MID-SOUTH — Home ownership is down. Rent is up. Affordable housing is becoming harder and harder to find and the Mid-South is in the middle of a housing crisis. That’s why FOX13 has compiled this resource guide, helping you navigate renters’ rights, help for those experiencing homelessness or evictions and assistance available for rent and utilities.
Resources are available for renters in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.
RELATED: Local leaders to address rising rent costs and more at Memphis housing summit
One of the hardest tasks can be finding an affordable place in a safe area.
Renters can utilize social media, networking and common rental listing websites for help.
Here are some ways you can save money on renting:
1. Know your budget.
2. Apply for any available housing assistance programs.
3. Split bills with a roommate.
4. Use a referral service or broker.
5. Speak with your landlord about any possible negotiations to reduce rent.
Other tips include exploring subletting arrangements, visiting multiple neighborhoods in person and looking for efficiency units if you don’t need much space.
Many apartment communities run leasing specials, such as no deposit or half-off the first month. Make sure to ask about those deals and get them in writing.
Find A Place For Rent
Here’s a list of 16 property management companies in the Mid-South that have properties for rent.
Craigslist has listings for apartments and homes for rent:
- Memphis
- Arkansas
U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Renter’s Rights
Landlord and Tenant Act Laws Explained
Landlord-Tenant Law in Mississippi
Landlord and Tenant Rights Arkansas
Help Paying Rent and Utilities
Memphis and Shelby County Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program
Mississippi Emergency Rental Assistance
Arkansas Emergency Solutions Grant Program
Evictions Help
MICAH - (901) 249-0544; info@micahmemphis.org
Shelby County Housing Department - (901) 222-7600 - 1075 Mullins Station Rd, Memphis, TN 38134
Memphis Housing Authority - (901) 544-1100 - 700 Adams Ave., Memphis, TN 38103
HER Faith Ministries - (901) 324-3705 - 3396 Park Ave., Memphis, TN 38111
Arkansas Fresh Start - (855) 987-9870
Mississippi Center for Justice
Legal Assistance
Memphis Area Legal Services - (901) 523-8822 - 22 N. Front St., 11th Floor Memphis, TN 38103
Memphis Public Interest Law Center - They’ve created The Housing Project, a renter-centered response to the housing crisis. Their help hotline is 1-833-7RENTER (1-833-773-6837).
Community Legal Center - (901) 543-3395 - 243 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
901LegalConnect.org - (901)-527-3573 - 145 Court Ave. Suite 301, Memphis, TN 38103
West Tennessee Legal Services - (731) 423-0616
Center for Arkansas Legal Services - (501) 376-3423
North Mississippi Rural Legal Services - (800) 498-1804
Help for Homelessness
Shelby County Community Services Agency - (901) 222-4281 - 3772 South Hickory Ridge Mall #516, Memphis, TN 38115
Memphis Interfaith Association (901) 527-0208 - 910 Vance Ave, Memphis, TN 38126
Community Alliance for the Homeless (901) 527-1302 - 44 N Second Street, 3rd Floor, Memphis, TN 38103
Hospitality Hub (901) 522-1808 - 82 N. Second St., Memphis, TN 38103
Porter Leath Children’s Center (emergency shelter for children) - (901) 577-2500 - 868 N. Manassas, Memphis, TN 38103
Memphis Union Mission (901) 526-8403 - 383 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38103
Calvary Rescue Missions (901) 775-2570 - 960 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38106
Dorothy Day House (901) 726-6760 - 1429 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Darkness II Light Homeless Shelter (901) 585-8657 - 1596 Hope St., Memphis, TN 38111
Door of Hope Memphis - 245 N Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38105
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