Where to Get Help if You Are Behind on Rent in Arlington
August 06, 2026Falling behind on rent can happen for many reasons—job loss, reduced work hours, medical bills, or other unexpected financial hardships. If you're struggling to pay rent in Arlington, Texas, there are local organizations that may be able to help with emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention, legal aid, and tenant rights.
If you've already received an eviction notice or know you'll have trouble making your next rent payment, don't wait to seek help. Many assistance programs have limited funding and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rental Assistance Programs in Arlington
City of Arlington – Housing & Homeless Services
The City of Arlington's Housing & Homeless Services Division connects residents with housing stability programs and community resources designed to help prevent homelessness.
Depending on available funding and eligibility, assistance may include:
- Emergency rental assistance
- Housing stabilization services
- Homelessness prevention
- Referrals to local nonprofit organizations
- Case management
Residents can also receive information about affordable housing opportunities and other local housing resources.
Arlington Housing Authority
The Arlington Housing Authority administers several affordable housing programs, including:
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- Public Housing
- Affordable housing resources
- Landlord and tenant information
- Housing referrals
Although waiting lists may apply, the Housing Authority is an important resource for families seeking long-term affordable housing solutions.
The Salvation Army of Arlington
The Salvation Army provides emergency financial assistance for qualifying households experiencing temporary financial hardship.
Depending on available funding, services may include:
- Emergency rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Emergency food assistance
- Financial counseling
- Case management
Funding availability changes throughout the year, so residents are encouraged to contact the organization as soon as assistance is needed.
Mission Arlington / Mission Metroplex
Mission Arlington is one of the area's largest nonprofit organizations assisting families experiencing financial hardship.
Services may include:
- Emergency rental assistance
- Utility payment assistance
- Emergency food
- Clothing assistance
- Household items
- Financial counseling
- Connections to additional community resources
Mission Arlington frequently works with families facing eviction and can often provide referrals when direct financial assistance is unavailable.
Arlington Urban Ministries
Arlington Urban Ministries provides emergency assistance to qualifying Arlington residents.
Programs may include:
- Rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Emergency food
- Financial coaching
- Referrals to additional housing resources
Because funding is limited, residents should apply as early as possible if they anticipate falling behind on rent.
Legal Help and Tenant Rights
If your landlord has filed for eviction, refuses to make necessary repairs, unlawfully locks you out, withholds your security deposit improperly, or violates your lease agreement, free or low-cost legal assistance may be available.
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas provides free civil legal services to qualifying low-income Texans.
Housing-related services include:
- Eviction defense
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Unsafe housing conditions
- Security deposit disputes
- Fair housing issues
- Housing rights education
If you've received an eviction notice, contacting Legal Aid as early as possible may improve your chances of receiving assistance before your court date.
Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Center
Many landlord-tenant disputes can be resolved before reaching court through mediation.
The Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Center offers low-cost and court-referred mediation services that may help landlords and tenants reach agreements regarding:
- Past-due rent
- Lease disputes
- Security deposits
- Property maintenance concerns
- Move-out agreements
Mediation can often save both parties time and legal expenses.
Texas Tenants' Union
Although based elsewhere in Texas, the Texas Tenants' Union provides educational resources about Texas landlord-tenant law, renters' rights, and eviction procedures that can help Arlington renters better understand their legal protections.
Know Your Rights as a Tenant
Texas law provides renters with important legal protections, including rights involving:
- Proper eviction procedures
- Required notices before eviction
- Security deposits
- Certain landlord repair obligations
- Protection from unlawful retaliation
- Fair housing protections
Understanding your rights can help you avoid costly mistakes during a landlord dispute or eviction proceeding. If you're unsure about your legal situation, contact a qualified legal aid organization as soon as possible.
Tips if You're Behind on Rent
If you're having difficulty paying rent:
- Contact your landlord before your rent becomes seriously overdue.
- Apply for rental assistance immediately, as funding can run out quickly.
- Keep copies of your lease, payment history, notices, and all communications with your landlord.
- If you've received an eviction notice, contact Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas immediately.
- Reach out to local nonprofits like Mission Arlington or Arlington Urban Ministries as early as possible, since many programs operate on limited funding.
Final Thoughts
Financial setbacks can happen to anyone, but you don't have to face them alone. Arlington has a network of city agencies, nonprofit organizations, housing providers, and legal service organizations that work together to help residents remain safely housed.
Whether you need emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention services, legal advice, or information about your rights as a tenant, reaching out early can make a significant difference. If you're behind on rent, don't wait—contact these organizations as soon as possible to learn what assistance may be available.