Tenant Notification and Relocation Assistance Ordinance

Austin City Council passed a Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance (20160901-050) to ensure landlords provide appropriate and timely information to tenants in the event of the demolition of a multifamily building of five or more units, rezoning, or the redevelopment of a mobile home park.  In particular, tenants who have been notified of displacement should promptly:

  • Check the lease to see what is required for move-out—especially to see if you must give advance notice of a move-out date
  • Begin looking for new housing to move into before the end of the notice period, or the end of the lease (whichever comes first)
  • Make sure you possess the required documents to apply for new housing (ID, proof of income, etc.)
  • Make sure you are up to date on your rent and fees so that the security deposit can be returned
  • Once a new home is found, provide your old landlord with a forwarding address to facilitate the return of the security deposit
  • Contact Austin Energy (Web) at 512-494-9400 for information on connection fees and deposits at your new home.

Tenant Relocation Assistance Program

Sudden housing displacement can have destabilizing effects on the most vulnerable members of our community, including low-income households and elderly and disabled residents. The Tenant Relocation Assistance Program supports vulnerable low-income households, the elderly, and persons with disabilities facing displacement.

  • Requires landlords to provide notice about property redevelopment and resources for displaced tenants
  • Provides information on community services/legal assistance

The City of Austin has established the Tenant Notification and Relocation Assistance Ordinance, which provides tenant notification and relocation assistance requirements.

The City has also established the Tenant Relocation Assistance Program Rules, which provide detailed information on how to comply with the ordinance, including how to deliver notice to tenants.  

Tenant Notification Forms

The following forms are available for download by applicants seeking development permits or approvals that trigger the tenant notification requirement of the Tenant Notification and Relocation Assistance Ordinance (see City of Austin Land Development Code Section 25-1-712 and 25-1-713 for more information):

Please send questions or inquiries to tenantrelocation@austintexas.gov.