About Housing Authority of Travis County

The Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC), PHA Code TX480, is situated in Austin, Travis County, Texas. HATC provides assisted housing options for eligible low-income individuals and families. The authority manages approximately 740 assisted housing units, primarily delivered through Section 8 vouchers.

Currently, the Housing Authority of Travis County is accepting applications only for its Affordable Housing (Property-Based) program. Other programs, including Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing (Property-Specific), HCV (Housing Choice Vouchers), PBV (Project-Based Vouchers), and Public Housing, are presently closed to new applicants. Specific closed property-based programs include Alexander Oaks, Carson Creek, Eastern Oaks, and Summit Oaks.

For applicants in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA area, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four is $66,900 per year. Interested individuals should monitor the status of programs for any future openings.

Affordable Housing (Property-Based) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The waitlists for HATC's affordable housing properties are generally open. Applicants must review available properties, which each have different income limits and specific eligibility requirements, and then apply to the waitlist of the desired property. Applications are submitted online, and the...

Other Programs

10 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Affordable Housing
Closed

Waitlists are specific to individual affordable housing properties and operate on a lottery basis; income limits vary by property.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Affordable Housing (Property-Specific)
Closed

Waitlists are specific to individual properties, each with different income limits and eligibility requirements, and operate on a lottery basis for applicant selection.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Names are selected from the waiting list randomly, as vouchers become available. A pre-application is required when the waitlist opens. A random lottery system is used to choose applications for placement onto the HCV waiting list.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other (Alexander Oaks)
Closed

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other (Carson Creek)
Closed

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other (Eastern Oaks)
Closed

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other (Summit Oaks)
Closed

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

Waitlists are property-specific. If you were not selected due to a lack of spaces, you'll have to resubmit your pre-application once our waitlist opens again. The website does not specify when the waitlist will open.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

The waitlist for HATC's affordable housing properties is currently closed and utilizes a lottery-based system for applicant selection.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
other
Closed

The waitlist for HATC's affordable housing properties is currently closed and utilizes a lottery-based system for applicant selection.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal

Status History

Public Housing Closed 2 days ago
Public Housing Opened Mar 10, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 21, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of Travis County portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 502 E Highland Mall Blvd
City Austin, TX 78752
PHA Code TX480
Section 8 Units 740

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Housing Authority of Travis County

1

Check Current Status

Housing Authority of Travis County currently has 1 open waiting list (Affordable Housing (Property-Based)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of Travis County, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $66,900/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of Travis County portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of Travis County, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of Travis County manages approximately 740 assisted housing units (740 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Austin. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority of Travis County

Affordable Housing (Property-Based) open

The Affordable Housing (Property-Based) program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Austin. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Affordable Housing closed

The Affordable Housing program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Austin. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Affordable Housing (Property-Specific) closed

The Affordable Housing (Property-Specific) program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Austin. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Austin. This program serves approximately 740 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other (Alexander Oaks) closed

The Other (Alexander Oaks) program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Austin. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other (Carson Creek) closed

The Other (Carson Creek) program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Austin. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other (Eastern Oaks) closed

The Other (Eastern Oaks) program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Austin. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other (Summit Oaks) closed

The Other (Summit Oaks) program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Austin. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of Travis County are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Austin. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Housing Authority of Travis County are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

other closed

The other program at Housing Authority of Travis County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Austin. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Authority of Travis County free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority of Travis County administers 11 programs (Affordable Housing (Property-Based), Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing (Property-Specific), HCV, Other (Alexander Oaks), Other (Carson Creek), Other (Eastern Oaks), Other (Summit Oaks), PBV, Public Housing, other) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 502 E Highland Mall Blvd, Austin, TX.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of Travis County?
Wait times at Housing Authority of Travis County depend on demand in Austin, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 740 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 5, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority of Travis County directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Housing Authority of Travis County, including Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (4 mi), Austin Housing Authority (6 mi), Round Rock Housing Authority (13 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Texas and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Texas.
How do I contact Housing Authority of Travis County?
You can reach Housing Authority of Travis County by phone at (512) 854-8245. Their office is located at 502 E Highland Mall Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. You can also email them at hatc-hud@traviscountytx.gov. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of Travis County?
Income limits for Housing Authority of Travis County are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA (currently $133,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $66,900. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Housing Authority of Travis County Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of Travis County are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $66,900. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $28,150 $46,850 $72,950
2 Persons $32,150 $53,550 $83,400
3 Persons $36,150 $60,250 $93,800
4 Persons $40,150 $66,900 $104,200
5 Persons $43,400 $72,300 $112,550
6 Persons $46,600 $77,650 $120,900
7 Persons $49,800 $83,000 $129,250
8 Persons $54,150 $88,350 $137,550
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $133,800 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.