Housing & Evictions
Have You Had an Eviction Filed Against You?
Please read these important notes about the eviction process:
Eviction Process Steps
Eviction Toolkit
If you are facing an eviction and would like to speak with someone, you can call the Neighborhood & Housing Services Department at 210.207.5910 or email evictionhelp@sanantonio.gov with questions.
Notice of Tenants' Rights
On June 25th, 2020, The City of San Antonio approved an ordinance (#2020-06-25-045) that requires a Notice of Tenants’ Rights be attached to every Notice to Vacate for Non-Payment of Rent issued within the City limits. This ordinance took effect on July 25th, 2020 and requires that both English and Spanish versions should be delivered with any Notice to Vacate for Non-Payment of Rent. The new Notice of Tenants’ Rights will help both landlords and tenants avoid costly and traumatic eviction proceedings by encouraging communication and highlighting financial assistance resources. Too often, tenants misinterpret Notices to Vacate as evictions in and of themselves; sometimes abandoning the unit or even seeking homelessness services. The Notice of Tenants’ Rights will help prevent such scenarios which harm both the landlord and the tenant with a clear and accessible explanation of the Notice to Vacate.
The Notice of Tenants’ Rights includes helpful information that:
- Encourages dialogue between the tenant and landlord
- Directs the tenant to resources, such as the City’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program
- Clarifies that a Notice to Vacate is not an eviction, but is the first step towards one
Please know that this ordinance applies to all residential properties within the City of San Antonio. The City’s Code Enforcement Division will issue warnings for the first instance of non-compliance. Subsequent violations will be addressed by an Administrative Hearing Officer and can result in fines of up to $500 per violation.
Download the Notice of Tenants' Rights:
Other Languages: Notice of Tenants' Rights
Download the Notice of Tenants' Rights FAQs:
Other Languages: Notice of Tenants' Rights FAQ
FHFA Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium Expired
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued an order to prevent Foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order was effective until July 31st, 2021 for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan supported properties; including single family homes and real estate owned properties. This order is now expired.
Housing FAQ
As our region continues to deal with COVID-19 and its community impact, several measures have been taken by local and federal government agencies to limit the impact on those most vulnerable to displacement including low income households. Find more answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and available resources:
View all Housing FAQs
Download the FAQ:
CARES Act
On March 27th, 2020 the federal government signed the CARES Act into law.
The CARES Act includes new protections for renters in certain housing developments.
On May 6th, 2020, tenant protections and landlord responsibilities were reaffirmed by City Manager Erik Walsh and County Manager David L. Smith.
The City of San Antonio’s beta CARES Act Map will help you identify if you live in or operate a CARES Act property.
Explore the beta CARES Act Map
Eviction protections under the federal CARES Act expire after June 30, 2021. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) has prepared a 30-minute Know-Your-Training video to explain what this means for CARES Act-subject renters in San Antonio. The "Know Your Rights: Evictions and the CARES Act" video includes English & Spanish trainings, with Spanish beginning at the halfway mark.
Protections for Homes not Covered by CARES Act
Even if you are not covered by the CARES Act, there are protections in place at the federal, state, and local levels to help you stay housed.
Federal
- On December 21, 2020, the Federal Housing Administration extended the ban on foreclosures for federally-backed mortgages. Federally-backed mortgages come from HUD, USDA, FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. Call your mortgage lender to find out if you qualify. Borrowers can request a forbearance from the lender for up to 60 days, with an option to extend another 120 days. For information on the federal loans go to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
- Recently, all of the agencies that own, insure, or otherwise guarantee mortgages (FHFA (Fannie/Freddie), FHA, USDA, and VA) have now extended their respective moratoria. The dates are as follows:
- FHFA (Fannie/Freddie): June 30, 2021
- FHA: June 30, 2021
- USDA: June 30, 2021
- VA: June 30, 2021
State
- Due to the total requests for assistance now exceeding all Texas Rent Relief funds available, the program has closed its application portal to new applications and additional funding requests. More information can be found on the Texas Rent Relief Program website. If you need assistance or have questions about a pending application, call 1.833.9TX.RENT (1.833.989.7368) Monday - Saturday from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm CST.
- Under the Texas Property Code, landlords cannot illegally deny access to their tenants’ units, i.e. unauthorized lockouts. Property owners are also prohibited from shutting off utilities for nonpayment of rent or performing any other unlawful actions in violation of the protections afforded tenants under the Texas Property Code. Violations of the Texas Property Code regulations governing tenants’ rights will subject the violator to penalties of up to one month's rent plus $1,000, actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees. Illegal lockouts which violate local emergency orders may also result in criminal prosecution and will be referred to the appropriate investigating agency.
County
- The Bexar County Justices of the Peace are encouraging parties in eviction hearings to participate in rental relief programs.
City
- If you are a resident of a SAHA property or a voucher holder, you can get more information at SAHA or call 210.477.6999.
Resources
Tenant Resources
- Catholic Charities
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The program offers financial help to those about to be evicted or have utilities shut off. *Eviction notice and/or utility disconnection notice required.*
- Eviction Prevention Toolkit from SARAH
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Property Managers and Landlords can help residents avoid eviction by taking a few simple steps to share resources, or by working with the City and other agencies. The toolkit was created by the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH) Housing Strategies Work Group.
- Fair Housing Council
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The Council’s programs and services, such as complaint investigation, advocacy, and education & outreach are available to consumers living in this South Texas service area.
- Fair Housing and Emergency Assistance
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Effective March 18, 2020, the City’s Fair Housing Division is accepting emergency rent and mortgage assistance referrals.
- SAMMinistries
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Offers rental assistance, utility support and long-term housing assistance.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul
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Limited financial assistance is provided for expenses such as utility bills, rent, funeral arrangements, and medication.
Landlord Resources
- EHAP Landlord FAQs (PDF)
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Frequently asked questions for landlords about the Emergency Housing Assistance Program.
- Rent & Evictions Webinar: What you need to know as a landlord
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Zoom webinar hosted by the City of San Antonio Neighborhood & Housing Services Department (NHSD) on July 27, 2021 that provides industry guidance on financial programs and resources available to landlords.
- Housing and Utility Webinar
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View the Zoom webinar held on October 4, 2021 or download the related presentations below: