Housing – Rental Assistance

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    Rental assistance programs provide critical support for individuals and families struggling to keep up with housing costs due to financial hardship, unexpected expenses, or loss of income. These programs, offered by federal, state, and local governments as well as nonprofit organizations, can help cover past-due rent, future rent payments, security deposits, and sometimes utility bills to prevent eviction and housing instability. Assistance may be available as one-time emergency aid or ongoing support, and eligibility often depends on income, household size, and proof of hardship. By connecting with the right rental assistance program early, tenants can protect their housing, avoid costly legal actions, and create the breathing room needed to get back on solid financial footing.

    Florida Rental Assistance

    A. OUR Florida (Emergency Rental Assistance)

    • A federal-state partnership offering rental and utility assistance to low-income renters who are at risk of losing housing due to hardship.

    • Since its launch in May 2021, it has disbursed over $858 million to more than 164,000 households in Florida.

    • Eligibility typically requires:

      • Low income or unemployment

      • Financial hardship within the past year

      • Being behind on rent or utilities or at risk of falling behind

    • Additional emergency rental programs still exist in 2025, with resources accessible through county or local entities.

    B. Statewide & Local Assistance

    • Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) administers affordable housing and rental assistance, including the SHIP program.

    • Other resources include:

      • HUD Section 8 vouchers (long-term rent support based on income)

      • Florida Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAHP): Provides grants for rent, utilities, security deposits, moving expenses, and more

      • Local nonprofits (e.g., United Way), Salvation Army, Continuum of Care networks, and the Office on Homelessness provide rent relief and eviction prevention aid

    ** Summary: Florida allows renters to access rental assistance through both state-level programs like OUR Florida/FHFC and a variety of local and nonprofit efforts, including vouchers, emergency grants, and aid from community-based organizations.**

    Texas Rental Assistance

    A. Texas Rent Relief & Eviction Diversion Programs

    • Texas Rent Relief Program: Provided funds for both current and past-due rent, as well as some utility support.

    • Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP): Worked in coordination with local courts; helped stop evictions and sealed eviction records for over 25,000 households, with more than $243 million in assistance.

    • However, both programs have closed as of 2023, with the application portal shut on October 9, 2023.

    B. Local Rental Assistance Initiatives

    • Many city and county programs still operate under ERA (Emergency Rental Assistance) funding in 2025. Examples include local programs in Dallas, Houston–Harris County, Travis County, etc.

    • Eligibility generally requires proof of financial hardship, Texas residency, and income under specified limits.

    C. Other Support Services

    • TDHCA (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs) administers multiple housing-related services via local partners, including rental assistance, shelter grants, and community block grants.

    • The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) provides utility bill support to low-income renters and homeowners.

    ** Summary: While statewide programs like Texas Rent Relief and TEDP have closed, renters in Texas may still find help through local ERA-funded programs for rent and utilities, and supportive services channeled through TDHCA and utility assistance programs.**

    Maryland

    • Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
      Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), this federal-state program helps renters cover past-due or upcoming rent and utilities due to hardship 

    • Maryland Rental Allowance Program (RAP)
      Offers one-time grants for emergency housing needs, including rent payments, security deposits, or storage fees for low-income individuals—or those at risk of homelessness 

    • Assisted Housing Relief Program
      Targets tenants in state or federal multifamily housing, offering rental support for those residing in eligible properties 

    • County-Level Programs
      Many counties administer local rental assistance through Community Action Agencies (e.g., Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel) 

    • Resource Line for Renters
      For help locating local programs, 2-1-1 or MarylandHomeOwnership.com can guide tenants to regional services and subsidies 

    Tennessee

    • Statewide Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
      The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers ERA funds under ARPA to assist eligible renters with rent and utility arrears due to COVID-related hardship 

    • County/City Rent Programs
      Examples include the Knox Housing Assistance Program, county-level COVID-19 rent relief, and HUD HOME-funded programs such as in Clarksville 

    • Charitable Organizations & Legal Aid
      Entities like the Salvation Army, United Way (2-1-1), and local charities assist with rent, utilities, legal eviction support, and security deposits 

    Pennsylvania

    • Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
      Funded by federal stimulus (CARES/ARPA), ERAP provides assistance for rent, utilities, and rehousing costs statewide. Applications are accepted via COMPASS or county portals 

    • Legal and Housing Support
      Organizations like PA 2-1-1 can connect residents with local housing and rent assistance, while the PA Housing Finance Agency and Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network offer counseling and eviction prevention support 

    New Jersey

    • State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
      This is a state-funded housing subsidy for very low-income residents, administered through a lottery-based waiting list. Enrollment for 2025 runs from January 13 to January 31

    • Emergency Rental Assistance (COVID-era Programs)
      Designed to help households with rental and utility arrears related to pandemic hardship. Details vary by locality 

    • Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers
      Administered locally via Public Housing Authorities, vouchers subsidize monthly rent based on income