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. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) created the Texas Rent Relief program to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). We're thankful for the opportunity to re-open the application portal for two weeks to help more Texas tenants and landlords," said Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA Executive Director. <> Home All past-due rent and utilities (back to March 13, 2020) will be paid first. <>/Metadata 393 0 R/ViewerPreferences 394 0 R>> Do you value our journalism? What is clear is that a lot of Texans could use the help of the Texas Rent Relief program. Fo;o7d0ywL|JR!xM%|{GGk#x5OOs=cj ldk6yQhvuFPH:A3w7p^km,xa5qJCzGn` Qm;\]RR)RfZzua!v" ExqKgp?NLR}.ka2`Rpbtm!#9#OF4?1B&|2ousE?-u@[2d(K8&8 \l=>` Please take our patron satisfaction survey! We've provided over $2B in emergency funds to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). TDHCA has provided the following updates regarding the program: ADDITIONAL FUNDING REQUESTS (AFR) INFORMATION. And were also looking for ways to streamline, reduce documentation burdens, and well continue to adapt as needed, Wilkinson said. Since their October eviction from their Katy apartment, Scott and her four children have lived in hotels and other temporary settings. 0000047797 00000 n Mattingly also heads the Dallas Apartment Association, which represents landlords. Learn how Section 8 provides rental help Find housing services and information Texans can get housing assistance whether they live in rural or urban areas. Let the judge know if any of these things have happened. Nov. 9, 2021 - (Tarrant County) - As of Friday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m., the Texas Rent Relief Program (TRR), the State of Texas' rental assistance program, stopped accepting applications. Two landlords, like Scotts, evicted their tenants in the period between the initial rent relief application and when the government money arrived and then kept it an apparent violation of the programs requirements for landlords. 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). Member Editorials (MEMBERS ONLY) The report was released less than a week after the Supreme Court of Texas let lapse a set of rules for how courts in the state enforce a federal eviction ban, which the Biden administration extended through into the summer. Business This news article provides an overview of the Texas Public Utilities Commission's recent order and how it will affect customers in Texas. But The Texas Tribune interviewed tenants from across the state who were approved for federal rental assistance and were evicted anyway. the service staff will examine your application and once it is approved you will be able to claim emergency rental . Texas law allows landlords to collect "reasonable" late fees if any portion of the rent remains unpaid more than two full days after it was due. The federal government and the state of Texas both had people like Scott and her family in mind when they hurriedly created a safety net for struggling renters amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Show us with your support. *L#H0o=M6S:{D A^o l'a7*, :>W:lfD;)SHK(r$Iy2lj\*vj-Wf8+GfJs &Xsua9fqsJYKk~(FbD*fwG[VEiG]e29^Qv($6,9arts1y$ GS?u(-4Wc-J(,_@&U 0000005047 00000 n To apply for residency, you may contact the onsite leasing staff for the development you wish to apply for or contact your local housing authority for assistance. Texas Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Texas Rent Relief approved her for a little over $3,100 about three months worth of rent. 0000002022 00000 n And frankly, theyre tired.. The industry standard here is fraud, said Stuart Campbell, managing attorney at Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, speaking generally about instances in which landlords receive rent relief funds and evict tenants. Interests Request for assistance has been verified and approved. These funds may be disbursed to either tenants or landlords. When asked if he had a set targets for performance going forward, he said I can and I will, but that he wanted to for a couple weeks before committing to specific goals. TDHCA operates the state hotline where complaints originate. SOURCE Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Cision Distribution 888-776-0942 Our constituents experienced significant unreliability during an already challenging set of circumstances, all the while, both renters and landlords alike had unclear direction from TDHCA for weeks or months if and when the approved funds would finally arrive, the lawmakers wrote. KERA also reached out to Gov. Researchers have offered estimates of past-due rent in the U.S. ranging from $8.4 billion to $52.6 billion. Policy and Regulatory Updates (MEMBERS ONLY) 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. 0000068079 00000 n About the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Perhaps it goes without saying but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. The following provides performance of the Texas Rent Relief Program, as of May 12, 2021: More than $110 million has been paid or is in the process of being paid. When Cherice Scott received a notice last September that she, her husband and their four children would soon be kicked out of their Katy apartment, she said employees at the complex told her not to worry about it. First-time TRR applicants may be eligible for up to 18 months of rent and utility bill assistance, either with past due payments or a combination of past due and up to three months of current and future payments made on their behalf. Housing experts say they expect expiration of the eviction rules will make the already spotty protections of the eviction moratorium even more unevenly applied. Houston, TX 77258. That makes removing barriers to helping families catch up on the rent even more vital, Rosales said. Top Listings Here we are at the beginning of April and still only about 200 Texas families have actually received direct help from this billion dollar program, which is unacceptable, and we need to continue to get this worked out quickly, committee chair state Rep. Philip Cortez, a San Antonio Democrat, told Texas Public Radio. Were adding added significant resources to attack the backlog and get the money out the door. If you have evidence, be sure to bring it to court. #4'x= 3r8 #TH(fY'O3 }~\N |iz$&dr_~azLN~u($~^ K H!K @gq4. Stamm alleges that RDRH Holdings violated six requirements set out by the program in a contract landlords must sign in order to receive funds. Payment cannot be released until 90 days after the initial disbursement date; however, be advised that review and approval timelines will often exceed 90 days from the last disbursement. TRR is processing applications . Calls to Musemeche were not returned. 0000001407 00000 n Failure to respond will delay application review and timeline for approved payments. 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. Faced with a pot of federal money larger than the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' annual budget, the state agency contracted Houston-based management consultancy Horne LLP to run the Texas Rent Relief program, agreeing to pay the company more than $42 million. This program has specific eligibility requirements and not all households may be eligible. Scott had landed a new job as a dietician at a local hospital when she returned from work one afternoon in early October to find most of her belongings spread out on the lawn and the locks changed. Check status periodically. 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. While hes cautiously optimistic that the Texas Rent Relief programs problems have largely been addressed, fundamental questions remain unanswered. 0000098050 00000 n Applicant will receive an email notification of approval. Residents of McNair, Baytown, Highlands or Chambers County. Eligible households can apply for assistance online at TexasRentRelief.com or over the phone by calling the TRR call center at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368). As of Feb. 17, Gates former landlord hadnt done so, Stamm said. 3/11/2021 Funding Update: $918,238,535 available Release of information or other details will be required under some circumstances. V o l . The Texas Rent Relief Program was launched by TDHCA on February 15th to solve this problem and bring relief to millions across the United States. The states leadership shouldve been prepared to get money out to struggling renters as soon as Congress approved the funding, Rosales said, but instead have focused on their own political interests. TXHAF provides eligible homeowners with . Its unclear whether landlords face any penalties from state agencies for improperly evicting tenants while receiving rent relief dollars intended to help those tenants stay housed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those facing eviction should seek legal assistance, go to their eviction hearing, and stay in communication with their landlord and the court. Jeff Williams, a Harris County justice of the peace, had approved the eviction without Scott present in court a typical outcome in eviction cases when tenants dont show up to their hearings. Applications to the relief program can be submitted beginning March 14. Most states have lifted their . The fund is designed to provide rent relief for renters experiencing financial hardship. Landlord Application Information. 0000078000 00000 n stream I shouldnt have.. Of the maximum $65,000 available per household, up to $10,000 can be used for utility assistance (inclusive of past due balance and prospective assistance). Mon: 8 to 5pm. It turns out the state program had sent the check in September to the wrong address. But she still hasnt found a place to live. 4 45 0000068016 00000 n Greg Abbott for comment on the report. When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type. Your application status will flash one of the following statuses as provided in the chart. A scathing staff report from the Texas House Urban Affairs Committee released Monday details a host of issues that have plagued the more than $1 billion rent relief program. Avenue 360 (formerly Bearing Omega and Houston Area Community Services) Web. TDHCA is using the funds to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). pk}b=^ ;+2b4+rU:"KOJF&. We cant wait to welcome you in person and online to the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival, our multiday celebration of big, bold ideas about politics, public policy and the days news all taking place just steps away from the Texas Capitol from Sept. 22-24. 0000000016 00000 n Our vision is to inspire and engage our members and stakeholders to end the affordable housing crisis in Texas. Texas Rent Relief assistance payments to landlords and utility providers are considered taxable income. Applications will be processed in the order received, prioritizing those facing evictions. In Texas, two state agencies the TDHCA, which oversees the statewide rent relief program, and the State Auditors Office have the authority to look into allegations of waste, fraud or abuse within the program. She said the past few months have been hard. He oversees the state's executive branch, including the housing and community affairs department. Box 580314 This guide is updated to reflect information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. If your landlord breaks their agreement with the Texas Rent Relief program, you may file a complaint with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The TRR portal will accept new applications starting Tuesday, March 14 at 8 a.m. CT through Tuesday, March 28 at 11:59 p.m. CT, to help eligible households with rent and utility payments. Updated: 8 AM Central. Eligibility: For anyone who currently rents in the United States and resides in any of the properties Esusu works with. 8. Texas Tech To Host Art Gallery. 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. "To date, Texas Rent Relief has served . The application portal opens Tuesday, March 14th at 8 a.m. and closes Tuesday, March 28th, at 11:59 p.m. To contact the Texas Rent Relief program, please call 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368). Johnsons landlord a partnership owned by Mark Musemeche, a Houston developer had already accepted more than $4,200 in federal money in August to pay four months of rent, according to a copy of Johnsons rent ledger she provided to the Tribune. 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. Around that time, Johnson said she caught COVID-19 and had to miss a month of work. Members in the News (MEMBERS ONLY) To help with emergency housing needs, HAP has two components: rental assistance and relocation assistance for qualified households facing housing instability. Departments Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The TRR application portal goes live Tuesday, March 14 at 8 a.m. and ends Tuesday, March 28 at 11:59 p.m. to help eligible households with rent and utility payments. The TRR portal will accept new applications starting Tuesday, March 14 at 8 a.m. CT through Tuesday, March 28 at 11:59 p.m. CT, to help eligible households with . Information in this guide is subject to change at any time. [n6[_.7jSz In our view, the judge made a mistake letting the trial proceed as soon as [the property manager] confirmed that the owner had a pending application for rental assistance, Stamm said in an email. At a Jan. 10 eviction hearing, Gates said she told Williamson County Justice of the Peace KT Musselman she had been approved for rent relief and explained that the check went to the wrong address facts she said the property manager, who represented the landlord in court, backed up. Landlords who received rent relief dollars cant evict tenants for any reason related to rent or fees during the time period covered by the funds, according to the program requirements. Effectiveness of. One landlord received federal money through the Texas Rent Relief program and later chose not to renew their tenants lease which was legal in that case. *Must make an appointment. But none of that recovered money is helping tenants ousted from their homes, said Julia Ordua, Southeast Texas regional director for Texas Housers, a nonprofit low-income housing advocacy group. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. According to the report, of the 176,000 people who have begun applications, just over 1,000 have had their applications approved. Stephanie Gates also thought the state rent relief program would save her from an eviction. At the moment, Gates is bouncing back and forth between her fathers house and a friends while she appeals her eviction in an attempt to strike it from her record and make it easier for her to find a new place. 2023 Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers. In March 2022, Texas Rent Relief received additional funding to the tune of $47.8 million from the U.S. Treasury Department. Other organizations That help paying rent in Houston. Its awesome. by Christopher Connelly, KERA News An employee at the apartment complex, Crestshire Village Apartments, declined to comment. The application process is managed through a software application called Neighborly. 4 0 obj <> endobj xref 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 . 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. . All Rights Reserved. The 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, passed in December 2020, included $25 billion in urgently needed emergency rental assistance (ERA1) for tenants with low incomes and established the Emergency Rental Assistance program (ERA) administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury). For checking the Texas rent relief application status, you can either go online or call them up at 1-833-989-7368. "The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant financial strain on many Texans, and the Texas Rent Relief Program will provide an incredible lifeline to households in need of assistance on their rent and utility payments," said Governor Abbott. You cant get paid directly, and also break the promises you made that were designed to keep someone in their home.. By clicking the plus sign by one of the listed programs, the page will expand and provide the full details of that program. %PDF-1.7 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. Ask us! In June, Gates said she lost her job after she missed a week of work because of a medical problem. TDHCA has taken very seriously the responsibility of helping Texas renters and landlords overcome the financial burden brought on by the pandemic, Tirloni said. All those folks acted in good faith on something that we offered them, that theyre by definition entitled toand by some sort of error, theyre not getting the relief that they need, and then the state Supreme Court let its rules around the eviction moratorium lapse, Bernal said. Lee Reznicek, a property manager who oversees Gates former home for Austin-based Hill Country Property Management, declined to comment when reached by email. At the federal level, that job falls to the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Inspector General. When you click on the link for the first time, you will need to be prepared with a valid email address. After weeks of phone calls, a Texas Rent Relief program staffer told Scott that her former landlord had indeed received the rent relief money in mid-November more than $11,000, enough to cover the six months back rent they owed. -Per federal guidelines for Emergency Rental Assistance funding, Texas Rent Relief will provide a completed IRS Form 1099-MISC to all landlords and utility providers that received at least $600 in assistance from the program during the 2021 . The Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund Program (TXHAF) provides financial assistance to qualified Texas homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage and related expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people, especially women, have been unable to work because of child care responsibilities. Her former landlord had taken the rent relief funds after they evicted her. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST Help is available in multiple languages. You can also call the TDHCA's fraud hotline if you think your landlord may be mishandling the funds: (833) 61-FRAUD or (833) 613-7283. Apr 20, 2021 Like Dislike Share Save Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs 2.97K subscribers The Texas Rent Relief program can provide utility and rental assistance to. Texas Housing Conference As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. 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. I did everything right, and to still have my stuff thrown down the street its just something that Im still trying to process, Gates said. Eligible households can apply for assistance online at TexasRentRelief.com or over the phone by calling the TRR call center at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368). Questions? Applicants that have received help from the program before but have not received the maximum of 18 months of assistance allowed, can submit an additional funding request using their existing online user account. Job Listings Once the application is submitted, applicants need to remain alert for emails or calls from TDHCAs representatives who could ask for additional information. Scott said she spoke to the office staff and walked away believing she didnt need to worry about eviction as they waited for the relief money or to bother showing up to court. You can also get financial assistance for rent, food, and other expenses by turning to other organizations. COVID-19 Past due, current and up to 2 months of expected rent costs, Past due, current and up to 2 months of expected utility and home energy expenses, After the initial 3 months of current/future assistance, renters were able to apply for 3 additional months of assistance if funds were still available, If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse please call, View the Texas Rent Relief Program Dashboard (Dashboard in English), https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/covid19-response.htm. The Texas Rent Relief program was set up to help people pay their bills. 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. In February, Texas launched a program to help people who had missed rent payments because of the pandemic. As the tenant was evicted from the unit associated with this application, pursuant to program policies, rental arrears are only approved for the time period the tenant was in the unit, the email reads. Shes impressed by how many do persevere. 0000026187 00000 n Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter? UPDATE: Accepting New Applications For Limited Time, March 14-28, 2023. 0000020271 00000 n 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. Some rent relief programs, including the Texas Rent Relief Program, will make your landlord forgo all unreasonable late fees. Eligibility For tenants: Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) Household has been financially affected by COVID-19 pandemic For landlords: Assistance for rent no older than April 2020 Hope this timeline helps someone! Texans shouldnt have to overcome so many bureaucratic and technological challenges just to get help that Congress already funded, Rosales said. 0000010218 00000 n Even if the rent relief check was in hand, it wouldnt have covered the amount sought by the landlord, Musselman said. This interactive map and searchable database from the National Low Income Housing Coalition can be used to find state and local emergency rental assistance programs near you. an apparent violation of the programs requirements for landlords, survey gauging how the end of a federal moratorium on evictions was affecting tenants. Some local governments still have money for rent help, but those funds may soon run out, as well. The idea of landlords taking rent relief dollars and still evicting tenants is outrageous, she said, and could warrant investigation. It's embarrassing, Scott said. 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. Recent updates February 2023. Payment is in process. 0000006939 00000 n Closed from 12 to 1pm for lunch. The State Auditors Office declined to say whether it has launched any investigations into potential fraud, waste and abuse of the program. After the software glitches, they were asked to resubmit their applications. Tenant applicants who have received a notice of utility disconnection are now prioritized for application review similarly to those applicants being sued for eviction. TDHCA says it has received more than 7,500 complaints through the hotline not all of them related to fraud, waste or abuse but the agency wont say how many times it has referred cases to outside agencies for investigation. 0000024288 00000 n Wilkinson said hed be open to exploring more options to get that message out. And only 250 of payments have been sent. I dont know if its greatbut youre supposed to be able to use it on your mobile device.. On July 28, 2021, the FHFA announced protections for tenants of multifamily properties with loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Macrequiring landlords to give tenants 30 days' notice before. In late January 2023, Local Profile reported that starting this March, the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to cut SNAPs COVID-19 emergency benefits, adding even more pressure on families who are struggling with rising rents and inflation pushing up prices. Lifestyle Some households will still qualify for the program while others will not. Then you can type what your issue or concern. If you owe unpaid rent or utilities, that amount will be paid in one lump sum within 10 business days of your final approval. The Texas Rent Relief Program will be run by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. 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. If both payments came from our program, the duplicate payment must be returned. Depending on each applicants needs and eligibility, this could include past-due payments or a combination of past-due and up to three months of current and future payments made on their behalf.