Applications are now open for Osceola County’s Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program. Seniors will receive preference, but funding is limited and eligible applicants will be selected through a lottery.
By Michael Harrington
Senior Correspondent
The Sun Post News
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County residents struggling to keep up with rent may qualify for assistance that could help them remain in their homes for as long as two years.
Osceola County Housing and Community Services has opened applications for its Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program, or TBRA, which provides rental subsidies to qualifying low-income residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The application period opened September 1, 2026, and closes Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Seniors will receive preference.
WHERE TO APPLY
Residents should use Osceola County’s official TBRA page to review current requirements and access the application:
Official TBRA information and application:
https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs/TBRA
Osceola County Housing Programs:
https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs
Applicants are encouraged to use the county’s official page rather than links circulated through social media or unofficial websites.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM PROVIDE?
The TBRA program can provide qualifying households with rental subsidies for up to 24 months.
Depending on eligibility and program requirements, assistance may include rental subsidies and security-deposit assistance.
Participants are also required to receive case-management services.
Housing units participating in the program must meet applicable housing quality requirements.
The goal is not simply to make a single emergency rent payment. The program is designed to provide greater housing stability to vulnerable residents while they work toward improving their financial circumstances.
WHO MAY QUALIFY?
Applicants must meet several requirements established by Osceola County and the federal HOME program.
Among the primary requirements, applicants must:
- Have household income at or below 60% of Area Median Income, or AMI.
- Be an Osceola County resident.
- Have lived in Osceola County for at least the previous six months.
- Meet HUD’s definition of homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- Meet all other program eligibility requirements.
- Participate in case-management services.
Seniors will receive preference during the selection process.
2026 INCOME LIMITS
Osceola County lists the following maximum annual household incomes at the 60% AMI level:
1-person household: $48,300
2 people: $55,200
3 people: $62,100
4 people: $68,940
5 people: $74,460
6 people: $79,980
7 people: $85,500
8 people: $91,020
Falling below an income threshold does not automatically qualify an applicant for assistance. Households must satisfy the complete eligibility criteria.
APPLYING DOES NOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE
This is particularly important for residents to understand.
The program has limited funding, and Osceola County expects demand to substantially exceed the number of households it can assist.
Eligible applicants will therefore enter a lottery selection process.
The program is not simply awarding assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents should nevertheless complete their applications accurately and before the September 6 deadline.
DOES THIS PROGRAM HELP WITH MORTGAGE PAYMENTS?
No.
TBRA is a rental assistance program. It is intended for qualifying residents who rent their homes, not homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments.
Osceola County administers separate housing programs for homeowners experiencing financial hardship.
WHAT ABOUT HOMEOWNERS FACING FORECLOSURE?
Osceola County has a Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program designed to assist qualifying homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage and are at risk of foreclosure.
The county lists requirements that can include having a delinquent mortgage, occupying the property as a primary residence, demonstrating an eligible financial hardship and meeting applicable income limits.
However, the county currently reports that the program is closed due to a lack of available funding.
Homeowners should continue checking the official county page for future funding and application announcements:
Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention:
https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs/SHIP/Mortgage-Foreclosure-Prevention
OTHER FINANCIAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Osceola County also administers a Financial Housing Assistance program that, when funding is available, may assist qualifying households with expenses such as:
- Past-due rent
- Past-due utilities
- Delinquent mortgage payments to prevent foreclosure
- Security deposits
- Utility deposits
That program is also currently listed as closed due to lack of funds.
Residents can monitor its status here:
Homeless Services and Financial Housing Assistance:
https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs/Homeless-Services
SECTION 8 WAITING LIST
Residents searching for longer-term rental assistance should also be aware that Osceola County’s Section 8 waiting list is currently closed.
The county says future openings will be announced publicly.
Residents should monitor:
WHERE TO GET HELP
Residents who have questions about the TBRA application or other housing programs can contact:
Osceola County Housing and Community Services
1392 E. Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Phone: 407-742-8400
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents seeking TBRA assistance should act quickly. The application window is only open through 11:59 p.m. on September 6.
For households selected for the program, however, the benefit could be significant: rental assistance lasting up to two years and access to services intended to help families maintain stable housing.
For seniors living on fixed incomes and other vulnerable households across Osceola County, knowing that this assistance exists — and knowing where to apply — could make a critical difference.
OFFICIAL LINKS
TBRA application and information:
https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs/TBRA
Osceola County Housing Programs:
https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs
Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention:
https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs/SHIP/Mortgage-Foreclosure-Prevention
Financial Housing Assistance:
https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs/Homeless-Services
Osceola County Housing and Community Services: 407-742-8400
