Rental Assistance
I Belong in Austin: Eviction Prevention Resources
The I Belong in Austin emergency rental assistance application portal closed in April 2026 application period. The City of Austin is committed to helping renters remain safely and stably housed.
Current FY2027 program dollars will support negotiated settlements and eviction prevention services through Austin Housing’s legal aid partners.
If you are currently facing eviction, please visit Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Texas Legal Services Center, or Volunteer Legal Services.
If you are currently facing issues with your landlord or need information on tenants’ rights, please visit Austin Tenants’ Council or Building and Strengthening Tenant Impact (BASTA).
A Shift in Focus
Recent Austin City Council (Resolution No. 20260827-069) directed the City Manager to evaluate and strengthen Austin’s eviction and displacement prevention system, including legal services, navigation services, and negotiated settlement supports.
This shift aligns with City Council’s findings that:
Eviction filings in Austin increased significantly from 2024 to 2025
Holistic, earlier‑stage interventions reduce both evictions and homelessness
Displacement prevention programs are key to supporting Austin’s most vulnerable communities
Following this direction, the City has rebalanced resources to prioritize eviction prevention and stabilization strategies. These services strengthen housing stability and provide an effective, evidence‑based approach to reducing homelessness and displacement.
Negotiated settlements—delivered through the City’s legal service partners—often resolve eviction cases before hearings occur or result in dismissals through agreements reached in court. These interventions are an effective tool for preventing displacement among households facing immediate eviction risk.
Other Helpful Resources
Residents seeking housing stability resources, legal help, or other support should visit the Austin Housing Hub for up‑to‑date resources and guidance.
- Texas 211 is a free social service hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can call 211 or 877-541-7905 or visit Texas 211 online for more info on ways to get help.
- Visit ConnectATXonline for a comprehensive list of resources in the Austin Area for support with food, housing, financial assistance, transportation, health and more or contact United Way helpline at (877) 541-7905.
- If you are currently facing eviction, please visit Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or Volunteer Legal Services.
Program Impact
Over the course of its operation from June 2021 through February 2026, I Belong in Austin:
Has distributed over $16 million to over 3,100 local households facing eviction. Over 9,000 individuals have benefitted from the program, including 4,646 children residing in households facing instability.
Has provided 2,562 households with direct rental assistance
Has helped 744 households with negotiated settlements
Has assisted 89 households with moving and storage costs
Top-served zip codes include 78753, 78741, 78744, 78723, and 78758
- Program History
The City’s rental assistance programs have changed as community needs, budgetary conditions, and strategic priorities have evolved.
I Belong in Austin Program
Originally launched to support households at risk of displacement, the I Belong in Austin program provided emergency rental assistance paired with navigation and stabilization resources. Over time, the program was scaled down as available funding decreased and as City Council directed a shift toward more comprehensive eviction prevention strategies. These changes reflect an effort to target investments where they have the greatest impact – keeping residents housed through legal support, negotiation, and early interventions.