Reviewed July 24, 2026. Funding, provider capacity, court settings, and waitlists can change quickly. Confirm a program directly before sharing documents or relying on it.
QUICK ANSWER
Where can Houston renters start when rent is past due?
For an eviction notice or court paper, start two tracks today: request legal screening through Lone Star Legal Aid at 800-733-8394, and call 2-1-1 Texas or 877-541-7905 to search current local rent-payment referrals by ZIP code. The City of Houston says its housing department does not directly provide crisis services and routes urgent help to 2-1-1. Harris County’s Community Resilience Rental Assistance program was a COVID-era fund and is closed to new applications — do not wait on an old rental-assistance link. Apply only to providers that confirm they are open and that your household fits their rules.
Key takeaways
- This guide is for renters trying to resolve rent arrears or prevent eviction while still housed. It is not a promise that a grant, lawyer, or payment agreement will be available.
- Keep every notice and court deadline moving. A referral, a waitlist entry, or a rent-help application does not automatically stop an eviction case.
- Use 2-1-1 and TDHCA Help for Texans to find live local providers; both are directories, not one guaranteed fund.
- Harris County lists eviction consultation, preventive landlord mediation, and representation through partners. Ask which partner can screen your case now.
- The Houston Eviction Advocacy Center (HEAC) provides pro bono eviction advice and representation to all Harris County tenants regardless of income — a significant 2025–2026 addition not offered by income-restricted legal aid alone.
- Free government and nonprofit routes appear first here. The commercial option is clearly disclosed near the end and is separate from public assistance.
Urgent eviction steps for Houston renters
Act on the document in front of you, not on a hoped-for assistance decision. Read the notice or court paper carefully, keep its envelope, and write down the case number, court, hearing date, amount claimed, and landlord contact. Do not ignore a hearing because you have called a program. This is general information, not legal advice; a qualified legal provider can explain your options for your facts.
1. Ask for legal screening
Lone Star Legal Aid’s eviction page offers an online application and says people needing immediate legal help may call 800-733-8394 (Houston office: 713-652-0077). LSLA leads the Houston Eviction Defense Coalition across all 16 Harris County JP courts. It cannot represent everyone, so describe the county, notice type, hearing date, and arrears amount accurately. Income-based eligibility generally applies at 125% of the federal poverty level.
2. Preserve your evidence
Collect the lease, rent ledger, receipts, payment-app records, notices, messages with the landlord, benefit letters, and any proof of a financial hardship. Make copies or clear photos and keep the originals together.
3. Ask the landlord for documents
Ask whether the landlord will give you a current ledger and cooperate with a provider if one opens. Keep communications in writing when possible. Do not sign an agreement you do not understand.
4. Search more than one route
Call 2-1-1, use TDHCA’s locator, and ask Harris County HCD which eviction-defense partner can screen you. Record the date, staff name, reference number, documents requested, and follow-up deadline.
Harris County HCD lists eviction consultation, preventative landlord mediation, and eviction representation through partners. Its general number is 832-927-4955; availability, screening, and provider capacity still apply. See the County legal-services page.
Current Houston-area routes to check
2-1-1 Texas: live local referrals
Dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, or search online with “Rent Payment.” Give your ZIP code, county, household size, amount due, notice date, and whether utilities are also at risk. 2-1-1 can identify providers, but each provider decides funding, geography, eligibility, and intake status.
TDHCA Help for Texans
TDHCA directs households to its locator for rent-payment and emergency/homeless-services providers. Search Houston or Harris County and recheck each result before applying. TDHCA’s TBRA program can support local providers with deposits or rental subsidies, but it is not available everywhere and provider rules apply.
Houston Eviction Advocacy Center (HEAC)
HEAC launched in mid-2025 and provides free eviction advice and pro bono representation to all Harris County tenants regardless of income — unlike income-restricted legal aid programs. Founded by attorney Mark Melton, HEAC has staff attorneys active at Harris County JP courts. Call 346-771-7260 or visit houstoneac.org for intake.
City of Houston HCD navigation
The City funds nonprofit services that can include homelessness prevention and rental assistance, but says it does not directly provide crisis services. Use its provider map and urgent-help direction rather than treating the City department as an open rent-grant application. HCD’s general number is 832-394-6200.
Harris County Community Resilience
This was a COVID-era fund and is closed to new applications. Do not wait on an old rental-assistance link or HoustonHarrisHelp.org bookmark. Meanwhile use 2-1-1, TDHCA’s locator, and legal screening. County HCD lists 832-927-4955.
BakerRipley veteran assistance
BakerRipley lists rental assistance, deposits, utilities, housing services, and case management for eligible veteran families in Houston and surrounding counties. This is a specialized veteran-family path, not a general fund for every renter. Call 832-799-2714 to ask about eligibility or an appointment.
Houston Housing Authority: longer-term
HHA, now also branded Housing Alliance HTX, administers voucher and public-housing programs. Its applicant portal helps people already on a list manage status, but it is not same-week arrears help and a place on a list is not a final eligibility decision. Check official announcements before applying; call 713-260-0500.
Compare the options before applying
| Route | Who it may fit | How to start | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-1-1 Texas | Houston-area renters needing current local referrals | Call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905; search “Rent Payment” | A referral is not a reservation, payment, or eligibility decision. |
| TDHCA Help for Texans | Households looking for local rent-payment or longer-term assistance providers | Search Houston or Harris County and contact each listed provider | TBRA and other assistance are provider-specific and may not be available locally. |
| Houston Eviction Advocacy Center | Any Harris County tenant facing eviction, regardless of income | Call 346-771-7260 or visit houstoneac.org | Legal defense only; not a rent-payment program. |
| Harris County legal services | County renters with eviction concerns | Ask HCD at 832-927-4955 which partner is screening cases; apply to LSLA too | Consultation, mediation, or representation depends on current provider rules and capacity. |
| BakerRipley SSVF | Eligible veteran families in its listed regional counties | Call 832-799-2714 for intake | Specialized veteran program; not general rental aid. |
| HHA / Alliance HTX | Renters seeking longer-term public or voucher housing | Check official announcements and portal; call 713-260-0500 | Waitlists can close; list placement and a portal account do not promise a voucher or emergency payment. |
The statewide Texas Rent Relief and Texas Eviction Diversion programs closed in summer 2023. Do not rely on a historic application, old court-pause guidance, or a pandemic-era HoustonHarrisHelp post as a current way to stop an eviction.
Documents to prepare before you call
Providers use different checklists. Preparing a simple, accurate packet can reduce delays, but never upload sensitive records until you confirm the provider and its secure process. Bring or scan only what the provider requests.
Identity and household
- Photo ID for adults when requested
- Names, dates of birth, and contact details for household members
- Proof of current Houston-area address
- Any program-specific veteran, disability, or benefit documentation
Housing and arrears
- Signed lease and landlord contact information
- Current ledger showing rent due and fees
- Notice to vacate, eviction citation, or court paperwork
- Utility bill if utility help is part of the need
Income and hardship
- Recent pay stubs, benefit letters, or unemployment records
- Income information for adults as requested
- Recent bank or account records only if requested
- A short, truthful explanation of what changed and when
Follow-up records
- Application confirmation or referral number
- Dates, names, and phone numbers for every contact
- Copies of documents sent and delivery confirmation
- Written landlord communications or proposed payment terms
A practical application sequence
- Identify the legal deadline. If there is a court document, call legal aid and make a calendar entry before you search for funds.
- State the exact need. Tell 2-1-1 and every provider whether you need past-due rent, a deposit, utility help, eviction information, or longer-term housing. Do not call every housing service “rent help.”
- Confirm coverage and intake. Ask whether the provider serves your precise address or county, is taking applications today, needs landlord participation, and has a deadline for documents.
- Apply in parallel when eligible. A renter can seek a 2-1-1 referral while applying to Lone Star Legal Aid, contacting HEAC, and asking the County about eviction-defense partners. Do not send duplicate or contradictory information.
- Tell the landlord only what you can document. Ask for a ledger and whether the owner will accept a provider’s payment process. Keep a copy of any proposed agreement.
- Follow through. Answer provider calls, check email and voicemail, attend required court events, and ask for the next referral if a program is closed or cannot assist.
Legal help and tenant protections
Lone Star Legal Aid has eviction information, an online application, and a toll-free intake line at 800-733-8394; its Houston office lists 713-652-0077. LSLA leads the Houston Eviction Defense Coalition with staff attorneys at all 16 Harris County JP courts. Its services page says applicants must meet financial and legal-status requirements (generally 125% of federal poverty level) and that staff and funding limitations can mean advice, brief service, or no representation.
The Houston Eviction Advocacy Center at 346-771-7260 launched in mid-2025 and provides free eviction representation regardless of income — contact them alongside LSLA if income limits are a concern.
Harris County HCD also lists partner-delivered legal consultation, preventive landlord mediation, and eviction representation. Call 832-927-4955 and ask which partner can screen a Harris County eviction now. Be ready to give the court, precinct if known, hearing date, household income, landlord name, and whether you have received any notice. No provider can guarantee a legal outcome.
If you are already homeless or cannot stay safely housed
This guide’s primary purpose is rent arrears and eviction prevention for renters who are still housed. If you are already homeless, need emergency shelter, or cannot safely remain where you are, use the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County’s Help Card and call 2-1-1 for immediate referrals. Coordinated Entry is for people experiencing literal homelessness in Harris, Fort Bend, or Montgomery County and does not guarantee housing or services. For hotel-voucher and emergency-housing information intended for that separate situation, see the existing Houston hotel-voucher guide.
Houston rent-help FAQs
Is Harris County taking rental-assistance applications right now?
Harris County HCD’s Community Resilience Rental Assistance was a COVID-era fund and is closed to new applications as of 2026. Recheck the official County housing stabilization page for any new programs, but use 2-1-1, TDHCA’s locator, and legal screening now rather than waiting.
Does calling 2-1-1 guarantee rent money?
No. 2-1-1 provides information and referrals. The referred organization decides whether it serves your area, is funded, has open intake, and considers you eligible.
Can I use Houston Housing Authority help for rent due this week?
HHA housing programs are longer-term. Its applicant portal is for people managing waiting-list information; it is not an emergency rent-payment application. Check official opening notices and do not assume a list is open.
Does applying for assistance stop my eviction?
No. Keep every court deadline and seek legal screening promptly. An application, referral, or pending payment discussion does not by itself stop a court case or assure a result.
What if I don’t meet Lone Star Legal Aid’s income limits?
Contact the Houston Eviction Advocacy Center (HEAC) at 346-771-7260 or houstoneac.org. HEAC provides pro bono eviction representation to all Harris County tenants regardless of income, launched in mid-2025.
Optional commercial option after free help
Affiliate disclosure: This page may earn a commission if you use the link below. This commercial option is separate from government and nonprofit assistance, is not legal advice, and is not endorsed by the City of Houston, Harris County, TDHCA, Houston Housing Authority, BakerRipley, the Coalition for the Homeless, Lone Star Legal Aid, Houston Eviction Advocacy Center, or 2-1-1 Texas. Review costs, repayment terms, and alternatives before proceeding.
Make your Houston rent-help plan today
Start with free help: organize your notice and documents, call 2-1-1 for live local referrals, seek legal screening through LSLA or HEAC if you have an eviction deadline, and ask each provider what it can review now. Keep a written log and confirm every deadline directly.
Primary sources
- City of Houston HCD Supportive Services (accessed July 24, 2026)
- Harris County Housing Stabilization Programs and Harris County Legal Services (accessed July 24, 2026)
- BakerRipley Veteran Assistance (accessed July 24, 2026)
- Housing Alliance HTX RentCafe access (accessed July 24, 2026)
- Coalition for the Homeless Help Card (accessed July 24, 2026)
- Lone Star Legal Aid Eviction Resources (accessed July 24, 2026)
- Houston Eviction Advocacy Center (accessed July 2026)
- TDHCA Help for Texans and TDHCA TBRA (accessed July 24, 2026)
- 2-1-1 Texas (accessed July 24, 2026)
