All Laws Decoded

Section 8 in Texas: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving Texas's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a Texas landlord to refuse Section 8? No. There is no statewide source-of-income protection, and cities and counties are barred from adopting ordinances that prohibit refusing a tenant because the tenant's income includes federal housing assistance (e.g., Section 8 vouchers). Local protections for veterans' income and voluntary voucher-incentive programs are still allowed. Tex. Local Gov't Code Sec. 250.007

Housing authorities in Texas

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) — TDHCA runs a Housing Choice Voucher program in a 34-county service area and Section 811 rental assistance for people with disabilities, funds local providers of rent, utility and homeless assistance, and offers a Vacancy Clearinghouse to search for reduced-rent apartments. Its pandemic-era Texas Rent Relief program closed in summer 2023.

Help paying rent in Texas

How to apply

  1. Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
  2. Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
  3. Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
  4. Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
  5. When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

Texas tenant rights · Free legal help in Texas · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.