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Affordable Housing in Texas: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Understanding the Program

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in 34 counties, providing financial assistance to eligible households with low incomes to secure safe and affordable housing.

Eligibility and Application

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet income and residency requirements. The income limit is based on the area median income (AMI), and eligible households must earn below 50% of the AMI to be considered. Applications are available online through the TDHCA portal, and no mailed, faxed, hand-delivered, or emailed applications will be accepted.

Local Housing Authorities

There are 409 housing authorities with voucher programs serving over 4.1 million Texans. Each housing authority manages its waiting list and handles applications for its jurisdiction. Renters can find a list of open waiting lists on the TDHCA website.

Applying for and Using Vouchers

Applications for Section 8 vouchers are submitted through the online portal. Required documents include proof of income, residency, and household size. After an application is approved, a voucher is issued to the household, which can be used to secure housing that meets certain standards.

Tenant Obligations

Tenants holding Section 8 vouchers are responsible for finding and maintaining suitable housing, paying a portion of the rent (typically 30%), and complying with the terms of their lease agreement.

Landlord Obligations

Landlords participating in the program must agree to certain conditions, including meeting the housing quality standards set by the TDHCA, accepting the voucher holder's portion of the rent, and agreeing to fair housing practices.

Contact Information

For more information or assistance with the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in Texas, contact the following resources:

• TDHCA Customer Service: 1-800-637-5285
• Fort Worth HUD Office: 817-978-3230
• TDHCA website
• Application for Texas Identification Number
• Authorization for Release of Information
• Certification of Zero Income

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