Applications were scheduled to open Tuesday for eligible Texans who could use help with paying rent or utility bills, however, some applicants said they saw delays loading the application online.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs shared a statement Tuesday morning that read:
"We understand some people are unable to access or start a new application or are experiencing delayed load times. Our team is working to address the issue as quickly as possible. If you are not able to access the application system at this time, we encourage you to check back throughout the day and try again using the ‘Apply Now’ button below. The Customer Service Line is experiencing extremely high call volume. We ask for your patience and encourage you to review our Frequently Asked Questions and Tenant Checklist, which may help answer questions about applying. For those who are able to access the application, please make sure to ‘Save’ your progress often, and use the Tenant Checklist to ensure you submit a complete application with all required documentation."
Later on Tuesday, Texas Rent Relief said the issue had been resolved, writing, "We understand some people were unable to access or start a new application while the program experienced a significantly high volume of applications on March 14, 2023. Our team has now resolved these issues. If you were not able to access the application system, we encourage you to now try again."
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The program also said applicants should save their progress often while applying.
TDHCA says nearly $100 million is available as part of the rent relief program for tenants and landlords.
First-time relief applicants may be eligible for up to 18 months of rent and utility bill assistance, either with past due payments or a combination of past due, and up to three months of current and future payments made on their behalf.
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Returning applicants who have not received the maximum allowed 18 months of assistance for rent and/or utility bills can submit a request for additional funding through their existing online user account.
Applications will be processed in the order received, prioritizing those facing evictions.
New applications for rent and utility assistance are open in a 2-week window through Tuesday, March 28, at 11:59 p.m.
ONLINE: Click here for information on how to apply.
Since the program launched in February 2021, TRR has provided over $2 billion in emergency funds for rent and utility relief, served 250 Texas counties and prevented evictions for over 21,000 households.
