. Members in the News (MEMBERS ONLY) But it's not a fast process. Updated information and a lease for the new unit will be required in the AFR application. Women In Business. The first payment never came because they had a Covid outbreak. Expected time in this status: less than one week. All applications will be processed in the order they are received, giving priority to those households facing evictions. And more is on the. Altogether, about $2 billion of the federal rental and utility assistance funds approved by Congress last year were earmarked for Texas. Top Listings Landlords and tenants are particularly put on notice that 18 U.S.C. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. If you are concerned that a community is not in compliance, please contact the TDHCA at 512-475-3800. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. The program will also have a call . HWmo6_qf&..WVmFJ=GRIOtK^Sq|}"SiSm%S@xS|,NXAC,g uW,,myVH!eMJA^Te**gNx7{uFw vW\uMru JWMu;C,^NJvgVt>(,Y*-.=-zq5t:ATi:w#GG7/V=ohM{3wi5omHo;lpFEMBL%%-P|=fsWv@>f;&X6gji#~L8Uhg JVt`E\L+@j8J:,acf)#--iU)'bc/s/PK3d JC#p0;~mY>VORqiK:JOFrPTgfF:*c! Applications can be also made . Your rent and/or utility relief payments will be made directly to your landlord and utility companies. And if they did, it should be audited and reviewed by [government investigators] so that we can recoup our funds for the misuse of the dollars.. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. Applicant will receive an email notification of approval. SACRAMENTO - California's COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is reaching a significant milestone today - by the end of the day, more than $1 billion in funding will be obligated - meaning the money has either been paid or approved for payment and awaiting disbursement - and will assist over 74,000 additional households. Hope this timeline helps someone! But the program had fixed that error, the email said. Mar 1, 2023. events. Texas' rent relief program has been plagued by problems that slow payments and could prompt evictions According to a legislative report, of the 176,000 people who have begun applications. Even if the rent relief check was in hand, it wouldnt have covered the amount sought by the landlord, Musselman said. The following provides performance of the Texas Rent Relief Program, as of May 12, 2021: More than $110 million has been paid or is in the process of being paid. As of Wednesday, the program has assisted more than 300,000 households. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. Read on for a look at these new changes, and visit our Rent and Legal Assistance page on the COVID-19 & Texas Law guide for more information. There have been nearly 50,000 eviction filings in Houston since the beginning of the pandemic. Weve had to handhold our residents through these various processes, obtaining the correct documentation, helping them with scanning, Mattingly was told by one landlord. Applicants must still provide all other required program documentation and must provide evidence of the notice of utility disconnection. The Texas Rent Relief Program will shut down its application portal at 5 p.m. on Friday. 1001 provides, among other things, that whoever knowingly and willingly makes or uses a document or writing containing any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States will be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. And only 250 of payments have been sent. %PDF-1.7 % 0000005047 00000 n First-time applicants may be eligible for up to 18 months of aid with rent and utility bills. I dont know if its greatbut youre supposed to be able to use it on your mobile device.. 0000058095 00000 n stream Closed from 12 to 1pm for lunch. 0000026104 00000 n Perhaps it goes without saying but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. To get that protection, you'll need to attest on a declaration form that you meet a few requirements, such as that you earned less than $99,000 in 2020 or 2021. According to CW33, TDHCA executive director, Bobby Wilkinson advised those applying to gather all necessary paperwork ahead of time to have them ready by March 14, 2023, when applications will open. If you live in Texas no matter if you are landlord or tenants this program will help you, the simplest way is to apply for Texas Emergency rent assistance for covid 19, Visit the website, Create a account, and apply online. That happens even when tenants win their eviction cases in court. The program has emergency funds available to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). In her case, the check arrived in time but went to the wrong place. TDHCA announced that they would be accepting new applications in March of 2023 to distribute the remaining funds. "I urge qualifying households to apply for this program once applications open on February 15th. Visit TexasRentRelief.com for more program highlights. The Texas rent relief program has only made three payments despite being online for over . Applications will be processed in the order received, prioritizing those facing evictions. Falsification of documents or any material falsehoods or omissions in an Application to this program, including knowingly seeking duplicative benefits, is subject to state and federal criminal penalties. Johnson, a manager of a hair salon and certified nursing assistant, had asked the program in October for help covering rent while she recovered from giving birth to her son and couldnt work. <> The application software issue has been resolved. Around the time of the eviction, Scott and her husband separated. When Cherice Scott received a notice last September that she, her husband and their four children would soon be kicked out of their Katy apartment, she said employees at the complex told her not to worry about it. Rosales said shes heard landlords say at eviction court that they're already so frustrated and tired by the slow pace and confusing nature of rental assistance programs that theyd rather evict tenants than hold out for assistance. <> Advocacy Alerts *Must make an appointment. Scott said she complained to a program staffer in October about her landlords conduct, and the staffer referred the complaint to the programs anti-fraud division. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs also offers a website about this program. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Johnsons trying not to dwell on the saga. This time period has been shortened based on direction from the Department of Treasury. Box 580314 We believe owners have done their best to try to understand the intricacies of the program and comply with its requirements, Mintz said. rental assistance programs, totaling $46.55 billion. I shouldnt have.. 0000032141 00000 n Alexander Stamm, an attorney with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid who is representing Gates, said Musselman shouldnt have let the trial take place at all because of a Texas Supreme Court order requiring judges to postpone eviction cases if a landlord confirms they have joined a tenants application for rent relief. How are landlords going to have faith in a rental relief program, and how are they going to hang on their tenants when this is happening? Rosales said. TDHCA has provided the following updates regarding the program: ADDITIONAL FUNDING REQUESTS (AFR) INFORMATION. 2n -.-&) 1 1 Many people, especially women, have been unable to work because of child care responsibilities. Need to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Sharing of Certifications: As outlined in the Tenant and Landlord certifications, the program may share a copy of the tenant, landlord, or utility provider certification with the tenant applicant, a user approved by the tenant, or an associated landlord or utility provider, as well as counsel for any of these parties. It got off to a rocky start when it signed up just a few hundred people in the first few months. We continue to see a strong need for assistance, and eviction filings statewide have now returned to pre-pandemic levels. For more information on returning a payment, email [email protected]. 1 0 obj Hosted every Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m., by the. You cant have it both ways with Texas Rent Relief, Stamm said. Governor Abbott and TDHCA launched the Texas Rent Relief program in February 2021 the first statewide rent and utility assistance program for qualifying households throughout Texas. These funds may be disbursed to either tenants or landlords. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. On Wednesday, the head of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs took questions from lawmakers about the troubled rollout of the program. your Phone number -Specify Landlord or tenant rental assistance. Exactly how many people have fallen behind on rent over the past year is unclear. See our Eviction page for information on the CDC's eviction moratorium and other eviction topics. hb``b``yX01 $J|*]gw"sq7X>6>^`hD"0Q{in00 Y? ` q endstream endobj 5 0 obj <> endobj 6 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 792.0 612.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 7 0 obj <> endobj 8 0 obj <> endobj 9 0 obj [/ICCBased 22 0 R] endobj 10 0 obj [/Separation/Red 9 0 R<>] endobj 11 0 obj <> endobj 12 0 obj <>stream Diana Johnson, 35, was waiting on rent relief in January when her landlord tried to evict her and her seven children from their three-bedroom apartment in Southeast Dallas. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) created this COVID-19 relief program in February of 2021. Are you a Texas resident looking for affordable housing? It's embarrassing, Scott said. Utility Payment Program Provides assistance to eligible Texas homeowners with qualified hardships to pay past due utility bills and up to three (3) months of prospective payments. On January 24,2023, Treasury released the reallocation amounts for ERA2 Quarter 2 General Pool Reallocation and Designated Voluntary Reallocations; Guidance: On January 5, 2023 Treasury published an updated version of the ERA1 . Neighborhood Centers Inc: 713-665-3600. Arts + Culture TAAHP Scholarships According to the TRR portal, the program provided over $2 billion in emergency funds since its launch, helping more than 310,000 Texas families remain stably housed during the pandemic. Rental assistance payments will generally be made directly to landlords participating in the program, unless they cannot be reached, their relationship with the tenant application cannot be established in a timely manner, or they do not agree to accept the payment. Food + Drink Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST Help is available in multiple languages. By clicking the plus sign by one of the listed programs, the page will expand and provide the full details of that program. They may also request assistance with any arrears that have not already been covered by previous TRR assistance or another provider, so long as the total months of assistance for each type of assistance (for example, rent, gas, water, etc.) They told her there was no way to see if they had received it, she said. But housing advocates and lawyers who represent tenants facing eviction say they routinely see cases of Texas landlords accepting thousands of dollars from the government and evicting the tenants the money was intended to help. Now, with a remaining $96 million in rent relief funds, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) re-opened the Texas Rent Relief Program (TRR) and online applications through the portal will be accepted for a limited time from March 14 to 28. Then she gave up her job at the Katy hospital to care once more for her youngest daughter. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days. Mailbag: Evermore. The rent relief checks cleared RDRHs bank account on Feb. 4 less than two weeks after Gates was evicted. Prior to any payment being made to a tenant directly, TRR will make three attempts to request that the landlord participates in the program via email, phone, or text, over no less than a 5 calendar-day period. Visit the TDHCA contact us page for information. Tirloni, the TDHCA spokesperson, declined to discuss individual tenants cases, including Scotts, citing state law that prevents TDHCA from disclosing information about people who receive benefits from programs administered by the agency. Librarians at the State Law Library can provide information about the law, but cannot give legal advice. Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter? Member Grand Openings (MEMBERS ONLY) Were adding added significant resources to attack the backlog and get the money out the door. Even if the programs software and staffing struggles have been addressed, Rosales still worries that the programs reliance on online applications will leave eligible renters unable to apply. Prior to any payment being made to a tenant directly, TRR will make three attempts to request that the landlord participates in the program via email, phone, or text, over no less than a 5 calendar-day period. State Rep. Diego Bernal, a San Antonio Democrat, wanted to know what was being done to make sure landlords know that the problems are being fixed and to urge them to hold off on filing eviction cases against tenants who tried to apply for rent relief but had their application held up . If you need help paying rent in Katy, or other financial assistance, reach out to Katy Christian Ministries for more information on their programs. The program was originally launched in February 2021 and is administered by the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a federal effort to mitigate the affordable housing crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He was asked whether he planned to reduce the $42 million contract with Horne LLP due to the troubled rollout, and said his team is reviewing the contract.