Austin Tenants Council

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Programs and Services

• Fair Housing Program
  • Eligibility
    • Open to victims of housing discrimination.
  • Services Provided
    • The Fair Housing Program helps any person who has been discriminated against in the rental, sale, financing or appraisal of housing. The state and federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of a person’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability (mental or physical), or familial status. For Austin residents, additional protections include marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or status as a student.
    • FHP documents and investigates complaints; provides advice about remedies under fair housing laws; and coordinates legal services to assist victims of housing discrimination. FHP provides fair housing seminars and presentations to interested groups.
  • Get Help
    • Call (512) 474-1961 for an initial phone interview and assessment.
    • Click here for more information on the Fair Housing Program.
• Telephone Counseling
  • Eligibility
    • Open to Travis and Williamson County residents only.
  • Services Provided
    • The Telephone Counseling Line provides education and information regarding residential tenant-landlord disputes. Lines are busy, and callers are encouraged to keep trying. Phones are answered by trained housing counselors who offer options, refer callers to other agencies, or suggest legal assistance through Legal Aid, lawyer referral services, etc. The counselors can discuss tenant-landlord rights and responsibilities as described in the Texas Property Code and other sources. However, no attorneys are on staff and ATC counselors cannot offer legal advice. Anyone needing legal advice should contact an attorney.
  • Get Help
    • Call (512) 474-1961 to speak to a housing counselor.
    • The telephone counseling line is open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m to 12 p.m.
      • Click here for more information on the Telephone Counseling Line.
• Mediation Services
  • Eligibility
    • Crisis intervention clients must be Travis County residents and not exceed income guidelines. Rental repair assistance is available only to Austin residents who do not exceed income guidelines.
  • Services Provided
    • Crisis Intervention: Counselors mediate on behalf of tenants to resolve emergencies such as illegal eviction, lockout, utility shut-off, improper seizure of personal property or other issues that threaten their housing.
• In-House Counseling
  • Eligibility
    • Travis and Williamson County Residents (no fee if income eligibility is met). All Texas residents outside Travis and Williamson Counties are welcome but a fee of $15 (cash or check) is required.
  • Services Provided
    • The In-House Counseling Program provides 30-minute in-house counseling sessions to tenants and landlords who have questions regarding their rights or responsibilities. Counseling, brochures, and other materials are available to clients for free.
• ​Online Counseling
  • Click here for more information and to apply online.