Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Houston, Texas
All waiting lists in Houston are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Houston, Texas and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Houston, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Houston are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 1 open waitlist within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Houston include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Houston right now, there are 1 open list within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Houston, Texas
Affordable housing assistance in Houston, Texas, is primarily administered by two housing authorities: the Houston Housing Authority and the Harris County Housing Authority. Currently, all 10 waiting lists across these authorities are closed, with 0 open for new applications. Programs include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) programs. Each of these program types has 2 waiting lists, and none are presently accepting new applicants.
There are approximately 26,879 assisted housing units available in the Houston area. To qualify for very low-income assistance, a family of four in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area typically must have an income at or below $50,550 per year, based on FY2025 limits. For general housing resources and information, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) serves as the state housing agency.
Given that all waiting lists are currently closed, prospective applicants should regularly check with both the Houston Housing Authority and the Harris County Housing Authority for any announcements regarding future openings. Preparing necessary documentation ahead of time can be beneficial for when applications become available.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Houston
To apply for housing assistance in Houston, Texas, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Houston area (listed above). All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $50,550/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Houston include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD, Public Housing. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Houston, Texas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Houston, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $50,550 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $101,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $21,250 | $35,400 | $56,650 |
| 2 Persons | $24,300 | $40,450 | $64,750 |
| 3 Persons | $27,350 | $45,500 | $72,850 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $50,550 | $80,900 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $54,600 | $87,400 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $58,650 | $93,850 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $62,700 | $100,350 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $66,750 | $106,800 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Houston use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Houston and have active housing programs.