Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Whether you're trying to keep the home you have, find a new one, or get back into housing, I'm really glad you're here. Housing worries can keep you up at night. Let's take it one step at a time.
Here is the easy first step: if you might lose your home soon, or you already have, dial 211 and tell them what's going on. Then use this guide to see your options as a renter in Texas.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a unit or a spot in any program.
- This guide shares general information, not legal advice. For your own situation, talk with a legal aid office.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Housing help usually falls into three buckets. Knowing which one you need makes every phone call faster.
- Keeping your home. Help with late rent or utilities, talking with your landlord, and where to get legal help.
- Finding a home you can afford. Affordable apartments, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing.
- Getting back into housing. If you've lost your home, Coordinated Entry and Rapid Rehousing help people move back inside.
How to start, step by step
- Pick your bucket: keeping, finding, or getting back into a home.
- Dial 211. Say your county and what you need, like "I'm behind on rent."
- Ask for rent help programs, housing counseling and legal aid near you.
- Write down every name, number and date. Keep copies of your lease and notices.
- If you got any court papers, call legal aid right away. Don't wait.
- Follow up when they tell you to. Programs move faster when you call back.
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I live in [county]. I'm behind on rent by [amount] and I'm worried about losing my home."
"Are there rent help programs open right now?"
"Can you connect me with no cost legal help for renters?"
"What papers should I have ready?"
I'm behind on rent. What should I do?
First, take a breath. Being behind is scary, but acting early gives you the most choices.
- Talk with your landlord early and honestly. Ask if you can set up a payment plan. Get any deal in writing.
- Call 211 about rent help. Programs open and close, so ask what's available in your county right now.
- Call a HUD approved housing counselor at 800.569.4287. HUD says these counselors can help with renting, avoiding eviction and budgeting, at no cost or low cost.
- Read every notice carefully and keep it. Take a photo of it too.
Say you got a notice to vacate
Say you got a written notice to vacate from your landlord. A notice is not the same as an eviction.
TexasLawHelp says the date on the notice is not the day you have to leave. It is how long the landlord must wait before filing in Justice of the Peace court. Only a judge's order, called a writ of possession, lets a constable remove you. So a notice is time to act fast: pay if you can, work something out, or call legal aid.
This is an example to show how it can go, not legal advice. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://texaslawhelp.org/article/eviction
Get it in writing
Any payment plan or promise from your landlord, ask for it in a text, email or letter. It protects you and them!
How do security deposits work in Texas?
Here's what to know.
- Give your landlord a written forwarding address when you move out. It doesn't have to be where you live, just a reliable place to get mail.
- If the landlord keeps any part, ask for a written, itemized list of the deductions.
- Read your lease for any rules about giving notice before you move out.
- Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Sources: https://texaslawhelp.org/article/security-deposits and https://www.trla.org/security-deposits-toolkit
Protect your deposit when you move out
How do I find a place I can afford?
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). Vouchers help pay rent to a private landlord. They're run by local public housing agencies, and many have waiting lists. HUD keeps a contact list of local public housing agencies. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
- Public housing. Also run by local public housing agencies. Ask about it when you call.
- Affordable apartments. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs funds affordable housing and homelessness programs across the state, and lists help for Texans on its site. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/
- Get on more than one list. Waiting lists are long. Signing up for several gives you more chances.
Say you're on a voucher waiting list in Fort Worth
Say you applied for a voucher months ago. You could call the housing agency to make sure your address and phone are current, so you don't miss a letter.
While you wait, you could dial 211 to ask about rent help in Tarrant County, or call a HUD counselor at 800.569.4287.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
I already lost my home. How do I get back in?
- Coordinated Entry. In most Texas counties, you talk with a trained worker once, and they work to match you with the housing programs that fit. Your county's number is in the list later in this guide.
- Rapid Rehousing. HUD describes it as permanent housing with short term rental help (up to 3 months) or medium term help (4 to 24 months), plus support services. HUD does not require a disability to qualify, but each program has its own rules. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/coc-esg-virtual-binders/coc-program-components/permanent-housing/rapid-re-housing/
- Need a bed tonight? See Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight.
Getting back into a home is a process, not a single phone call. Keep going. Every call gets you a little closer.
From the Bunklow team
What if I'm treated unfairly?
HUD says that if you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint. File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
For help as a renter, TexasLawHelp has guides and forms at https://www.texaslawhelp.org/ and the Texas State Law Library has renter guides at https://guides.sll.texas.gov/landlord-tenant-law
Keep a housing folder
Questions people ask a lot
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off my utilities?
Texas has rules about lockouts and utility shutoffs, and TexasLawHelp explains them. For your own situation, call your local legal aid office right away. Their numbers are in the county list.
How long is the wait for Section 8?
It depends on the housing agency, and many have long waits. Ask them directly and keep your contact info updated.
Is rent help available right now?
Programs open and close. Dial 211 and ask what's open in your county today.
Do I need a lawyer to go to court?
You don't have to have one, but no cost legal aid can help a lot if you qualify. Call as soon as you get court papers.
How fast should I get my deposit back?
Give a written forwarding address, then check the official page at texaslawhelp.org. Call legal aid if it doesn't come.
What does a housing counselor do?
HUD says they help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting. Call 800.569.4287.
I'm happy to help however I can
Housing stuff can be confusing. You don't have to figure it all out today. Make one call, write it down, and take the next step tomorrow. You've got this!
Here are housing helpers near you, including Coordinated Entry, legal aid and rent help lines. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD Approved Housing Counseling
What it offers Low or no cost counselors who can help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 to find a counselor near you.
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 16, 2026
HUD Fair Housing Complaints
What it offers If you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint with HUD.
How to reach File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Texas
Here are some places to start.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
What it offers The state housing agency. It funds affordable housing, rent help and homelessness programs through local partners across Texas.
How to reach Learn more at https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/
Source https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 Texas
What it offers A no cost service from Texas Health and Human Services that connects people with food, housing, mental health, benefits and other help. You can also chat online in English or Spanish.
How to reach Dial 211 or 877.541.7905. Search at https://www.211texas.org/
Source https://www.211texas.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Texas State Law Library: Security Deposits
What it offers A plain guide to Texas security deposit law, including refunds, deductions and normal wear and tear.
How to reach Read at https://guides.sll.texas.gov/landlord-tenant-law/security-deposits
Source https://guides.sll.texas.gov/landlord-tenant-law/security-deposits
Last checked October 16, 2026
Texas State Law Library: Eviction Process
What it offers A plain guide to how evictions work in Texas, including why you should go to your hearing.
How to reach Read at https://guides.sll.texas.gov/landlord-tenant-law/eviction-process
Source https://guides.sll.texas.gov/landlord-tenant-law/eviction-process
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Harris County (Houston)
Here are some places to start.
Coalition for the Homeless: The Way Home
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, with a no wrong door approach. The Coalition does not offer onsite services. If you need help now, call 211.
How to reach Dial 211. Find help at https://www.cfthhouston.org/coordinated-entry
Source https://www.cfthhouston.org/coordinated-entry
Last checked October 16, 2026
Lone Star Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes, including housing problems. Call to check if your county is served. Main office at 1415 Fannin Street, Houston.
How to reach Call 713.652.0077 or 800.733.8394.
Source https://www.lonestarlegal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Dallas County
Here are some places to start.
Housing Forward Crisis Helpline (Dallas)
What it offers Connects people to shelter, outreach teams, housing support and community resources. For non emergency city help, call 311.
How to reach Call 888.411.6802.
Source https://dallascityhall.com/departments/housing-and-homelessness/Pages/get-support.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes across North and West Texas. A separate line helps with landlord and tenant issues.
How to reach Legal Aid Line: 888.529.5277. Landlord and tenant line: 855.548.8457.
Source https://lanwt.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Tarrant County (Fort Worth)
Here are some places to start.
Partnership Home: Coordinated Entry (Tarrant County)
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
How to reach Learn how to get help at https://partnershiphome.org/systemresponse/coordinated-entry/ or dial 211.
Source https://partnershiphome.org/systemresponse/coordinated-entry/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes across North and West Texas. A separate line helps with landlord and tenant issues.
How to reach Legal Aid Line: 888.529.5277. Landlord and tenant line: 855.548.8457.
Source https://lanwt.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bexar County (San Antonio)
Here are some places to start.
Haven for Hope
What it offers A campus in San Antonio with shelter and many services for people experiencing homelessness. 1 Haven for Hope Way.
How to reach Main office: 210.220.2100.
Source https://www.havenforhope.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Close to Home (San Antonio)
What it offers San Antonio's guide to homeless services and resources, including help for youth and families.
How to reach Find resources at https://closetohomesa.org/find-resources/
Source https://closetohomesa.org/find-resources/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in central and southwest Texas, including a security deposit toolkit. Its website has a map to check if your county is covered.
How to reach Call 956.996.8752 to apply.
Source https://www.trla.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Travis County (Austin)
Here are some places to start.
ECHO: Get Help (Austin and Travis County)
What it offers A good first step toward stable housing is a Coordinated Assessment, the community's central housing application. ECHO does not run housing itself but connects you to it.
How to reach Learn how to get assessed at https://www.austinecho.org/get-help/
Source https://www.austinecho.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in central and southwest Texas, including a security deposit toolkit. Its website has a map to check if your county is covered.
How to reach Call 956.996.8752 to apply.
Source https://www.trla.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Collin County
Here are some places to start.
The Samaritan Inn
What it offers Shelter, case management and life skills programs for single adults and families experiencing homelessness in Collin County. Interviews are first come, first served, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, at 1514 N. McDonald Street, McKinney.
How to reach Call 972.542.5302.
Source https://saminn.org/become-a-resident/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes across North and West Texas. A separate line helps with landlord and tenant issues.
How to reach Legal Aid Line: 888.529.5277. Landlord and tenant line: 855.548.8457.
Source https://lanwt.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Denton County
Here are some places to start.
United Way of Denton County: Find Help
What it offers Resource navigation for people facing homelessness or a housing crisis in Denton County. 1314 Teasley Lane, Denton. Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
How to reach Call 940.566.5851. Mental Health Navigators: call or text LINK to 940.349.3000.
Source https://www.unitedwaydenton.org/find-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes across North and West Texas. A separate line helps with landlord and tenant issues.
How to reach Legal Aid Line: 888.529.5277. Landlord and tenant line: 855.548.8457.
Source https://lanwt.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hidalgo County
Here are some places to start.
Hidalgo County Urban County Program: Coordinated Entry
What it offers Runs the Emergency Solutions Grant and the Coordinated Entry process in Hidalgo County.
How to reach Call 956.787.8127 or 866.613.5277.
Source https://www.hidalgocounty.us/2306/Emergency-Solutions-Grant-ESG
Last checked October 16, 2026
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in central and southwest Texas, including a security deposit toolkit. Its website has a map to check if your county is covered.
How to reach Call 956.996.8752 to apply.
Source https://www.trla.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
El Paso County
Here are some places to start.
City of El Paso Community and Homeless Assistance
What it offers Navigators help with resources, case management, basic needs referrals and housing stabilization. Street outreach social workers are available 24/7.
How to reach Navigator line: 915.400.7401. Office: 915.212.0138.
Source https://www.elpasotexas.gov/community-and-human-development/community-and-homeless-assistance/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in central and southwest Texas, including a security deposit toolkit. Its website has a map to check if your county is covered.
How to reach Call 956.996.8752 to apply.
Source https://www.trla.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Fort Bend County
Here are some places to start.
Coalition for the Homeless: The Way Home
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, with a no wrong door approach. The Coalition does not offer onsite services. If you need help now, call 211.
How to reach Dial 211. Find help at https://www.cfthhouston.org/coordinated-entry
Source https://www.cfthhouston.org/coordinated-entry
Last checked October 16, 2026
Lone Star Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes, including housing problems. Call to check if your county is served. Main office at 1415 Fannin Street, Houston.
How to reach Call 713.652.0077 or 800.733.8394.
Source https://www.lonestarlegal.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My housing plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Where I stand
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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