If you are seeking assistance with rent payments or finding affordable housing in Tennessee, there are several state-level and regional programs available. Depending on your situation, you may be able to access emergency funds or long-term rental subsidies. Below is an overview of the primary rental assistance programs in Tennessee.
State-Level and Long-Term Rental Subsidies
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program—commonly known as “Section 8″—is a federally funded initiative that helps low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities access safe, decent housing in the private market.
In Tennessee, the program is administered at the state level by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) across 72 counties, or by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in major municipal areas.
Successfully completing the application process requires careful preparation and adherence to strict requirements.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Before submitting an application, ensure that your household meets the core criteria established at both the federal and state levels:
Income Limits: Eligibility is largely based on your family’s gross annual income. Your income cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county where you intend to reside. However, by law, 75% of all new vouchers must be allocated to households with incomes at or below 30% of the AMI (considered an “extremely low-income” level).
Household Composition: The program prioritizes families, seniors (aged 62 or older), and individuals with documented disabilities. Citizenship and legal status: You must be a U.S. citizen or, if not, hold an eligible immigration status.
Background-related restrictions: You may be ineligible if you have outstanding debts to any public housing authority or if you have been evicted from public housing within the last three years due to drug-related criminal activity.
2. Gather the necessary documentation
When waiting lists open, they often close quickly. Therefore, you should prepare the following essential information for each member of your household in advance:
- Full names, dates of birth, and Social Security cards.
- Birth certificates or naturalization/immigration documents.
- Government-issued photo identification for all adult household members. Third-party verifiable proof of income (such as recent pay stubs, tax documents, court-ordered child support, or benefit award letters from the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs—VA).
- Bank statements and documentation regarding any assets held by the household.
3. Locate open waiting lists
Housing assistance vouchers are in high demand, and waiting lists are frequently closed. Since you can sign up for multiple lists, a smart strategy is to track openings at both the state and municipal levels:
For rural and suburban counties (including 72 counties): Check the THDA’s “open waiting lists” webpage. The THDA announces openings in specific counties as vouchers become available. Note: If you apply for a voucher in a county where you do not currently reside, you must live in that county for the first 12 months after receiving the voucher before you can request to move (transfer) to another location.
For major metropolitan areas: You must submit your application directly through the portals of local housing authorities, which have their own specific application rules. For example:
Knoxville: The Knoxville Community Development Corporation (KCDC) typically opens its online portal only on the second Wednesday of each month, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Nashville: Stay informed about open waiting lists through the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA).
Memphis: Check for updates directly on the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) portal.
4. Submit your application correctly
Always 100% free: Applying for a Housing Choice Voucher is completely free, in accordance with HUD regulations. Be wary of fraudulent websites that charge an application fee or request credit card numbers; only complete your application through official government websites (ending in .org or .gov).
Follow formatting instructions: Applications must be completed online during the periods when the process is open. Ensure you fill out the application by strictly following the instructions: avoid using symbols or punctuation marks where they are not permitted, and enter income amounts as whole dollar figures (without decimals).
Save your confirmation: Once your application has been successfully submitted, the portal will provide a confirmation number. Make sure to save a copy of this number immediately. Generally, the THDA and local public housing authorities (PHAs) do not send confirmation letters by mail; you will need this number to track your position on the waiting list.
TNHousingSearch.org
TNHousingSearch.org is a free housing search service covering the entire state of Tennessee, sponsored by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). It functions as a specialized, ad-free directory designed to help Tennessee residents find rental housing—whether affordable, accessible, or at market rate—while protecting them from scams and hidden fees.
If you are using the platform to search for a home or list a property, please keep the following details in mind:
How to search for housing
You can search for properties using standard geographic filters or utilize the site’s “Advanced Search” features to find options that meet your specific needs:
Voucher acceptance filter: If you have a “Section 8” (Housing Choice Voucher) voucher, you can filter your results to show only those properties whose owners accept such vouchers.
Accessibility options: You can narrow your search to display properties that feature specific adaptations for individuals with physical disabilities.
Income and age restrictions: You can specifically filter for properties with income restrictions (such as those under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program or USDA rural housing developments), as well as housing designated exclusively for seniors.
Integrated budgeting tools: The site offers calculators, spreadsheets for estimating moving costs, and rental checklists to help you plan your move.
For property owners and managers
If you own or manage rental properties in Tennessee, you can use this platform as a completely free advertising tool.
Property listings: Owners can create an account to upload photos, outline community rules, indicate the location on a map, and post unit availability in real time.
Connecting with voucher holders: By listing your property here, you connect directly with individuals who hold housing vouchers or with tenants specifically seeking affordable housing options.
Real-time availability management: You can access your account and remove a listing instantly once the unit has been rented, helping you avoid unnecessary inquiries.
Customer Support and Helpline
If you do not have reliable internet access, have difficulty navigating online maps, or need assistance listing a unit, you can contact our free, bilingual telephone support service.
Phone number: Call 1-877-428-8844.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time (9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
Accessibility: Dial 7-1-1 for TTY assistance for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Emergency & Crisis Rent Assistance
The Salvation Army (Kentucky & Tennessee Division)
The Salvation Army (Kentucky and Tennessee Division) provides essential emergency social services designed to prevent homelessness and maintain housing stability in both states. Unlike long-term government subsidies, their programs focus on providing targeted, one-time interventions for individuals and families facing sudden financial hardship—such as job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or constraints on a fixed income.
Because funds are distributed locally, the available resources, specific limits, and procedures for scheduling an appointment vary depending on the city or county where you reside.
Key Emergency Assistance Programs
Rent and Mortgage Assistance: This consists of direct financial grants—paid to landlords or mortgage lenders—to settle outstanding debts and halt active eviction or foreclosure proceedings.
Utility Assistance: This helps low-income households maintain access to water, electricity, gas, or heating. Many local centers coordinate directly with major utility providers to pay off overdue bills or prevent service disconnection.
Comprehensive Family Services: Depending on your location, emergency financial assistance is often supplemented by access to food banks, help with obtaining prescription medications, clothing vouchers, and temporary emergency or transitional housing.
Typical Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for crisis assistance, you must formally demonstrate an immediate financial need. Most local centers will require the following:
- A formal eviction notice from your landlord or a utility shut-off notice.
- A government-issued photo ID for all adults in the household, as well as Social Security cards for all family members.
- Proof of total household income (such as pay stubs, tax documents, or benefit award letters) to verify your financial hardship. Proof of residence (such as a current copy of your lease agreement or a record of rent payments).
How to contact your local center
The Kentucky and Tennessee Division has more than 30 service centers in the state of Tennessee alone. Funds are managed entirely at the local level, which means you must submit your application through the office assigned to your specific area.
Online search: Use the official Salvation Army Location Finder tool to enter your zip code and find the nearest office, check its operating hours, and obtain phone numbers for inquiries or to process your request.
Major Tennessee Hubs:
- Nashville: The Salvation Army network in Nashville includes several locations, such as the “Center of Hope” supportive housing program and financial services for local families.
- Memphis: The “Purdue Center of Hope” handles emergency family assistance and initiatives aimed at promoting housing stability.
- Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Clarksville: Each of these cities has “Worship and Service Centers” dedicated to directly managing local emergency assistance funds.
United Way 211
For immediate emergency help with rent payments in your area, you can call 211 or text your zip code to 898211. This network, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, connects you directly with local charities, non-profit organizations, and community action groups that have active emergency funds available.
City & County Specific Programs
| Region | Program / Agency | Details & Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis / Shelby County | MIFA Housing Stability & Shelby County CSA | MIFA offers rent help for residents with a crisis in the past 90 days. The Community Services Agency (CSA) provides eviction prevention for households under 200% of the poverty line. Apply online via Shelby County CSA or call the MIFA Help Desk at (901) 529-4530. |
| Nashville / Davidson County | Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) | Administers local rental vouchers and Moderate Rehabilitation programs. Learn more at the Nashville MDHA Portal. |
| Clarksville / Montgomery County | Clarksville Rental Assistance Program (CNCS) | Uses HUD HOME funds to offer up to a year of rental subsidies for low-income households. It operates on a nonprofit referral basis. Check updates at the [Clarksville CNCS Page](https://www.clarksvilletn.gov/1214/Clarksville-Rental-Assistance-Program “Clarksville Rental Assistance Program |
| Southwest TN (Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McNairy counties) | SWHRA Emergency Rent Program | Provides one-time emergency past-due rent assistance for low-income households with a child under 6, an elderly individual (60+), or a disabled resident. Contact your local SWHRA Community Service Center. |
