Here, you will learn about public housing. This article covers eligibility criteria, how to apply, how rent is determined, and other general information. Show
The information in this article was written by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It has been edited for style. Revised by TexasLawHelp.org on November 28, 2022. Page SectionsWhat is public housing?Public housing is affordable, decent, and safe rental housing for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single-family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly families. Who funds and manages public housing?The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives federal aid to local housing agencies (PHAs) that manage public housing. PHAs across Texas provide public housing. Each PHA covers a specific service area. Is public housing the same as Section 8?No, public housing and the housing choice voucher program (Section 8) are different programs. Both programs provide housing assistance to low-income individuals and families. With a housing choice voucher, renters find their own housing in the private market and the program pays a rent subsidy directly to the landlord. Public housing provides housing units for rent at below the market rate, based on your income level. Am I eligible for public housing?Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals.
A PHA determines your eligibility based on:
1) annual gross income;
2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family; and
3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
If you are eligible, the PHA will check your references. PHAs deny admission to applicants whose habits and practices may be expected to have a detrimental effect on other tenants or on the project's environment.
What are the income limits for public housing?PHAs use income limits developed by HUD. HUD sets the lower income limits at 80% and very low-income limits at 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which you choose to live. Income limits vary from area to area, so you may be eligible at one PHA but not at another. The PHA serving your community can provide you with the income levels for your area and family size. You can also find the income limits on this page. How do I apply for public housing?Contact your local PHA to apply for public housing. To find PHAs in specific areas in Texas, visit HUD's list of Texas Public Housing Agencies or the Texas Housing Association's directory. You may also call 211 for information on your local PHA. If you have trouble contacting the PHA, contact your local HUD Field Office. What information will I need to complete the application?A PHA usually needs to collect the following information to determine eligibility:
Either you or PHA staff will fill out a written application. After obtaining this information, PHA staff should describe the public housing program and its requirements, and answer any questions you might have.
Will I need to provide any documentation?Yes. The PHA staff will request whatever documentation is needed (e.g., birth certificates, tax returns) to verify the information given on your application. The PHA will also rely on direct verification from your employer, etc. You will be asked to sign a form to authorize release of pertinent information to the PHA. Is there a waiting list?If the PHA determines that you are eligible, your name will be put on a waiting list, unless the PHA is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the PHA will contact you. Are there any selection preferences?Sometimes there are. Each PHA has the discretion to establish preferences to reflect needs in its own community. These preferences will be included in the PHAs written policy manual. Ask what preferences they honor so you will know whether you qualify for a preference. How will my rent be determined?Your rent, which is referred to as the Total Tenant Payment (TTP), would be based on your family's anticipated gross annual income less deductions, if any.
HUD regulations allow PHAs to exclude from annual income the following allowances:
Based on your application, the PHA staff will determine if any of the allowable deductions should be subtracted from your annual income.
Annual income is the anticipated total income from all sources received by all family members18 years of age or older.
The formula used in determining the TTP is the highest of the following, rounded to the nearest dollar:
Will I have to sign a lease?If you are offered a house or apartment and accept it, you will have to sign a lease with the PHA. You may have to give the PHA a security deposit.
You and the PHA representative should go over the lease together. This will give you a better understanding of your responsibilities as a tenant and the PHA's responsibilities as a landlord. What is the PHA’s role?A PHA is responsible for the management and operation of its local public housing program. They may also operate other types of housing programs.
On-going functions:
Sometimes PHAs provide other services, that might include such things as:
How long can I stay in public housing?In general, you may stay in public housing as long as you comply with the lease. If your family's income becomes sufficient to obtain housing on the private market, the PHA may determine whether your family should stay in public housing.
More informationRead the Public Housing Program page, Rental Help: Texas page, or Texas Housing Assistance page to learn more. Related Articles
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