Updated RENT Assistance Program Benefits Austin Residents

AUSTIN, TX—Amid the ongoing pandemic, Austin residents will be able to benefit from the updated Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program for 2021 from the City of Austin’s Housing and Planning Department (HPD) and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA). Having received $25 million of direct rent support from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in early 2021, income-eligible Austin renters financially affected by COVID-19 may apply to receive assistance beginning Monday, March 15, and will remain open through December 2021 or until funds have been exhausted.

"Too many families in Austin are struggling to pay their rent because of a job loss, loss of work hours, or another impact from the COVID-19 pandemic," said HACA CEO Michael Gerber. "HACA is again proud to partner with the City's Housing and Planning Department to provide critical help that will keep some of our community's most vulnerable residents safe and in their homes."

Randomly selected applications will be processed weekly on Fridays through the RENT program, and if an application is selected and qualifies for assistance, payment will be issued directly to the landlord who is owed rent payments. The updated program guidelines address equity, and prioritize vulnerable and low-income populations, to create improved coordination of tenant stabilization services. Renters are not required to be U.S. citizens or legal residents to apply, and renters who received rent support in 2020 from the RENT program may apply using the same account.

For more information about the updated RENT program including eligibility, or to access the RENT Application Portal opening on Monday, March 15, 2021 click HERE.