Concerned about getting evicted in Fort Worth? Here’s how you can get help
The federal moratorium on evictions under the CARES Act expired on Saturday. With millions of Texans unemployed, housing advocates fear a massive increase in eviction filings, particularly among people who live paycheck-to-paycheck.
Because of the likely increase in evictions we wanted to provide this guide for anyone dealing with an eviction or fearing an eviction. You’ll find tips for rental assistance payments, free legal representation and understanding of the eviction process.
Programs that help pay rent and utilities
Fort Worth Community Services Block Grant: The city has about $2.5 million it can provide in rental assistance. You can apply here. You must be a Fort Worth resident and have been financially impacted by the coronavirus. You can also call 817-392-5720.
Tarrant CARES Rental Assistance Program: This program is for Tarrant County residents who do not live in Fort Worth (Fort Worth residents should apply for the program above). You can apply here. To be eligible, you must have been financially impacted by the coronavirus. You also need to contact your landlord to ensure the landlord is willing to participate in the program. You can also call 817-531-5620.
Catholic Charities and Salvation Army Rental Assistance: Both Catholic Charities and Salvation Army have rental assistance programs that help people pay back one month’s rent.
- For local Catholic Charities, call 817-534-0814
- For local Salvation Army, call 817-344-1800
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: You can use the TDHCA’s website to find a listing resources for rent payment, utility payment and other needs.
What to do if you receive a ‘notice to vacate’
The eviction process in Texas begins with a notice to vacate. A notice to vacate does not mean you have to immediately vacate the property. You may still stay at the property.
The notice to vacate is a warning that the landlord intends to file an eviction in court. An eviction filing also does not mean you have to leave the property. A judge will set a hearing for the eviction. In the meantime, you can still try to reach a deal with your landlord or argue your case in court.
A tenant can only be forced to move out after an eviction has been finalized in court in favor of the landlord, and a writ of possession is served by a constable.
A landlord cannot evict anyone without going through the courts. If a landlord changes locks or tries to force you out without using the proper paperwork from the court system, it is not legal.
The CARES Act still has some protections
If you live in a CARES Act-covered property, your landlord can file an eviction, as of July 25. But the CARES Act prevents any tenants from being forced to move out until at least Aug. 25.
You are likely protected by the CARES Act if the place where you live is backed by a federal mortgage or if it receives federal assistance, such as Section 8 or Housing Choice vouchers, or assistance from HUD or the FHA.
To see if the place where you live falls under the CARES Act, you can type in the address in this database.
Or, if you pay rent using Housing Choice vouchers — or know a neighbor who lives in the same property who uses vouchers — the place where you live is likely covered by the CARES Act.
How to challenge an eviction filing
Landlords must follow a strict set of guidelines when they file evictions, and many fail to do so. To challenge an eviction filing, you should hire representation from a lawyer or housing advocacy groups. The following groups can provide free guidance:
- Legal Aid of Northwest Texas: Visit its website here, or call 888-529-5277.
- SMU Legal Helpline: Visit its website here or call 214-768-2683.
- Dallas Evictions 2020: Visit its website here or text 469-436-2704.
- Texas Tenants’ Union: Visit its website here or call 214-823-2733.
- Union Gospel Mission Homeless Legal Clinic: Call 817-332-3019.
This story was originally published July 28, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
