AUSTIN – As millions of Texans are struggling to pay rent and facing possible evictions, one group has launched a new website to help those renters.
Stop TX Eviction, a new online information portal, is a step-by-step guide to help tenants understand their legal rights and the remedies available to keep them housed.
“Stop TX Eviction, a project of Texas’ primary legal aid providers, helps tenants understand their rights and the eviction process, locate rental assistance, and apply for free legal help,” officials shared.
Available in English and Spanish, the site helps renters:
• Access essential documents they can give to their landlord or a court;
• Locate and apply for free legal services for tenants who qualify;
• Find out about rental assistance and other resources, and how to apply; and
• Participate in an online chat with a lawyer who may be able to answer questions about evictions.
Stop TX Eviction also provides important information about the new Texas Eviction Diversion Program, a recently launched $171 million program to help tenants pay rent and stay in their homes.
The program began on October 12 as a pilot in 19 counties across the state (see the list, below). It is expected to expand to the rest of Texas in November and continue through at least December 18.
Stop TX Eviction is a collaboration between Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Texas Legal Services Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas. This project is possible with generous funding from the Texas Access to Justice Foundation.
The pilot counties currently participating in the Eviction Diversion Program are:
Bee, Bexar, Brazos, Chambers, Deaf Smith, El Paso, Erath, Fannin. Grayson, Harris, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, Potter, Randall, San Patricio, and Wise.
