TEXAS — A tool offering help to those having trouble paying rent in Texas is now closed to any further activity. Initially, renters could apply for rental relief assistance through the Texas Rental Relief application portal until March 28. However, due to an overwhelming demand for applications, the portal closed just after two days.

“The Texas Rent Relief program has closed its application portal to new applications and additional funding requests,” the site says. “Within the first 24 hours of re-opening, requests for assistance far exceeded available funding.”

The memo on the site told applicants to keep an eye out for further information about the program.

“Applicants should watch for communication from TRR in case additional information is needed for application,” the site says.

According to officials, in those two days, at least 70,000 Texans applied for help, inundating the system, and causing them to decide to no longer take additional applications.

Texas Rent Relief encourages those facing eviction to seek legal help as well as attend an eviction hearing plus stay in communication with the apartment landlord. Visit https://texaslawhelp.org/eviction-referral or call 855-270-7655 free or low-cost legal assistance.