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Housing assistance in Texas

In Texas, rental help is mostly local: the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) sends federal energy-assistance and weatherization money to 35 local government and nonprofit providers that cover all 254 counties, and public housing authorities run housing vouchers and public housing. Tenant rights come from Chapters 24 and 92 of the Texas Property Code. Senate Bill 38 changed eviction procedures starting January 1, 2026.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Housing Alliance HTX (formerly Houston Housing Authority)HoustonPublic housing agencyDallas Housing Authority (DHA)DallasPublic housing agencyOpportunity Home San AntonioSan AntonioPublic housing agencyAustin Housing AuthorityAustinPublic housing agencyFort Worth Housing SolutionsFort WorthPublic housing agency Texas Department of Housing and Community AffairsStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in TexasHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Texas

Shelter and referrals

  • 2-1-1 Texas Texas Health and Human Services Commission

    Statewide helpline and online directory that connects callers to local emergency shelter, rental assistance, homelessness prevention, and utility help.

    Call 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905

Energy and utility bills

  • Energy bill assistance (LIHEAP / Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)

    Federally funded help for income-eligible households with utility bills and energy-efficient heating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment, run by local providers in all 254 counties; find your provider on TDHCA's Help for Texans page (https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans) or by calling 2-1-1.

Free legal help

  • TexasLawHelp.org Texas Legal Services Center

    Free legal information, self-help guides, and forms for Texans, including an eviction guide and eviction and rent-relief help, plus a free 'Ask a Question' service answered by attorneys and a directory of legal aid.

Repairs and weatherization

  • Weatherization Assistance Program Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)

    Federally funded energy-efficiency improvements for income-eligible homes, run by TDHCA through local providers; find yours on TDHCA's Help for Texans page.

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Texas

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit; the Property Code defines a deposit but sets no maximum.

Tex. Prop. Code § 92.102

Deposit return deadline

Landlord must refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises, with a written itemized list of any deductions (no deductions for normal wear and tear). The landlord does not have to refund until the tenant gives a written forwarding address. A landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith owes $100 plus three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees.

Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.104, 92.107, 92.109

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

At least 3 days' written notice before filing an eviction suit, unless the written lease sets a shorter or longer period. As amended by SB 38 (effective January 1, 2026), if the tenant is being evicted only for nonpayment and was not late before that month, the notice must be a 'notice to pay rent or vacate.'

Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005(a) (as amended by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., Ch. 960 (S.B. 38), eff. Jan. 1, 2026)

Landlord entry notice

No statute specifying notice before a landlord enters; check the lease.

Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 (no entry-notice provision)

Rent increases and rent control

Cities may adopt rent control only if the city council finds a housing emergency caused by a disaster and the governor approves the ordinance; otherwise there is no rent control in Texas.

Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair-and-deduct is allowed for conditions that materially affect health or safety, but only if the tenant is current on rent, has given the required notice (including notice of intent to repair), and the landlord fails to repair within a reasonable time. Deductions are capped at one month's rent or $500, whichever is greater. Withholding rent outside these rules can make the tenant liable for damages, or a penalty of one month's rent plus $500 if done in bad faith.

Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.056, 92.0561, 92.058

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Texas

More local contacts: HUD’s Texas resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. Texas Property Code Chapter 92, Residential TenanciesTexas Legislature
  2. Texas Property Code Chapter 24, Forcible Entry and DetainerTexas Legislature
  3. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 214Texas Legislature
  4. Governor Abbott Announces $166 Million In Energy Assistance FundsOffice of the Texas Governor
  5. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Texas Gas Service
  6. TexasLawHelp.orgTexas Legal Services Center
  7. Evictions guideTexas Legal Services Center
  8. 2-1-1 TexasTexas Health and Human Services Commission
  9. Housing Alliance HTXHousing Alliance HTX
  10. Dallas Housing Authority (DHA)DHA
  11. Opportunity Home San AntonioOpportunity Home San Antonio
  12. Austin Housing AuthorityAustin Housing Authority
  13. Fort Worth Housing SolutionsFort Worth Housing Solutions