The City of Austin RENT Assistance Program can help renters financially impacted by the pandemic pay rent as far back as April 2020. This program helps pay for:      
 
▪        Current and past due unpaid rents*,
▪        Late fees for past due unpaid rent (late fees will be capped at 10% of the gross monthly rent),
▪        Future rent* (after past due and current rent assistance is provided, eligible renters needing help with future rent can be certified for groups of 3 months of future rent assistance, for not more than 15 months of total rent help for unpaid rents due between April 2020 and December 2021, if funds are available.

RENT funds can cover the rent listed on the lease with any fees or utilities that are included in the rent amount listed. The funds may not be used to pay for tenant damages or provide reimbursement for rent previously paid for by the tenant. 

*The rent amount is determined by the lease. If the rent on the lease exceeds 175% of the Fair Market Rent (FMR) based on the unit's bedroom size, the rent assistance will be capped at the 175% limit. Renters who receive federal subsidy and are otherwise eligible for RENT assistance, would only be eligible for the rent portion owed by the renter and not the amount covered by the federal housing subsidy program.   

If you have questions, you may call 512-488-1397 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, except for observed holidays. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for RENT.  The RENT Assistance program receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. If you speak Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Burmese, Urdu, or Vietnamese, you will be prompted to select your primary language and leave a voicemail.  Your call will be returned within 24-48 hours with an interpreter on the line.

Overview Video - English
Overview Video - Spanish

Note: Applicants assisted with ERA2 funds are permitted to display a financial hardship that occurred during the COVID pandemic.

Renter households must have an income no more than 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI)AND one or more members of the household must have either:
      ●   qualified for unemployment benefits, OR
      ●   provide proof that due to COVID-19 they:
               o have less income,
               o have more costs or bills, or
               o experienced other financial hardship.
AND one or more individuals within the household must demonstrate they:
      ●  are at risk of experiencing homelessness or their housing situation is uncertain, which may include a past due utility/rent notice or eviction notice, OR
      ●  live in unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions.

Additional qualification criteria include:
      ●  You must live inside the City of Austin Full Purpose Jurisdiction boundaries, without any homeownership interest in the property on the application. The address on your application must be your primary residence. Type your address into the COA Map to find out if your home is in the Jurisdiction.

• Renters may not rent from family members.
• Subletting agreements are not permitted.
• The Renter must be residing in the unit in which they are requesting assistance. Once the renter has vacated the unit, they are no longer eligible for rental assistance at that location.

   Note: Applicants assisted with ERA2 funds may certify that they were financially affected by the COVID pandemic or during the COVID pandemic.

RENT funds can cover the rent listed on the lease with any fees or utilities that are included in the rent amount listed. The funds may not be used to pay for tenant damages or utility costs outside of utilities included in the rent.

If the rent on the lease exceeds 175% of the Fair Market Rent (FMR) based on the unit's bedroom size, the rent assistance will be capped at the 175% limit.

2021 Fair Market Rent (FMR) - 175% Limit

0 Bedroom/Studio: $1,853
1 Bedroom: $2,121
2 Bedrooms: $2,510
3 Bedrooms: $3,234
4 Bedrooms: $3,862
5 Bedrooms: $4,442
6 Bedrooms: $5,021

Additionally, renters who receive federal subsidy (Public Housing, Section 8 Tenant-Based and Project Based Voucher Assistance) and are otherwise eligible for RENT assistance, would only be eligible for the rent portion owed by the renter. It will not cover the portion subsidized by the federal government.

The Program begins accepting applications Monday, March 15, 2021 at 8 a.m. Central Time and will remain open until September 2021, or until all available funds have been committed.
 
Applying immediately does not increase your chances of being selected through the random selection process; however, applications submitted prior to noon on March 19th may be included in the first random selection process. Random selections will occur every Friday through September 30, 2021 or until funds are spent.  

You must apply online at austin.covidrenthelp.org during the open application period, which starts Monday, March 15, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. and continues until all available funds have been committed. Applications must be submitted online using a smartphone, mobile device, or computer with Internet access. Applicants must have a valid e-mail address to apply.
 
If you need help in applying, you may call 512-488-1397 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, except for observed holidays. The RENT Assistance program receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing.  If you speak Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Burmese, Urdu, or Vietnamese, you will be prompted to select your primary language and leave a voicemail.  Your call will be returned within 24-48 hours with an interpreter on the line.

Applications are placed into four groups:

▪ Priority 1: Renters who qualify for unemployment for at least the 90 consecutive days before application and have zero or extremely low income (at or less than 30% of the area median income).

▪ Priority 2: Renters who qualify for unemployment for at least the 90 consecutive days before application and have low income (between 30% and 50% of the area median income).

▪ Priority 3:  Renters who meet one of the following criteria:
    o Renters who qualify for unemployment for at least the 90 consecutive days before application, or
    o Low income renters (at or less than 50% of the area median income), or     
    o Renters who have experienced homelessness in the last 3 years, or
    o Renters who applied for the RENT Assistance program between August 2020 – December 2020 and did not receive rent help (this does not include inactive applications and applications that were denied.), or
o Renters who owe 5 or more months of past due rent in arrears. 

▪ Priority 4: All other submitted applications.
Applications are grouped in order of priority points and selected randomly for review. Applications with the highest points will be considered first. The RENT program will randomly select applications weekly on Fridays for processing. Renters can only receive points from one priority tier. If they qualify for more than one, the highest tier points for which they qualify will be applied to their application. The RENT program will request documentation to verify the renter is eligible for the priority points.     

*Households who claim that a household member has qualified for unemployment benefits for the 90 consecutive days prior to the date of the submitted application will be required to provide proof after the application submission to be considered for a priority. The program may request documentation from the family to verify history of homelessness prior to providing the priority point. If the household does not meet the priority claimed, they will be placed in the next highest tier that they qualify for.     

City of Austin RENT Program - Priority Points System - English

City of Austin RENT Program - Priority Points System - Spanish        

You can check to see if an address is within the City of Austin’s Full Purpose Jurisdiction before applying by viewing the COA Map. The program will confirm that an address is in the Full Purpose Jurisdiction. Applicants who reside outside of the jurisdiction are ineligible for the City of Austin RENT Assistance Program funds; however, there are other programs that can provide rent help:
 
Travis County
traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/individuals-families/apply
 
State of Texas
Learn more and apply online at TexasRentRelief.com
Learn more and apply by phone at 833-9TX-RENT / 833-989-7368.

The funds are paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the renter. The RENT Assistance Program staff will attempt to reach the landlord to confirm their willingness to participate. If the landlord declines to participate or if after a 10 calendar day period where the landlord has not responded, the payment will be made to the renter.
 
All Program funds will be disbursed through Direct Deposit. Paper checks will only be issued upon limited special circumstances, such as the landlord does not have a bank account and cannot obtain one.

Contact the RENT Assistance Program by calling (512) 488-1397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for English or Spanish, Monday through Friday, except for observed holidays. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for RENT.  The RENT Assistance Program receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. If you speak Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Burmese, Urdu, or Vietnamese, you will be prompted to select your primary language and leave a voicemail.  Your call will be returned within 24-48 hours with an interpreter on the line.

You may also email any questions to [email protected]. 

The RENT Program as a subrecipient of the City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.  Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.  Please call 512-488-1397 (voice) or Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) for assistance.
 
The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities.  Dolores Gonzalez has been designated as the City’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator.  Her office is located at 505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 600.  If you have any questions or complaints regarding your Section 504/ADA rights, please call the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 974-3256 (voice) or 974-2445 (TTY).
 
This publication is available in alternative formats.  Please call 512-488-1397 (voice) or Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) for assistance.

Go online to austin.covidrenthelp.org to view a “How To Apply” video showing instructions for completing the application. To view, click on the “How To Apply” option. The video is available in English, with subtitles available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Myanmar (Burmese), Urdu, and Vietnamese.
 
Applications may be submitted online using a smartphone, mobile device, or computer with Internet access. Applicants must have a valid e-mail address to apply. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Housing Authority of the City of Austin 
By appointment only, call 512-488-1397 for assistance over the phone. You can be referred to our Application Assistance Center if it is necessary to see someone in person, starting March 22nd.  

YWCA  
2015 S. IH35, Ste 110, Austin, TX 78741 
Call 512-326-1222 or email ywcaaustin.org for application assistance via Zoom and in person by appointment only. For Application assistance, ask for Heather Nicoll. For general questions, asked for Monet Munoz. Will offer in office once agency opens to the public. Assistance available in English and Spanish. 

Dove Spring Proud 
Email [email protected] if you live in the 78744 code and need application assistance. Assistance will be provided via Zoom by appointment only. Assistance available in English.

Society of St Vincent DePaul
Call 512-251-6995 ext 101. Computer labs are open Tuesday-Friday 9am-12pm. Monday appt only. Staff are available to assist with application assistance and uploading documents.

Youth and Family Alliance (LifeWorks)
Email [email protected] or call 512-735-2147 for application help. 

Foundation Communities Prosper Center South
By appointment only, appointments available in person or virtually by phone or video call. In person, must wear a mask. Appointments available Mon-Sat in English or Spanish, plus access to language line for other languages. Call 737-717-4000 to make an appointment. 

El Buen Samaritano
Call assistance line at El Buen at 512-714-6950 for application Assistance and submission, document uploads, Spanish language translation assistance, support and guidance around eligibility requirements, in person drive through application submission assistance.

Latino Health Care Forum
Staff provides in person assistance at HACA during office hours and by appointment at LHCF office. Assistance provided in English and Spanish. Call 512-488-1397.

Austin Apartment Association (Landlord Help)
Rental housing providers (landlords) may receive direct assistance and support for applications.  Call 512-323-0990 to arrange a consultation over the phone, virtually, or in person.  Office hours are 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.  

Additionally, if you need help in applying, you may call 512-488-1397 for English and Spanish, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, except for holidays. The RENT Assistance program receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. If you speak Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Burmese, Urdu, or Vietnamese, you will be prompted to select your primary language and leave a voicemail. Your call will be returned within 24-48 hours with an interpreter on the line.

Yes, the Applicant Portal has been configured in English, and applications are also available in Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Myanmar (Burmese), Urdu, and Vietnamese. To select a different language, use the Language dropdown menu in the top right-hand corner of any screen.

▪        Ask your landlord if they have registered for a landlord account at Austin.covidrenthelp.org and have a Referral Code. If they have not, encourage them to register at austin.covidrenthelp.org. If they have, include the Referral Code in your application. This will speed up eligibility processing, but a Referral Code is not required for you to submit your application.
▪        Your email address and phone number (If you do not have an email address and need to create an email account, go to gmail.com or yahoo.com);
▪        The following information for each household member:
Full name, date of birth, gender, race, ethnicity, relationship to the head of household, and one of the following if you have one: social security number, alien registration number, individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN);
▪        The household's current address and mailing address;
▪        Each household member's current gross monthly income (before taxes or deductions are taken out) and the types of income;
▪        Your landlord's name, email address, and phone number;
▪        If you would like the RENT Program to refer you to Austin Energy’s utility assistance program, gather information about your utility needs, including your account number, and any past due utility amounts. If eligible, your information will be sent to Austin Energy’s program.

Documents are not required to submit your application. However, if you claim that a member of your household qualified for unemployment benefits for at least the 90 consecutive dates prior to your application submission or if you claim that you have a history of homelessness, you will need to submit  documents in your Portal account to prove this immediately following application submission to be considered for the priority.    

You will be contacted with information on how to submit this documentation if your application is selected for eligibility review; however, it may be helpful to start gathering your documents.

Documentation Information Video - English

Documentation Information Video - Spanish

Yes, this is a new program and a different set of eligibility criteria. Applicants who received rent support from the RENT program can apply, and can use the same account; however, this program will not provide funding for the same months for which assistance was received under the prior program. All randomly selected applicants must meet this program’s eligibility criteria to be eligible for funds. Because this is a new program, you will have to submit documents you may have submitted for the prior program.

Persons who are homeless or temporarily staying with a friend, family member, or in a series of other people’s homes are not eligible for RENT funds. For more information visit the City’s web resource for individuals currently experiencing homelessness, or get help through ECHO. 

There is no requirement for applicants to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident to apply.

Yes, partially.  Renters who receive federal subsidy and are otherwise eligible for RENT assistance, would only be eligible for the rent portion owed by the renter and not the amount covered by the federal housing subsidy program.    
 
However, RENT funds cannot be paid for any months in which you are receiving other emergency rental assistance funds from any other emergency rental assistance program. You must return the funds if this RENT program pays for a month that was covered by another program.

No. There is no cost to apply. The RENT Assistance Program will never ask for payment to apply. There is no fee that will improve your chances that your application will be selected or ensure you will receive RENT benefits. Please do not provide personal information to anyone claiming he or she can help you in any of these ways.

Your landlord can submit your name and address to the program but cannot fully apply on your behalf without your permission. If your landlord submits your name to the program, a Referral Code will be sent to you encouraging you to apply. You can add this Referral Code to your application to link you and your landlord together to streamline eligibility processing.

Yes, if you are comfortable having someone else provide your personal information and submit the application on your behalf. By hitting the submit button on your online application, you or the person assisting you with your application are certifying that all the information being provided is true and complete for your household.

Only one application per household can be submitted. A household is defined as people who reside together and have one lease. If you have roommates who each have separate leases, you are considered different households and must apply separately. Any duplicate submissions will be denied and may cause delays in determining your household’s eligibility for assistance or be considered as fraud.

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a Confirmation ID. This ID will also be sent to the email address provided in the application. Please keep your Confirmation ID for future reference.
 
Applying does not guarantee your application will be randomly selected for eligibility determination.

Renters and landlords provide information under penalty of perjury.  Applications with untrue or incomplete information will either be delayed or denied. Funds distributed due to untrue information must be returned immediately to the City of Austin RENT Assistance Program.

You may check the status of your application anytime by logging into your Emergency Rental Assistance Portal (ERAP) account at austin.covidrenthelp.org using the username and password that you set up when you registered for an account.

The first random selection will occur on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 12 noon. Additional random selections will occur every Friday at noon through September 2021, or until RENT funds are committed. The Program will use priority points described above to determine priority for the random selections.

If your application was not chosen through the random selection process, it will automatically be included in the next random selection process until funds are fully committed. You do not need to apply again.

If your application is randomly selected, you will receive an email (and text if you opted-in) that lets you know your application was selected for review and that you are required to submit documentation to begin the review of your application. The RENT Assistance Program will also reach out to your landlord to get information to complete the eligibility process. The eligibility review will not begin until you have submitted all required documents.
 
Applicants who were not randomly selected, will not receive an email.

▪        A Self-Certification form stating you were impacted by COVID; the form will require an E-signature.

▪        Proof of current monthly income for all household members (e.g., recent pay stubs, unemployment benefits letter, etc.). Self-certification is available in some cases.
▪        Proof your household is at risk of experiencing homelessness or that your housing is unstable, which may include a past due utility/rent notice or eviction notice.
▪        Your current lease showing address, leaseholder, amount of lease rent, term of lease or if your lease is on a month-to-month basis; the lease must have been signed by you and your landlord.
▪        Government issued photo ID for the head of household (e.g., driver's license, Passport, or other photo ID).

 

     Note: Applicants assisted with ERA2 funds may certify that they were financially affected by the COVID pandemic or during the COVID pandemic.

Families who currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), Medicaid, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or Austin Energy's Customer Assistance Program (CAP) benefits may be able to provide their current benefit letter instead of documentation listed below.

 Otherwise, verification can include:
●    2 most recent consecutive pay stubs    
●    Other proof of earned income
●    2021 Social Security/SSI benefit letter
●    Proof of child support    
●    TANF (Temporary Assistance For Needy Families) assistance letter
●    Unemployment benefits letter
●    Veterans benefits letter    
●    Self-employment accounting documentation/books
●    Proof of annuities    
●    Proof of retirement funds
●    Pension benefit letter      
●    Worker’s compensation/severance pay verification      
●    Armed Forces pay verification           
●    Student financial assistance verification           
●    Regular contributions or gifts verification      
●    Alimony verification           
●    Other documents to verify your income    

If a household cannot reasonably provide proof of some income types, the program will provide a self-certification form in some cases, such as:
●    Employment (self-employment, cash payments, odd jobs)
●    Child Support (direct payment, irregular payments)
●    Regular Contributions/Gifts to the household
●    Other income that cannot be proved by a third party source   

To upload documents using your PC or Mac, please do the following:
▪        Tap on "Select files..." You will be presented with a web browser dialog for uploading files. Please find and select your file(s).
 
To upload documents using your smartphone or tablet, you may take photos with your device. Make sure the photo is legible and complete to avoid delays in processing your application. The RENT Assistance Program suggests downloading the CamScanner app to assist you in scanning your documents accurately.

As applications are randomly selected for eligibility review, the renter will be notified that they need to submit certain documentation to support their application. The renter will have 5 calendar days to submit all necessary information, which can be uploaded directly to their application Portal account. You can also text it or email it to the program. You can request an extension if necessary. If the information is not received in by the deadline or you have not requested an extension, your application will be marked as inactive and eligibility review will stop. Once the documentation is received, the application will be assigned to an Eligibility Specialist who will resume review.

Once the applicant sends in their information, if any documentation is missing or incomplete, the Eligibility Specialist will attempt to reach the applicant by the email address and phone number listed on the application. The applicant will have an additional 72 hours (3 days) to provide any missing or incomplete documentation to the Eligibility Specialist. If the documentation is not submitted by the due date, the application will be marked as inactive until the documents are received, and the eligibility review will stop.

At the same time, a team will be reaching out to the landlord to see if the landlord is willing to participate and provide documentation.   

If your landlord refuses to enroll in the Program, you can still apply directly. To provide direct payments to the renter, the Program is required to attempt to reach the landlord to confirm their unwillingness to participate. After a 10 calendar day period in which the Program has not heard from the landlord after multiple attempts or the Program has confirmation they have declined to participate, the payment will be made to the renter. The renter will complete an additional certification form and provide additional information in these cases.

Applicants who are found to be ineligible for RENT Assistance Program funds will be notified by email. If the landlord is registered with the program, the landlord will also be notified that their renter is ineligible but will not be provided with the reason for denial.

Program funds paid directly to the renter, when a landlord does not agree to participate, are not considered taxable income for the renter.

For approved applicants who have not received the maximum of up to 15 total months of rent assistance for rents due April 2020 through December 2021, the program will start a recertification process to determine continued need 30 days before the last month of future assistance, as long as funding remains. 

Here’s what you can do to help your eligible tenants, so we can pay the rent to you on their behalf:

• Share the website AustinTexas.gov/RENT  It is available in English & Spanish.
• Order free RENT print materials flyers, postcards window clings, and/or yard signs. 
• Go to  http://bit.ly/RENT_OrderPrints to select useful materials, and to schedule a pick-up.
• Post RENT materials in common areas, on the grounds. You can also directly share information with your renters.
• Yard signs and Window Clings are available in English & Spanish. 
  Postcards, social media graphics & Program Info 1-sheeters are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, French, and Urdu.  
• Send out an email, post on your social media, or include in your newsletters, information about the program. Suggested content and graphics are available in the digital marketing kit http://bit.ly/RENTassistance

Let your renter know that if they have questions they can call (512)-488-1397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for English or Spanish, Monday through Friday, except for observed holidays. They may also email any questions to [email protected]

If they speak Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Burmese, Urdu, or Vietnamese, they will be prompted to select your primary language and leave a voicemail.  Their call will be returned within 24-48 hours with an interpreter on the line. The RENT Assistance Program receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Signing up for a landlord account is required to participate in the program, but it also provides many benefits to landlords. By registering for a landlord account, landlords can do the following:
▪        Refer their renters through this Portal to apply for the City of Austin RENT Assistance Program
▪        Access the up-to-date information 24/7 about their renter’s application status
▪        Easily sign or upload required Program documents electronically
▪        Sign up for direct deposit of eligible funds
▪        View payment information about program funds approved for your renters
▪        Manage multiple renters, entities and properties all in one sign-in account

Watch this short video on the basics of the program and how to register as a landlord in the Portal:

 

To register for a landlord account, click the Signup button on the austin.covidrenthelp.org homepage.

 

Similarly, landlords who own or manage multiple properties with different EIN numbers can manage all their properties under one landlord sign-in. The landlord will be able to create a separate record for each entity based on the EIN number of the entity. The landlord can upload or e-sign a W-9 and provide the direct deposit information for each entity in the portal.

Landlords should only set up one log-in per entity based on the owning/managing entity’s EIN/SSN. If you have more than one staff member that needs access to applicant information, please register for only one account and use shared log-in credentials.

First, landlords should register for an ERAP account at austin.covidrenthelp.org. Once a landlord has registered for an ERAP account, log in, and click the Landlord Info button. Enter your Landlord/Agent info to add your entity to your account. Once your entity is created, click the Refer Renters option to enter your renter’s email address under the Applications section. Once the renter’s email has been entered, the Portal will send an email message inviting your renter to notify them of the program and encourage them to apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Renters can then follow the link in the email to begin the application.  

Within 5 days of the date of the request, the landlord will need to upload or e-sign the following information in their Landlord account:
▪        Signed W-9 form,
▪        Completed Landlord Certification Form,
▪        Fully executed lease with the renter,
▪        Direct deposit banking information, and
▪        Proof of ownership/management agreement (if requested)

If after 10 calendar days, the landlord has not provided the requested information or the landlord has declined to participate, rent funds will be issued directly to the eligible renter to then be paid to the landlord.

Renters are responsible for applying; however, the landlord can check the status of their renter’s application in the landlords ERAP account if:
▪        The renter provides the landlord’s Referral Code in their application at the time of submission; or
▪        The renter provides the landlord with their application Confirmation ID and the landlord enters this ID in the Applications section of the Landlord’s ERAP account

No. We will contact the landlord, and explain how the program works. The landlord will be notified by email to provide all required documentation and the method in which to do so. If the landlord does not respond to the Program's requests to participate after 10 calendar days or the landlord notifies the RENT program they will not participate in the program, funds for eligible renters will be disbursed to the renter directly, who must then give the funds to the landlord.

All Program funds will be disbursed through Direct Deposit. Paper checks will only be issued upon limited special circumstances, such as the landlord does not have a bank account and cannot obtain one.

Landlords will be able to enter their banking information in their Landlord ERAP account. Payments will be direct deposited into the account provided within approximately 10-15 business days after a renter receives final approval.  All banking information will be kept secure and will not be shared with any unauthorized parties. 
 
Landlords requiring a paper check could see a 30-day or more delay in receiving funds.

Landlords will receive an email detailing the payments made and landlords can also check the status of payment in their Landlord ERAP account under Payment History at any time for real-time updates.

Yes, landlords will receive a 1099 form to the mailing address provided to the Program in the ERAP account.

Partially, yes. Renters who receive federal subsidy and are otherwise eligible for RENT assistance, would only be eligible for the rent portion owed by the renter. It will not cover the portion subsidized by the federal government.

However, RENT funds cannot be paid for any months in which you are receiving other emergency rental assistance funds from any other emergency rental assistance program. Also, you cannot receive emergency rental assistance funds from multiple agencies in excess of 15 months.

The City of Austin RENT Assistance Program will no longer pass eligible applicant information to Austin Energy for utility assistance. Austin Energy customers can call 512-494-9400 or go to https://coautilities.com/wps/wcm/connect/occ/coa/util/support/customer-assistance/plus-1 for assistance in setting up payment arrangements or being referred to a partner agency for emergency relief. 

Non-Austin Energy customers may contact Travis County for other utility assistance:
https://www.traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/individuals-families/rental-assistance

If you need additional help, please contact the following resources below or visit the City of Austin’s Housing Resources webpage:


Eviction Prevention or Legal Representation in Court
https://www.trla.org/ 
Call: 1-888-988-9996

Tenant/Landlord Counseling or Mediation
https://www.housing-rights.org/
Call: (512) 474-1961 

Tenant Relocation Services (Moving, Storage)
Call: 512-974-3100 

Utility Assistance 
Austin Energy Customers
https://austinenergy.com/ae/residential/your-bill/customer-assistance-programs/cap-discounts/  
Call: 512-494-9400

Non-Austin Energy Customers
Travis County:
https://www.traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/individuals-families/rental-assistance

State of Texas:
TexasRentRelief.com
833-9TX-RENT / 833-989-7368

Travis County Emergency Rent Assistance Program: 
https://www.traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/individuals-families/apply