Press Room

RELEASE - COMMISSIONER GARCIA LEADS SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO INCREASE AMOUNT OF AVAILABLE RENT ASSISTANCE

Max benefit now stands at $1,900 per recipient & application period for both landlords and tenants extended by several days as well

Harris County, TX — TODAY, after a motion introduced by Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Harris County Commissioners Court will increase funding to the Harris County Rental Assistance Fund. With an additional $15 million added to the fund, recipients are now eligible to receive up to a maximum total of $1,900 per household. In addition, applications for both tenants and landlords has been extended to August 28th (for landlords) and September 2nd (for tenants). This is the second increase of funding championed by Commissioner Garcia to be approved by the court. The increase was approved unanimously.

While program basics remain the same, tenants living in Precincts 3 & 4 and inside the City of Houston are now eligible to apply for the Harris County Rental Assistance Program.

Assistance is available solely for past-due rent accrued during the months of April through August. Future rent payments are not eligible for this program. Landlords must participate in the program for tenants to be eligible.

“I’m proud to have, once again, led the effort to increase the amount available to help people struggling to pay their rent. Through no fault of their own and because of COVID, so many of our neighbors are in danger of being put out on the street.” Commissioner Garcia said. “Our office has received hundreds of calls from residents who are hurting and scared of being evicted. We in Harris County are stepping up to flatten the eviction curve, however despite this increased investment, we know not everyone will be able to get this much-needed lifeline. We invite the state of Texas to get involved in programs like ours. Our actions represent the Texan way of doing things– we help each other when times are toughest.”

Tenants and landlords are encouraged to visit HarrisCountyRentHelp.org to apply for the program. Visitors to the website can find information about eligibility, program guidelines, landlord participation, and more.