Austin Tenants Council ensures housing stability by rectifying Fair Housing Act violations and empowering tenants to exercise their rights through mediation, advocacy, and education.
Austin Tenants' Council (ATC) programs address many areas of need: housing discrimination, landlord/tenant education and information, and housing repair and rehabilitation. FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM -- This program helps any person in the Austin area who has been discriminated against in housing. The FHP investigates complaints and coordinates legal services to assist victims of discrimination when their rights under state and federal fair housing laws have been violated. TELEPHONE COUNSELING -- Trained counselors answer tenant-landlord questions and make appropriate referrals. However, ATC offers no legal advice. IN-HOUSE COUNSELING -- Counseling information and materials are provided to clients in need of more in-depth assistance. CRISIS INTERVENTION -- Counselors mediate on behalf of tenants to resolve emergencies that threaten their housing. RENTAL REPAIR ASSISTANCE -- The Renters' Rights Assistance Program helps low-income renters enforce their rights for repairs through advocacy and mediation. LEASE FORMS -- ATC sells lease packets and brochures describing landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities to landlords for a small fee.