Details of Texas’ eviction diversion program Whom can I call about the program?
The state of Texas launched its eviction diversion program on Thursday in 19 pilot counties, including Harris, after an announcement Sept. 25 by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Abbott pledged $167 million in CARES Act funding toward rental assistance and another $4.2 million in legal aid help to be distributed through the Texas Supreme Court. In an accompanying emergency order, the Texas Supreme Court required all eviction citations to include information about the program.
A breakdown of how the program works:
Who is eligible?
Tenants behind on their rent because of the pandemic and who have been served with an eviction can participate in the program, with the consent of their landlord. Tenants must be at or below the 200 percent poverty level, which is $52,400 for a family of four (a list of income by household size is available at https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/TEDP.htm).
I’m a tenant andmy landlord doesn’t want to be part of the program. Can I still be part of the program?
No.
What counties are covered in the pilot program?
Bee, Bexar, Brazos, Chambers, Deaf Smith, El Paso, Erath, Fannin, Grayson, Harris, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, Potter, Randall, San Patricio and Wise counties are covered by the pilot.
The pilot program is being administered by eight organizations. Gulf Coast Community Services Association is administering the assistance in Harris County, reachable by their website or at 713-3934700.
Also, for court queries, call 855270-7655. For questions on the diversion program, call 800-5250657 or 512-475-3800 (option 4).
How far in back rent can the assistance cover?
The rent covered by the program can’t go further back than April 2020.
How many months’ rent does the program provide?
The diversion program provides up to six months of rental assistance per tenant.
I’m a landlord. What are the requirements for entering into the program?
Landlords must agree to waive late fees, penalties and not charge the tenant for court costs. Landlords must withdraw the eviction and not evict the covered tenant as long as the tenant is receiving assistance from the program.
I got local assistance already.
Can I also apply for the state program?
The state funds cannot be used to cover amonth inwhich a tenant already got rental assistance. For example, if you got assistance for the month of June through a local program, you can’t use the state program to also cover June rent.
How is the money distributed?
If a tenant and landlord agree to enter the program and are deemed qualified, the payment will go directly to the landlord.
How much money does the program have?
The pilot program is funded with $3.3 million, all through the CARES Act.
Howmuch rent can I get? That depends on your ZIP code. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, which is administering the program, has a downloadable spreadsheet.
I have a housing voucher and/or I’m in public housing. Can I apply?
No — tenants who receive vouchers, are in a unit with government assistance or are in public housing are ineligible.
I don’t live in the pilot counties. When can I apply for assistance?
The state plans on expanding the program Nov. 9, although that may change. (Requirements for the program may also change in the expansion).