Rent assistance in Austin

Short answer

Austin and Travis County rent help runs through local programs that open and close as funding allows. Apply with income proof, your lease, and the amount owed. If an eviction is already filed, the timeline changes and legal aid becomes the urgent route.

Who this is for

Austin renters behind on rent, facing a notice to vacate, or looking at an eviction filing.

The steps, in order

1. Get the exact numbers: months owed, fees, and any notice dates.
2. Gather income proof, the lease, and the notice if you have one.
3. Apply to the currently open city or county assistance programs first.
4. Ask the landlord for a written payment plan in parallel; programs can take weeks.
5. If an eviction is filed, contact legal aid immediately; deadlines are short.

Have this ready

• The lease
• Income proof
• The amount owed and any fees
• Any notice to vacate or court papers

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for a single program instead of applying to every open one.
• Ignoring a court date; a no-show usually means losing by default.

Common questions

Is Austin rent assistance still available?

Programs open and close with funding. The city and county housing pages list what is accepting applications right now; apply early and keep proof of submission.

Can I be evicted while an assistance application is pending?

A pending application does not by itself stop an eviction in Texas. Tell the court and legal aid about the application, and keep every confirmation number.

Official sources

• City of Austin housing assistance
• Travis County Health and Human Services

Checked August 26, 2026. Recheck the official page monthly and when the official page changes.