San Antonio and Bexar County programs offer rental, legal, and mediation help for eviction-risk households
Assistance options depend on whether a renter lives inside San Antonio city limits or in unincorporated Bexar County
As eviction filings continue to affect thousands of households across Bexar County, local governments and nonprofit partners are operating multiple programs aimed at preventing displacement. Available help generally falls into three categories: short-term rental assistance, legal representation for tenants facing eviction, and mediation or housing counseling services.
Eligibility and application steps vary, especially for renters who live outside San Antonio’s city limits. In many cases, programs require documentation showing an active risk of eviction, such as a notice to vacate or a court citation.
City of San Antonio: rental help with limited monthly application window
San Antonio’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department operates a Rental Assistance Program intended to help renters experiencing financial hardship stay housed. The city accepts applications during a narrow monthly window: the second Wednesday of each month, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The program requires renters to upload an active notice to vacate or an active court-ordered eviction citation to demonstrate eviction status. Applications do not roll over to the next month, meaning households must reapply if they are not processed.
Under current program terms, eligible households can receive up to three consecutive months of rent and utility assistance, with a maximum of $3,500 for rent support and $1,500 for utility support. Payments are made directly to property management and utility providers. The city’s policy limits assistance to once in a 12-month period.
Legal support: Right to Counsel services for income-qualified households
For renters who have received a notice to appear in court or already have a judgment, the city’s Right to Counsel pathway connects eligible households to free legal aid services through a partnership with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. The program is designed for low-income households facing eviction or other housing-related legal problems that could destabilize housing.
Right to Counsel contact: 210-212-3703
Email intake: [email protected]
In addition to representation, early legal guidance can help tenants understand timelines, respond to court notices, and identify defenses or settlement options.
Mediation and counseling: a non-court option for disputes
San Antonio also offers free tenant-landlord mediation through HUD-certified housing counselors. The service focuses on resolving disputes such as repairs, lease issues, security deposits, utilities, occupancy standards, and eviction-related conflicts. Counselors are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice, but the process can help parties reach agreements without extended litigation.
Tenant/Landlord Mediation phone: 210-207-5309
Unincorporated Bexar County: county-backed pilot for renters not eligible for city programs
Bexar County commissioners approved a $500,000 pilot initiative to assist renters facing eviction in unincorporated areas—households that are not eligible for the city’s rental assistance program. The county’s Housing Stability Program is administered by Catholic Charities on the county’s behalf. Eligibility requires proof of residency in an unincorporated area and gross household income at or below 80% of area median income, with priority for households at or below 50% of area median income or those facing imminent displacement. Assistance can include up to six months of back rent, a first month’s rent, and deposit support, with payments capped at HUD Fair Market Rent and paid directly to landlords.
Residents seeking help are encouraged to act early—before a court date—because most programs require documentation, eligibility screening, and landlord coordination.