Rent & mortgage help in Tennessee

Act fast

Got an eviction notice?

1. Don't ignore it, and don't move out yet. Read every date on the notice. In most cases a landlord has to go through the court to make you leave, and you have the right to respond.
2. Go to your court date. If you miss it, you can lose automatically.
3. Get free legal help today. Legal aid offices help low-income tenants for free, and having a lawyer can change the outcome. Use the legal aid finders below.
4. Apply for rent help at the same time. Some programs can pay back rent so the case gets dropped. Tell them you have an eviction case, since some programs put those first.
5. Keep records. Save every notice, receipt, text and email with your landlord.

Get caught up

Behind on rent

1. Call 211 (or text your ZIP code to 898-211). Tell them how much you owe and by when. They know which local programs have money right now.
2. Contact your community action agency. These local nonprofits often hand out emergency rent and utility money. Find yours by ZIP →
3. Talk to your landlord early, before the rent is late if you can. Ask for a payment plan in writing. Use our script →
4. Free up money from other bills. Utility help and SNAP food benefits can leave more for rent. National Energy Assistance Referral line: (866) 674-6327.

Programs HUD lists for Tennessee

From HUD's Rental Help: Tennessee page. Watch out for anyone who charges a fee to "help" you apply for rent assistance. Real programs are free.

Longer term

Need cheaper housing

Housing authorities run two big programs. Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers) helps pay rent for a home you find. Public housing is apartments they own. Rent is usually about 30% of your income.

• Waitlists are often long or closed. Apply to more than one housing authority. Many let you apply even if you don't live in their area.
• Keep your contact info updated with every list you're on. If they can't reach you when your name comes up, you can lose your spot.
• Ask each office about other programs. Some have shorter waits for seniors, people with disabilities, or veterans.

Homeowners

Behind on your mortgage

1. Call your mortgage servicer now, the company you send payments to, even if foreclosure has already started. Ask what options they have, such as a repayment plan, forbearance (a pause), or a loan modification.
2. Talk to a free HUD-approved housing counselor. They can review your options and help you deal with the servicer. Call (800) 569-4287 or pick one below.
3. Ask about state help. Your state's housing finance agency may run programs for homeowners. Check HUD's Tennessee links above, and ask your counselor what's open now.

Near you

Free help near you

HUD-approved housing counselors give free or low-cost help with rent, budgets and avoiding foreclosure. Housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

More official finders

Other states

Help in another state

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