Where Tennessee Rental information Comes From

Tennessee has two main sources of rental information: the state's Emergency Rental information Program (ERAP), which is administered through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), and local programs run by individual counties and cities. The state program uses federal funding and covers rent arrears, future rent, and utilities. Local programs vary in what they cover and who runs them — some are managed by housing authorities, others by nonprofits, and some by county social services departments.

Most Tennessee residents should start by checking whether their county or city has an active local program, because those often have shorter wait times and less paperwork than the state program. If your area does not have a local program or if it is closed, the state ERAP is the backup route. Both programs pay landlords directly whenever possible, which means you will need a signed lease and your landlord's contact information before you contact either one.

The state program is currently accepting new requests, but funding is limited and programs can close without notice when money runs out. Before you spend time gathering documents, call your local housing authority or dial 211 to confirm that the program you are targeting is still open and accepting new cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's state rental information program is run by THDA, but your county or city may have its own program that moves faster and requires less documentation.
  • Both state and local programs pay landlords directly, so you will need a signed lease and your landlord's name, address, and phone number before you reach out.
  • Call 211 or your local housing authority first to confirm the program is open, because many programs close when funding runs out.
  • The state program covers rent arrears (money you already owe), future rent, and some utility bills, but the exact amount depends on your county and the program's remaining funds.
  • You will need to prove your income, your lease, proof of hardship, and landlord contact information — have these documents ready before you explore.

Income Limits and Household Size Rules

Tennessee's state ERAP program sets income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for your county. Most counties allow households earning up to 80% of AMI, though some allow up to 100% AMI. Because AMI varies by county, the actual dollar limit for your household depends on where you live. A family of four in Davidson County (Nashville) will have a different limit than a family of four in a rural county.

To find your county's specific income limit, contact THDA directly at 615-815-2200 or visit the THDA website and search for your county's program details. Have your household size ready when you call — THDA counts everyone living in your home, including children, elderly relatives, and anyone else on the lease or living there permanently. Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive. It does not include money from SNAP, TANF, or other means-tested benefits.

Local programs set their own income limits, which are sometimes lower and sometimes higher than the state program. When you call 211 or your local housing authority, ask them to state the income limit out loud so you know whether your household falls within it before you gather paperwork.

What Documents You Will Need

Every Tennessee rental information program requires the same core set of documents, though local programs may ask for additional items. Have these ready before you contact a program:

  • A signed lease showing you are the tenant and your landlord's name and address.
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a bank statement showing regular deposits.
  • Proof of hardship — a notice to vacate, an eviction filing, a utility shutoff notice, or a written statement from you explaining why you cannot pay rent.
  • Landlord contact information — name, phone number, mailing address, and email if available.
  • Proof of residency in Tennessee — a utility bill, lease, or government ID with your current address.
  • Photo ID for the person explore — driver's license, passport, or state ID.

If you do not have a lease, some programs will accept a written statement from your landlord confirming you are a tenant and the monthly rent amount. If you are behind on rent, bring documentation of what you owe — a letter from your landlord, a court filing, or a bank statement showing bounced checks. The more specific your proof of hardship, the faster the program can move.

How to Reach Tennessee's State Program

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency runs the state Emergency Rental information Program. You can reach them by phone at 615-815-2200 during business hours, Monday through Friday. They can tell you whether your county is currently accepting new cases and what the income limit is for your household size.

THDA does not have a single online process portal. Instead, they direct you to your county's local program if one exists, or they provide you with the name and contact information for the nonprofit or agency handling ERAP in your area. When you call, have your county name, household size, and approximate monthly income ready so they can route you to the right place quickly.

If THDA's state program is closed or full, ask whether they expect to reopen and when. Some programs reopen when new federal funding arrives or when cases are resolved and money becomes available. If you are in when ready danger of eviction, also ask THDA whether they can refer you to emergency legal aid or a local nonprofit that helps with eviction prevention.

Local Programs by County and City

Many Tennessee counties and cities run their own rental information programs separate from the state ERAP. These local programs often have shorter processing times because they handle fewer cases and know their local landlords. Davidson County (Nashville), Shelby County (Memphis), Knox County (Knoxville), and Hamilton County (Chattanooga) all have active programs, but may be able to access and process processes differ.

To find your local program, start by calling 211 and saying your county name. The 211 operator will tell you whether a local program exists, whether it is open, and how to reach it. If 211 does not have current information, call your county's Department of Social Services or your city's housing authority directly. Many local programs are run by nonprofits, so the person answering may not be a government employee, but they will have the same documents and information you need.

Local programs sometimes cover things the state program does not, such as internet bills, phone bills, or deposits on new housing. Ask specifically what is covered before you explore, because some programs will only pay rent while others will also cover utilities or arrears on other housing-related bills.

What Happens After You Submit Your Information

Once you submit your documents, the program will review them to confirm you meet the income limit, have a signed lease, and have proof of hardship. This review usually takes one to three weeks. During this time, the program may contact your landlord to verify the lease and the amount of rent owed. They may also contact you if documents are missing or unclear.

If you are approved, the program will contact your landlord directly and arrange payment. Most programs pay by check or electronic transfer to the landlord's bank account. You will receive a letter or email confirming the amount approved and the date payment was sent. The landlord should receive payment within one to two weeks of approval, though this varies by program and by how quickly the landlord provides banking information.

If you are denied, the program will send you a written explanation. Common reasons for denial include income above the limit, no signed lease, or proof of hardship that does not meet the program's definition. If you are denied, ask whether you can reapply if your circumstances change, or whether there is an appeal process.

What Disqualifies You or Slows Down Your Case

You will not be turned away for having an eviction notice or court filing — in fact, an active eviction usually moves your case to the front of the queue. However, several things can slow down processing or result in denial:

  • No signed lease or no lease at all. Some programs accept a landlord's written confirmation, but this takes longer to verify.
  • Income above the program's limit for your household size and county.
  • Proof of hardship that is too old. Most programs want to see hardship that occurred within the past 30 to 60 days, though this varies.
  • Landlord contact information that is incomplete or incorrect. If the program cannot reach your landlord, they cannot pay them.
  • Missing documents. If you do not provide proof of income or residency, the program will ask for it, which adds one to two weeks to processing time.
  • Owing rent to multiple landlords. Some programs will only pay one landlord per process, so if you owe money to a previous landlord, you may need to explore separately.

You will not be disqualified for immigration status, credit score, criminal history, or prior evictions. You will not be disqualified for receiving other benefits like SNAP or Medicaid. The program is looking only at whether you have a lease, whether your income is within the limit, and whether you have a recent hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I do not have a lease?

Some programs will accept a written statement from your landlord confirming you are a tenant and the monthly rent amount, but this slows down processing because the program has to verify the statement. A signed lease is always faster. If you have been living somewhere without a formal lease, ask your landlord to sign a straightforward agreement stating the monthly rent and your tenancy dates, then submit that with your process.

What if my landlord will not cooperate or refuses the payment?

Most Tennessee programs require landlord participation because they pay the landlord directly. If your landlord refuses to cooperate, tell the program when ready. Some programs have authority to pay you directly instead, but only after documenting the landlord's refusal in writing. Ask the program what proof they need before you approach your landlord a second time.

How much money will I receive?

The amount depends on your county, your lease, and the program's remaining funds. Most programs will pay up to 12 months of rent arrears plus up to three months of future rent. Some also cover utilities. Call the program serving your county and tell them your monthly rent amount — they can give you a rough estimate of what you might receive.

What if the program is closed or out of money?

Call THDA at 615-815-2200 and ask when the program expects to reopen or receive new funding. If you are in when ready danger of eviction, ask for a referral to legal aid or a local nonprofit that helps with eviction prevention. Some nonprofits can negotiate with landlords or provide emergency funds while you wait for the rental information program to reopen.

Can I explore if I have already been evicted?

No. Rental information programs require a current lease showing you are still a tenant. If you have already been evicted and moved out, you are no longer may be able to access for that program. However, if you are facing eviction now and have a court date coming up, you are still may be able to access and should explore when ready.