texas rent relief approved payment in process
. 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). 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). "Funding is limited, so anyone who needs help paying their rent and utility bills should review the program requirements now, gather all the necessary paperwork ahead of time, and be ready to apply on March 14.". And if they did, it should be audited and reviewed by [government investigators] so that we can recoup our funds for the misuse of the dollars.. 0000024288 00000 n In order to collect this late fee, the landlord must have included notice of it in a written lease. 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. Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announced it will re-open the Texas Rent Relief (TRR) application portal from March 14-28 in order to accept new applications for a remaining $96M in TRR funds. Home Payments have been approved for more than 2,200 additional households, the agency dashboard indicated Friday. Many landlords have tried to work with their tenants to try to avoid evictions for back rent during the pandemic, said David Mintz, vice president of government affairs for Texas Apartment Association, a trade group of rental property owners. At the federal level, that job falls to the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Inspector General. "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. Researchers have offered estimates of past-due rent in the U.S. ranging from $8.4 billion to $52.6 billion. 0000002863 00000 n 30j($>H&L&Q.]Ky,YIR _I@*v+ Diana Johnson, 35, was waiting on rent relief in January when her landlord tried to evict her and her seven children from their three-bedroom apartment in Southeast Dallas. Hosted every Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m., by the. You can login to the site as a landlord or as a tenant. Home ownership Events / Networking Opportunities I dont know if its greatbut youre supposed to be able to use it on your mobile device.. Founded in 1997, the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers (TAAHP) is a non-profit trade association serving as the primary advocate and leading resource for the affordable housing industry in Texas. Some households will still qualify for the program while others will not. Calls to Musemeche were not returned. %PDF-1.7 % Find the program in your area by state , territory, or tribe and apply for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA). r.t)gfv9~;Y>)?4{(gbx|/Ipv.8|0a(#0`~GhFc=pxr1{YpG0 Even if the programs software and staffing struggles have been addressed, Rosales still worries that the programs reliance on online applications will leave eligible renters unable to apply. Then in December, the property owner filed an eviction case against Gates and gave her a notice to vacate. All rights reserved. <> Body: Case ID. Stamm alleges that RDRH Holdings violated six requirements set out by the program in a contract landlords must sign in order to receive funds. Landlords can get up to 15 months of rent paid through this program, but only if they don't evict. 0000023877 00000 n 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. TAAHP does not have regulatory or compliance authority for any affordable housing communities or developments. The Texas Rent Relief program was set up to help people pay their bills. Tirloni said the agency doesnt track what portion of those clawed-back funds came from landlords found to have improperly evicted their tenants after receiving assistance or categorize what scenarios would result in recapturing the money. The State Auditors Office declined to say whether it has launched any investigations into potential fraud, waste and abuse of the program. What do I do? Avenue 360 (formerly Bearing Omega and Houston Area Community Services) Web. If a landlord is not paid, the payment will be made directly to the tenant. And a large and growing percentage of that is over a year old at this point.. Eviction Intervention Program For Renters If you live within Harris County or Houston city limits and your landlord has already taken you to court for eviction, you may be eligible for eviction intervention rental assistance through the Houston-Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. pk}b=^ ;+2b4+rU:"KOJF&. 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. The reallocation process only applies to duplicate payments between our program and Texas Rent Relief. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days. Shes impressed by how many do persevere. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has made some changes to the Texas Rent Relief Program in order to make the application and payout process easier. ) New applications are not being accepted. 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. 0000088009 00000 n Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Section 8 housing voucher Low-income residents may be eligible to get help paying rent. Scott and her husband had fallen behind on rent in June after Scott stopped working to take care of her youngest daughter, who has Down syndrome, and the medical bills piled up. 0000048055 00000 n COVID-19 And only 250 of payments have been sent. 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. The Housing Assistance Program (HAP)* provides financial assistance to renters experiencing emergency hardships from COVID-19 and to keep families in their homes. stream Questions? Request for assistance has been verified and approved. In her case, the check arrived in time but went to the wrong place. The more I sit here and think about it, I just know to just go ahead and do what I need to do, Johnson said. endobj 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. Those facing eviction should seek legal assistance, go to their eviction hearing, and stay in communication with their landlord and the court. News from Members (MEMBERS ONLY) This news article describes the phasing out of a program designed to halt utility shut-offs that was implemented in March. 0000003417 00000 n Wilkinson said many people who tried to apply may need to go back and take extra steps to complete the application. 0000001467 00000 n The fund is designed to provide rent relief for renters experiencing financial hardship. Sign up for our Friends of TAAHP email list to learn more about TAAHP, critical industry issues, and hear about upcoming event and education opportunities. Donate to join or renew today. Member Grand Openings (MEMBERS ONLY) Approval Notification: The landlord, tenant, and/or utility provider will now be notified automatically that a payment has been approved if an email address is present in the Neighborly system, and the notification will include the payment breakout. 0000047797 00000 n Johnson had asked the office manager whether they had received the latest check, she said. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) created this COVID-19 relief program in February of 2021. Of the roughly 200 that have completed applications, only two have been approved for funding. I"OqC)RrQBY( ,VN?4Tmj|e@O)&$O&WrVRKT0X5Vrs'O. {wKPK?c- C <=fL5h|'(d-$7(r ~9 qFP9v8i-LKp Nx@`{>-aB58c$f_Q. In February, Texas launched a program to help people who had missed rent payments because of the pandemic. For Landlords who applied for unpaid or future rent on behalf of tenants. Advocacy Alerts 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 0000058032 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. 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. All applications will be processed in the order they are received, giving priority to those households facing evictions. Mon: 8 to 5pm. 0000078000 00000 n 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. But Johnsons victory was short-lived. TAAHP does not facilitate applications for affordable housing. But it's not a fast process. Education / Webinars By clicking the plus sign by one of the listed programs, the page will expand and provide the full details of that program. But those are the exact grounds that RDRH Holdings cited when it sued to evict Gates, Stamm said. 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. Job Listings 0000005047 00000 n The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has received approximately $1.3 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance funds from the newly passed Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program. While hes cautiously optimistic that the Texas Rent Relief programs problems have largely been addressed, fundamental questions remain unanswered. April 8, 2022 Eligible households can apply online or over the phone for first-time or additional program assistance. Wilkinson told the House Committee on Urban Affairs that a few hundred more people had had payments sent to them over the past week, and that two additional contractors and hundreds of new analysts were being added to work through the backlog of applications. The state-level program meant to help both Texas renters impacted financially by the pandemic and their landlords announced Thursday morning that it would stop taking new applications for . Effectiveness of. Business "To date, Texas Rent Relief has served . To receive help from Katy Christian Ministries you must live in one of the following zip codes: 77084, 77094, 77406, 77423, 77441, 77449, 77450, 77464, 77476, 77485, 77493, 77494 #4'x= 3r8 #TH(fY'O3 }~\N |iz$&dr_~azLN~u($~^ K H!K @gq4. TDHCA announced that they would be accepting new applications in March of 2023 to distribute the remaining funds. Since the program launched in February 2021, TRR has provided over $2 billion in emergency funds for rent and utility relief, served 250 Texas counties and prevented evictions for over 21,000 households. 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). 4 0 obj <> endobj xref An employee at Blazers office who answered the phone declined to answer questions. Weeks after her eviction, Scott received an email from Texas Rent Relief on Nov. 9 acknowledging that it had initially sent the check to the wrong address. Stephanie Gates rental assistance check initially went to the wrong address and reached her landlord less than two weeks after she was evicted from her Round Rock home in January. 2n -.-&) 1 1 Check status periodically. 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. After the software glitches, they were asked to resubmit their applications. Funds may not still be available by the time a household applies. 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. Once the application is submitted, applicants need to remain alert for emails or calls from TDHCAs representatives who could ask for additional information. We have more than $1 million of unpaid rent dating back to March of last year, said Ian Mattingly, president of LumaCorp, which manages about 7,000 rental apartments in Texas. Thats created a confusing patchwork of rental assistance across the state, with rules for how to navigate them still unclear, and its forcing landlords into an odd new role. TDHCA has taken very seriously the responsibility of helping Texas renters and landlords overcome the financial burden brought on by the pandemic, Tirloni said. But none of the agencies contacted by the Tribune would say whether any landlord has been credibly accused of taking rent relief money and improperly ousting their tenants, or whether they have imposed penalties on landlords for doing so. Our vision is to inspire and engage our members and stakeholders to end the affordable housing crisis in Texas. The landlord applies for rent relief, or 2. Late fees over 12% of your monthly rent (10% for properties with more than four units) are unreasonable. It takes away your pride and makes me feel like I failed as a parent. Residents of McNair, Baytown, Highlands or Chambers County. Thieves had walked off with their electronics. If you owe unpaid rent or utilities, that amount will be paid in one lump sum within 10 business days of your final approval. 3/11/2021 Funding Update: $918,238,535 available A free legal hotline available to South Texas residents. 0000017510 00000 n Scott wanted to know: What happened to the rent relief money? And more is on the. Texas' rent relief program has been plagued by problems that slow payments and could prompt evictions According to a legislative report, of the 176,000 people who have begun applications. <>/Metadata 393 0 R/ViewerPreferences 394 0 R>> The next month, their landlord started the eviction process, even though Scott, 37, had taken the rental office staffs advice and requested help from Texas $2 billion, federally backed rental assistance fund. TAAHP Scholarships According to CW33, TDHCA executive director, Bobby Wilkinson advised those applying to gather all necessary paperwork ahead of time to have them ready by March 14, 2023, when applications will open. Depending on eligibility and needs, this could include past-due payments or a combination of past-due and up to three months of current and future payments. 0000020271 00000 n 0000012097 00000 n 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. These changes go into effect on April 21st, 2021. 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. In a phone interview, Musselman declined to say why he ruled in favor of Gates landlord. The application software issue has been resolved. This time period has been shortened based on direction from the Department of Treasury. 2021 Program Information. To qualify for rental assistance from the Texas program, tenants had to fall below a certain income level, prove they experienced some kind of financial hardship during the pandemic and make the case that they would be at risk of losing their home if they didnt receive rent relief. TDHCA announced that they would be accepting new applications in March of 2023 to distribute the remaining funds. The landlord submits any information or documentation to receive payment as part of a rent relief program. The program was originally launched in February 2021 and is administered by the . Cities and counties that operate local rental assistance programs have $368 million. 1 0 obj By the end of March, only 250 people had actually got help paying for rent out of 72,000 completed applications. We believe owners have done their best to try to understand the intricacies of the program and comply with its requirements, Mintz said. 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 received more than $2 billion out of the American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package President Joe Biden signed into law last year, to set up the Texas Rent Relief program, designed to help such families stay in their homes as the pandemic triggered a tsunami of business closures and hundreds of thousands of layoffs. Just as the program launched, the state was hit with the massive winter storm in February, which sidelined a third of the contracted phone operators for days, the report said. 0000003018 00000 n Interests Then you can type what your issue or concern. Other program limitations may also apply please see https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/covid19-response.htm for details. Updated information and a lease for the new unit will be required in the AFR application. Prior to 2019, there was often confusion about what counted as a "reasonable" late fee. But in September, Gates received good news: Not only did she qualify for help paying back rent, but the program would cover her rent through November 11 months all together, totaling $12,740. The program has emergency funds available to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). The Texas Rent Relief Program will shut down its application portal at 5 p.m. on Friday. A group of Austin-area lawmakers state Reps. Celia Israel, Sheryl Cole, Vikki Goodwin, Gina Hinojosa, Donna Howard and Eddie Rodriguez alerted TDHCA this week that they have seen alarming calls from constituents whose rent relief money went to the wrong address, and called on the agency to fix the problem. 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. Payment in Process Good news! I am being evicted for not paying rent. According to the report, of the 176,000 people who have begun applications, just over 1,000 have had their applications approved. Evaluating the. 0000020386 00000 n 4 0 obj Women In Business. Johnsons lawyer recorded the call. Less than two weeks after Gates eviction, she spotted something in her online account with the rent relief program: A pair of checks totaling $12,650 had cleared the property owners bank account. A switch to a new software caused system outages and forced applicants to reapply. In each expanded section, there are . Your rent and/or utility relief payments will be made directly to your landlord and utility companies. But I dont want to give up.. After logging in, click on the application status and check with the details provided. Recent updates February 2023. by Christopher Connelly, KERA News 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. Landlord Application Information. They told her there was no way to see if they had received it, she said. HWmo6_qf&..WVmFJ=GRIOtK^Sq|}"SiSm%S@xS|,NXAC,g uW,,myVH!eMJA^Te**gNx7{uFw vW\uMru JWMu;C,^NJvgVt>(,Y*-.=-zq5t:ATi:w#GG7/V=ohM{3wi5omHo;lpFEMBL%%-P|=fsWv@>f;&X6gji#~L8Uhg JVt`E\L+@j8J:,acf)#--iU)'bc/s/PK3d JC#p0;~mY>VORqiK:JOFrPTgfF:*c! 0000010218 00000 n The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is committed to expanding fair housing choice and opportunities for Texans through the administration and funding of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, weatherization, and community-based services with the help of for-profits, nonprofits, and local governments. On Wednesday, the head of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs took questions from lawmakers about the troubled rollout of the program. The email and template I was provided: Support@texasrentrelief.com Subject: Your Tenant case id. 5309 Decker Dr. 281.424.5752. The state received another $47 million in March, which TDHCA said would go toward helping tenants who applied before the November cutoff. 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. Larry Berman New Keynote Speaker For Vietnam War Conference Banquet. 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. But the tenants are still the ones holding the bag.. She said the past few months have been hard. Texas Rent Relief gave me a second (or duplicate) payment for a tenant's month of rent. And only 250 payments have been sent. The Texas Rent Relief Program, a COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), will be receiving an additional $47.8 million to help address the backlog of assistance requests. For checking the Texas rent relief application status, you can either go online or call them up at 1-833-989-7368. 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. However, Tarrant County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), along with programs administered by the cities of Arlington and Fort Worth, will . If you are concerned that a community is not in compliance, please contact the TDHCA at 512-475-3800. Need to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Are you looking for rent assistance resources, help with utility bills or reduced rent apartments? 2 0 obj % 1001 provides, among other things, that whoever knowingly and willingly makes or uses a document or writing containing any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States will be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. They may also request assistance with any arrears that have not already been covered by previous TRR assistance or another provider, so long as the total months of assistance for each type of assistance (for example, rent, gas, water, etc.) Most went into the statewide Texas Rent Relief program, and the rest when to city and county governments. You can also call the TDHCA's fraud hotline if you think your landlord may be mishandling the funds: (833) 61-FRAUD or (833) 613-7283. 0000001407 00000 n "To date, Texas Rent Relief has served more than 316,000 households affected by the pandemic. Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter? The public is also invited to share such concerns. The program application now allows these applicants to self-attest to their household income, meeting program requirements instead of uploading income documentation. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning), Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy, Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American, https://texaslawhelp.org/eviction-referral, Texas Utility Help Program Receives More Energy Bill Assistance Funding, Expands Water Bill Assistance with Future Payments, Texas Utility Help Program Re-Opens Energy Bill Assistance. That happens even when tenants win their eviction cases in court. They lose their jobs, they lose their health, they have trouble with their relationships, they have trouble getting back on their feet, said Christina Rosales, deputy director for the advocacy group Texas Housers. The details for each program are available below. x]s6(4A y;4N}PmT\INvB/$( Latest Since their October eviction from their Katy apartment, Scott and her four children have lived in hotels and other temporary settings. Even if the rent relief check was in hand, it wouldnt have covered the amount sought by the landlord, Musselman said. 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. Texas Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. You will get a 30-minute legal consultation with information, advice, and resources. Landlords and tenants are particularly put on notice that 18 U.S.C. Last note, I was approved for 12 months back rent pay and 3 months forward, so I am receiving help for 15 months total. Two months later, Scott received an email acknowledging her complaint but said she hasnt heard back since. State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), NLIHC COVID-19 State and Local Rental Assistance, Housing Legal Advice Hotline (St. Mary's School of Law), Nearly 600,000 Texans Will Lose Access to a Program That Prevented Electricity Shut-Offs During the Pandemic on Oct. 1 (8/27/2020), Texas Regulators Vote to Ban Residential Utility Shut-Offs During Pandemic While Buoying Companies (3/26/2020), Please take our patron satisfaction survey. Do you value our journalism? 0000030653 00000 n Feb 27, 2023. It turns out the state program had sent the check in September to the wrong address. The idea of landlords taking rent relief dollars and still evicting tenants is outrageous, she said, and could warrant investigation. 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. cy,a`G|~OOsQ>gR-"F HT$uUD$>@he^? 0000009428 00000 n Community You will be asked to create an account and then . Interests Then she gave up her job at the Katy hospital to care once more for her youngest daughter. ;+h-WZXi ZrzOK4-X6~PR,JtV J5G! Ask us! Alexander Stamm, an attorney with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid who is representing Gates, said Musselman shouldnt have let the trial take place at all because of a Texas Supreme Court order requiring judges to postpone eviction cases if a landlord confirms they have joined a tenants application for rent relief. Print Feedback. To request this information, please contact us toll-free at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368). There have been nearly 50,000 eviction filings in Houston since the beginning of the pandemic. endobj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 12 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 792 612] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> But she said the program doesnt allow landlords to receive back rent if theyve evicted a tenant the opposite of what the email to Scott said. Texas Tech To Host Art Gallery. In late March she started a new job teaching at an early learning center. 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. The ERA program makes funding available to states, U.S. territories, local governments, and tribes to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. The money was considered crucial to prevent a wave of tenants losing their homes as eviction bans expired; in recent months, three Texas metro areas Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth have seen some of the highest eviction case filings in the country among the 31 cities tracked by Eviction Lab, a research center based at Princeton University that tracks eviction filings. I trusted them, Scott said. 1. 8. SOURCE Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Cision Distribution 888-776-0942 You cant have it both ways with Texas Rent Relief, Stamm said. 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. 0000001196 00000 n Show us with your support. Media Availability Planned For Texas Tech's 8th Annual Ambassadors' Forum. The program will also have a call . The TDHCA runs the Texas Rent Relief program. Even now, despite our challenges, were ahead of most states in processing applications and making payments, Wilkinson testified, comparing Texas to other large states like California and Florida. Dwight Gooden World Series Rings, Rahu In 1st House Cancer Ascendant, Liv By Habitat Clothes Spring 2022, Capital City Country Club Atlanta Membership Cost, Bluehost Error Failed To Create Wordpress Site, Articles T
. 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). 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). "Funding is limited, so anyone who needs help paying their rent and utility bills should review the program requirements now, gather all the necessary paperwork ahead of time, and be ready to apply on March 14.". And if they did, it should be audited and reviewed by [government investigators] so that we can recoup our funds for the misuse of the dollars.. 0000024288 00000 n In order to collect this late fee, the landlord must have included notice of it in a written lease. 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. Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announced it will re-open the Texas Rent Relief (TRR) application portal from March 14-28 in order to accept new applications for a remaining $96M in TRR funds. Home Payments have been approved for more than 2,200 additional households, the agency dashboard indicated Friday. Many landlords have tried to work with their tenants to try to avoid evictions for back rent during the pandemic, said David Mintz, vice president of government affairs for Texas Apartment Association, a trade group of rental property owners. At the federal level, that job falls to the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Inspector General. "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. Researchers have offered estimates of past-due rent in the U.S. ranging from $8.4 billion to $52.6 billion. 0000002863 00000 n 30j($>H&L&Q.]Ky,YIR _I@*v+ Diana Johnson, 35, was waiting on rent relief in January when her landlord tried to evict her and her seven children from their three-bedroom apartment in Southeast Dallas. Hosted every Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m., by the. You can login to the site as a landlord or as a tenant. Home ownership Events / Networking Opportunities I dont know if its greatbut youre supposed to be able to use it on your mobile device.. Founded in 1997, the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers (TAAHP) is a non-profit trade association serving as the primary advocate and leading resource for the affordable housing industry in Texas. Some households will still qualify for the program while others will not. Calls to Musemeche were not returned. %PDF-1.7 % Find the program in your area by state , territory, or tribe and apply for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA). r.t)gfv9~;Y>)?4{(gbx|/Ipv.8|0a(#0`~GhFc=pxr1{YpG0 Even if the programs software and staffing struggles have been addressed, Rosales still worries that the programs reliance on online applications will leave eligible renters unable to apply. Then in December, the property owner filed an eviction case against Gates and gave her a notice to vacate. All rights reserved. <> Body: Case ID. Stamm alleges that RDRH Holdings violated six requirements set out by the program in a contract landlords must sign in order to receive funds. Landlords can get up to 15 months of rent paid through this program, but only if they don't evict. 0000023877 00000 n 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. TAAHP does not have regulatory or compliance authority for any affordable housing communities or developments. The Texas Rent Relief program was set up to help people pay their bills. Tirloni said the agency doesnt track what portion of those clawed-back funds came from landlords found to have improperly evicted their tenants after receiving assistance or categorize what scenarios would result in recapturing the money. The State Auditors Office declined to say whether it has launched any investigations into potential fraud, waste and abuse of the program. What do I do? Avenue 360 (formerly Bearing Omega and Houston Area Community Services) Web. If a landlord is not paid, the payment will be made directly to the tenant. And a large and growing percentage of that is over a year old at this point.. Eviction Intervention Program For Renters If you live within Harris County or Houston city limits and your landlord has already taken you to court for eviction, you may be eligible for eviction intervention rental assistance through the Houston-Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. pk}b=^ ;+2b4+rU:"KOJF&. 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. The reallocation process only applies to duplicate payments between our program and Texas Rent Relief. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days. Shes impressed by how many do persevere. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has made some changes to the Texas Rent Relief Program in order to make the application and payout process easier. ) New applications are not being accepted. 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. 0000088009 00000 n Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Section 8 housing voucher Low-income residents may be eligible to get help paying rent. Scott and her husband had fallen behind on rent in June after Scott stopped working to take care of her youngest daughter, who has Down syndrome, and the medical bills piled up. 0000048055 00000 n COVID-19 And only 250 of payments have been sent. 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. The Housing Assistance Program (HAP)* provides financial assistance to renters experiencing emergency hardships from COVID-19 and to keep families in their homes. stream Questions? Request for assistance has been verified and approved. In her case, the check arrived in time but went to the wrong place. The more I sit here and think about it, I just know to just go ahead and do what I need to do, Johnson said. endobj 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. Those facing eviction should seek legal assistance, go to their eviction hearing, and stay in communication with their landlord and the court. News from Members (MEMBERS ONLY) This news article describes the phasing out of a program designed to halt utility shut-offs that was implemented in March. 0000003417 00000 n Wilkinson said many people who tried to apply may need to go back and take extra steps to complete the application. 0000001467 00000 n The fund is designed to provide rent relief for renters experiencing financial hardship. Sign up for our Friends of TAAHP email list to learn more about TAAHP, critical industry issues, and hear about upcoming event and education opportunities. Donate to join or renew today. Member Grand Openings (MEMBERS ONLY) Approval Notification: The landlord, tenant, and/or utility provider will now be notified automatically that a payment has been approved if an email address is present in the Neighborly system, and the notification will include the payment breakout. 0000047797 00000 n Johnson had asked the office manager whether they had received the latest check, she said. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) created this COVID-19 relief program in February of 2021. Of the roughly 200 that have completed applications, only two have been approved for funding. I"OqC)RrQBY( ,VN?4Tmj|e@O)&$O&WrVRKT0X5Vrs'O. {wKPK?c- C <=fL5h|'(d-$7(r ~9 qFP9v8i-LKp Nx@`{>-aB58c$f_Q. In February, Texas launched a program to help people who had missed rent payments because of the pandemic. For Landlords who applied for unpaid or future rent on behalf of tenants. Advocacy Alerts 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 0000058032 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. 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. All applications will be processed in the order they are received, giving priority to those households facing evictions. Mon: 8 to 5pm. 0000078000 00000 n 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. But Johnsons victory was short-lived. TAAHP does not facilitate applications for affordable housing. But it's not a fast process. Education / Webinars By clicking the plus sign by one of the listed programs, the page will expand and provide the full details of that program. But those are the exact grounds that RDRH Holdings cited when it sued to evict Gates, Stamm said. 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. Job Listings 0000005047 00000 n The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has received approximately $1.3 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance funds from the newly passed Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program. While hes cautiously optimistic that the Texas Rent Relief programs problems have largely been addressed, fundamental questions remain unanswered. April 8, 2022 Eligible households can apply online or over the phone for first-time or additional program assistance. Wilkinson told the House Committee on Urban Affairs that a few hundred more people had had payments sent to them over the past week, and that two additional contractors and hundreds of new analysts were being added to work through the backlog of applications. The state-level program meant to help both Texas renters impacted financially by the pandemic and their landlords announced Thursday morning that it would stop taking new applications for . Effectiveness of. Business "To date, Texas Rent Relief has served . To receive help from Katy Christian Ministries you must live in one of the following zip codes: 77084, 77094, 77406, 77423, 77441, 77449, 77450, 77464, 77476, 77485, 77493, 77494 #4'x= 3r8 #TH(fY'O3 }~\N |iz$&dr_~azLN~u($~^ K H!K @gq4. TDHCA announced that they would be accepting new applications in March of 2023 to distribute the remaining funds. Since the program launched in February 2021, TRR has provided over $2 billion in emergency funds for rent and utility relief, served 250 Texas counties and prevented evictions for over 21,000 households. 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). 4 0 obj <> endobj xref An employee at Blazers office who answered the phone declined to answer questions. Weeks after her eviction, Scott received an email from Texas Rent Relief on Nov. 9 acknowledging that it had initially sent the check to the wrong address. Stephanie Gates rental assistance check initially went to the wrong address and reached her landlord less than two weeks after she was evicted from her Round Rock home in January. 2n -.-&) 1 1 Check status periodically. 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. After the software glitches, they were asked to resubmit their applications. Funds may not still be available by the time a household applies. 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. Once the application is submitted, applicants need to remain alert for emails or calls from TDHCAs representatives who could ask for additional information. We have more than $1 million of unpaid rent dating back to March of last year, said Ian Mattingly, president of LumaCorp, which manages about 7,000 rental apartments in Texas. Thats created a confusing patchwork of rental assistance across the state, with rules for how to navigate them still unclear, and its forcing landlords into an odd new role. TDHCA has taken very seriously the responsibility of helping Texas renters and landlords overcome the financial burden brought on by the pandemic, Tirloni said. But none of the agencies contacted by the Tribune would say whether any landlord has been credibly accused of taking rent relief money and improperly ousting their tenants, or whether they have imposed penalties on landlords for doing so. Our vision is to inspire and engage our members and stakeholders to end the affordable housing crisis in Texas. The landlord applies for rent relief, or 2. Late fees over 12% of your monthly rent (10% for properties with more than four units) are unreasonable. It takes away your pride and makes me feel like I failed as a parent. Residents of McNair, Baytown, Highlands or Chambers County. Thieves had walked off with their electronics. If you owe unpaid rent or utilities, that amount will be paid in one lump sum within 10 business days of your final approval. 3/11/2021 Funding Update: $918,238,535 available A free legal hotline available to South Texas residents. 0000017510 00000 n Scott wanted to know: What happened to the rent relief money? And more is on the. Texas' rent relief program has been plagued by problems that slow payments and could prompt evictions According to a legislative report, of the 176,000 people who have begun applications. <>/Metadata 393 0 R/ViewerPreferences 394 0 R>> The next month, their landlord started the eviction process, even though Scott, 37, had taken the rental office staffs advice and requested help from Texas $2 billion, federally backed rental assistance fund. TAAHP Scholarships According to CW33, TDHCA executive director, Bobby Wilkinson advised those applying to gather all necessary paperwork ahead of time to have them ready by March 14, 2023, when applications will open. Depending on eligibility and needs, this could include past-due payments or a combination of past-due and up to three months of current and future payments. 0000020271 00000 n 0000012097 00000 n 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. These changes go into effect on April 21st, 2021. 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. In a phone interview, Musselman declined to say why he ruled in favor of Gates landlord. The application software issue has been resolved. This time period has been shortened based on direction from the Department of Treasury. 2021 Program Information. To qualify for rental assistance from the Texas program, tenants had to fall below a certain income level, prove they experienced some kind of financial hardship during the pandemic and make the case that they would be at risk of losing their home if they didnt receive rent relief. TDHCA announced that they would be accepting new applications in March of 2023 to distribute the remaining funds. The landlord submits any information or documentation to receive payment as part of a rent relief program. The program was originally launched in February 2021 and is administered by the . Cities and counties that operate local rental assistance programs have $368 million. 1 0 obj By the end of March, only 250 people had actually got help paying for rent out of 72,000 completed applications. We believe owners have done their best to try to understand the intricacies of the program and comply with its requirements, Mintz said. 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 received more than $2 billion out of the American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package President Joe Biden signed into law last year, to set up the Texas Rent Relief program, designed to help such families stay in their homes as the pandemic triggered a tsunami of business closures and hundreds of thousands of layoffs. Just as the program launched, the state was hit with the massive winter storm in February, which sidelined a third of the contracted phone operators for days, the report said. 0000003018 00000 n Interests Then you can type what your issue or concern. Other program limitations may also apply please see https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/covid19-response.htm for details. Updated information and a lease for the new unit will be required in the AFR application. Prior to 2019, there was often confusion about what counted as a "reasonable" late fee. But in September, Gates received good news: Not only did she qualify for help paying back rent, but the program would cover her rent through November 11 months all together, totaling $12,740. The program has emergency funds available to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). The Texas Rent Relief Program will shut down its application portal at 5 p.m. on Friday. A group of Austin-area lawmakers state Reps. Celia Israel, Sheryl Cole, Vikki Goodwin, Gina Hinojosa, Donna Howard and Eddie Rodriguez alerted TDHCA this week that they have seen alarming calls from constituents whose rent relief money went to the wrong address, and called on the agency to fix the problem. 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. Payment in Process Good news! I am being evicted for not paying rent. According to the report, of the 176,000 people who have begun applications, just over 1,000 have had their applications approved. Evaluating the. 0000020386 00000 n 4 0 obj Women In Business. Johnsons lawyer recorded the call. Less than two weeks after Gates eviction, she spotted something in her online account with the rent relief program: A pair of checks totaling $12,650 had cleared the property owners bank account. A switch to a new software caused system outages and forced applicants to reapply. In each expanded section, there are . Your rent and/or utility relief payments will be made directly to your landlord and utility companies. But I dont want to give up.. After logging in, click on the application status and check with the details provided. Recent updates February 2023. by Christopher Connelly, KERA News 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. Landlord Application Information. They told her there was no way to see if they had received it, she said. HWmo6_qf&..WVmFJ=GRIOtK^Sq|}"SiSm%S@xS|,NXAC,g uW,,myVH!eMJA^Te**gNx7{uFw vW\uMru JWMu;C,^NJvgVt>(,Y*-.=-zq5t:ATi:w#GG7/V=ohM{3wi5omHo;lpFEMBL%%-P|=fsWv@>f;&X6gji#~L8Uhg JVt`E\L+@j8J:,acf)#--iU)'bc/s/PK3d JC#p0;~mY>VORqiK:JOFrPTgfF:*c! 0000010218 00000 n The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is committed to expanding fair housing choice and opportunities for Texans through the administration and funding of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, weatherization, and community-based services with the help of for-profits, nonprofits, and local governments. On Wednesday, the head of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs took questions from lawmakers about the troubled rollout of the program. The email and template I was provided: Support@texasrentrelief.com Subject: Your Tenant case id. 5309 Decker Dr. 281.424.5752. The state received another $47 million in March, which TDHCA said would go toward helping tenants who applied before the November cutoff. 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. Larry Berman New Keynote Speaker For Vietnam War Conference Banquet. 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. But the tenants are still the ones holding the bag.. She said the past few months have been hard. Texas Rent Relief gave me a second (or duplicate) payment for a tenant's month of rent. And only 250 payments have been sent. The Texas Rent Relief Program, a COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), will be receiving an additional $47.8 million to help address the backlog of assistance requests. For checking the Texas rent relief application status, you can either go online or call them up at 1-833-989-7368. 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. However, Tarrant County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), along with programs administered by the cities of Arlington and Fort Worth, will . If you are concerned that a community is not in compliance, please contact the TDHCA at 512-475-3800. Need to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Are you looking for rent assistance resources, help with utility bills or reduced rent apartments? 2 0 obj % 1001 provides, among other things, that whoever knowingly and willingly makes or uses a document or writing containing any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States will be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. They may also request assistance with any arrears that have not already been covered by previous TRR assistance or another provider, so long as the total months of assistance for each type of assistance (for example, rent, gas, water, etc.) Most went into the statewide Texas Rent Relief program, and the rest when to city and county governments. You can also call the TDHCA's fraud hotline if you think your landlord may be mishandling the funds: (833) 61-FRAUD or (833) 613-7283. 0000001407 00000 n "To date, Texas Rent Relief has served more than 316,000 households affected by the pandemic. Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter? The public is also invited to share such concerns. The program application now allows these applicants to self-attest to their household income, meeting program requirements instead of uploading income documentation. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning), Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy, Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American, https://texaslawhelp.org/eviction-referral, Texas Utility Help Program Receives More Energy Bill Assistance Funding, Expands Water Bill Assistance with Future Payments, Texas Utility Help Program Re-Opens Energy Bill Assistance. That happens even when tenants win their eviction cases in court. They lose their jobs, they lose their health, they have trouble with their relationships, they have trouble getting back on their feet, said Christina Rosales, deputy director for the advocacy group Texas Housers. The details for each program are available below. x]s6(4A y;4N}PmT\INvB/$( Latest Since their October eviction from their Katy apartment, Scott and her four children have lived in hotels and other temporary settings. Even if the rent relief check was in hand, it wouldnt have covered the amount sought by the landlord, Musselman said. 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. Texas Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. You will get a 30-minute legal consultation with information, advice, and resources. Landlords and tenants are particularly put on notice that 18 U.S.C. Last note, I was approved for 12 months back rent pay and 3 months forward, so I am receiving help for 15 months total. Two months later, Scott received an email acknowledging her complaint but said she hasnt heard back since. State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), NLIHC COVID-19 State and Local Rental Assistance, Housing Legal Advice Hotline (St. Mary's School of Law), Nearly 600,000 Texans Will Lose Access to a Program That Prevented Electricity Shut-Offs During the Pandemic on Oct. 1 (8/27/2020), Texas Regulators Vote to Ban Residential Utility Shut-Offs During Pandemic While Buoying Companies (3/26/2020), Please take our patron satisfaction survey. Do you value our journalism? 0000030653 00000 n Feb 27, 2023. It turns out the state program had sent the check in September to the wrong address. The idea of landlords taking rent relief dollars and still evicting tenants is outrageous, she said, and could warrant investigation. 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. cy,a`G|~OOsQ>gR-"F HT$uUD$>@he^? 0000009428 00000 n Community You will be asked to create an account and then . Interests Then she gave up her job at the Katy hospital to care once more for her youngest daughter. ;+h-WZXi ZrzOK4-X6~PR,JtV J5G! Ask us! Alexander Stamm, an attorney with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid who is representing Gates, said Musselman shouldnt have let the trial take place at all because of a Texas Supreme Court order requiring judges to postpone eviction cases if a landlord confirms they have joined a tenants application for rent relief. Print Feedback. To request this information, please contact us toll-free at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368). There have been nearly 50,000 eviction filings in Houston since the beginning of the pandemic. endobj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 12 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 792 612] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> But she said the program doesnt allow landlords to receive back rent if theyve evicted a tenant the opposite of what the email to Scott said. Texas Tech To Host Art Gallery. In late March she started a new job teaching at an early learning center. 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. The ERA program makes funding available to states, U.S. territories, local governments, and tribes to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. The money was considered crucial to prevent a wave of tenants losing their homes as eviction bans expired; in recent months, three Texas metro areas Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth have seen some of the highest eviction case filings in the country among the 31 cities tracked by Eviction Lab, a research center based at Princeton University that tracks eviction filings. I trusted them, Scott said. 1. 8. SOURCE Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Cision Distribution 888-776-0942 You cant have it both ways with Texas Rent Relief, Stamm said. 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. 0000001196 00000 n Show us with your support. Media Availability Planned For Texas Tech's 8th Annual Ambassadors' Forum. The program will also have a call . The TDHCA runs the Texas Rent Relief program. Even now, despite our challenges, were ahead of most states in processing applications and making payments, Wilkinson testified, comparing Texas to other large states like California and Florida.

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texas rent relief approved payment in process