RentCafe Transition Information
Fort Worth Housing Solutions is launching a new online portal, RentCafe. RentCafe will let participants, applicants, and landlords see information, check important deadlines, send updates, and upload documents any time, day or night.
From July 16 to August 2, FWHS will be setting up the new system. During this time, some services may take longer than usual or may not be available. Starting August 3rd, clients, applicants and landlords will receive information on how to create a RentCafe account.
This page will be updated with new information during the transition. FWHS staff will also be available to help answer your questions. You may call our main phone line (817-333-3400) or submit a question on our website at https://fwhs.org/about-fwhs/contact/.
To learn how these changes affect you, please choose the tab below that best matches how you work with FWHS.
FWHS is excited to give our voucher holders a new way to access information and contact us. Here is what is changing when RentCafe launches August 3:
- All forms and documents must be sent through the RentCafe portal.
- You will send messages to your housing counselor through RentCafe instead of email.
- We will not accept paper forms unless a client needs a paper form due to a reasonable accommodation for a disability.
- If you do not have a computer, smartphone, or tablet, you can use a computer at your local library. FWHS also has a small computer lab at our main office to help clients use the RentCafe portal.
Services Unavailable from July 16th to August 2nd
As FWHS transitions to the new system, the following services will NOT be available:
- Annual or interim recertifications
- Dropping off papers in person
- RFTA requests
- Changes to your household, like family size or income
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I do while some services are unavailable?
While we are setting up the new system, you can still email documents and questions to your housing counselor. You can also send forms, like a Notice of Change Form, on our website at https://fwhs.org/forms/.
Please remember that forms and documents sent between July 16 and August 2 will be reviewed starting August 3, when the new system is ready.
Thank you for your patience while we make these changes.
Do I need to create a RentCafe account now?
Not yet.
When RentCafe is ready, voucher holders will need to create an account. Around August 3, you will get an email with steps to set up your account. We will also post instructions on this page.
For now, you do not need to do anything.
Thank you for your patience!
Do I need to report changes to my household information while services are unavailable?
Yes.
If your income or household changes, you should still tell FWHS by filling out the Notice of Change Form form on our website at https://fwhs.org/forms/.
Choose the program that fits you and fill in all the needed information.
While these forms will not be reviewed until August 3, the date you submit the form will be the day FWHS uses to confirm we received the information on time according to voucher program requirements.
I need to change the email address FWHS has for me. What should I do?
It is important that FWHS has your current email address.
If you cannot use the email address we have on file, or if you need to update it, please contact your housing counselor or call (817) 333-3400 for help.
I have a yearly recertification due soon. Will this transition time period affect me?
If your recertification is due while services are limited, your housing counselor has already contacted you about completing it early.
If your recertification is due in August or later, it will be handled as usual.
If you have questions, please email your housing counselor.
My question is not listed here. Who should I contact?
If you have more questions, please contact your housing counselor.
You can also call FWHS at (817) 333-3400 or send us a message at https://fwhs.org/about-fwhs/contact/. We are happy to help!
FWHS is moving the waitlist to a new online system called RentCafe. What does that mean for me?
- You will keep your spot on the waitlist. We are moving your information to the new system.
- When RentCafe is ready, we will send you an email with instructions to create your account. Until then, you can still check your place on the waitlist using the current application portal.
No Waitlist Movement from July 16th to August 2nd
From July 16 and August 2, we will not be moving any new families or households from the waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to create a RentCafe account now?
Not yet.
If you are on an FWHS waitlist, you will need a RentCafe account when the new system is ready. Around August 3, you will get an email with steps to create your account. We will also post instructions on this page.
For now, you do not need to do anything. Thank you for your patience!
Will I need to reapply to the waitlist?
No.
You will keep your spot on the waitlist. You do not need to apply again when RentCafe starts on August 3.
We are moving the waitlist to a new system, so the information you gave us will move, too.
I need to change the email address on file with FWHS. How do I do that?
It is important for FWHS to have your current email address.
If you cannot use the email address we have for you, or if you need to update it, please call us at (817) 333-3400 or send us a message at https://fwhs.org/about-fwhs/contact/.
My question is not listed here. Who should I contact?
If you have more questions, please call FWHS at (817) 333-3400.
You can also send us a message at https://fwhs.org/about-fwhs/contact/.
We are happy to help.
The FWHS landlord portal and management system is moving to RentCafe. This transition affect HCV landlords and property owners as follows:
- You will still receive the FWHS portion of rent payments as usual on August 1.
- From July 16 through August 2, FWHS will not process rent increase requests. New requests can be submitted through the RentCafe landlord portal when the new system launches on August 3rd.
- FWHS will not add new landlords or new units to the FWHS Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program during the transition period.
August Rent Payments Will Be Sent as Usual
The move to the new RentCafe system will not affect housing assistance payments.
Landlords can expect to receive their August rent payment from FWHS as usual. Payments will be sent on the normal schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to create a RentCafe account now?
Not yet.
Landlords will need a RentCafe account when the new system is ready. On or about August 3, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your account. We will also post those instructions on this page.
For now, you do not need to do anything. Thank you for your patience.
Can I still use the current landlord portal?
Yes.
The current landlord portal will be available until the new RentCafe system launches. You can continue to use it to check the status of rent payments, view payment information and access other important landlord services
My question is not listed here. Who should I contact?
If you have questions about this transition, please email us at landlordservicesengagement@fwhs.org.
You are also welcome to send us a message through our contact form at https://fwhs.org/about-fwhs/contact. We are happy to help!