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About Harris County Housing Authority
The Harris County Housing Authority (PHA Code: TX441) is located in Houston, Harris County, Texas, and serves its residents by managing assisted housing programs. The authority oversees approximately 4,913 assisted housing units, primarily through Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).
Currently, all waiting lists for HCHA's housing assistance programs are closed. These programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration). Applicants should note that HCHA is not accepting new applications for any of these programs at this time.
For prospective applicants, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area is $50,550 per year. This income guideline provides context for eligibility when lists reopen.
Other Programs
5 programsThese 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.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on the provided page.
The Mainstream voucher program waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on the provided page.
The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on the provided page.
The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on the provided page.
The RAD program waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on the provided page.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Harris County Housing Authority directly at (713) 578-2100 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Harris County Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 5 waiting lists at Harris County Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Harris County Housing Authority, 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 $50,550/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.
Submit Your Application
Contact Harris County Housing Authority directly at (713) 578-2100 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Harris County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Harris County Housing Authority manages approximately 4,913 assisted housing units (4,913 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Houston. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Harris County Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Harris County Housing Authority 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 Houston. This program serves approximately 4,913 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Harris County Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Harris County Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Houston. 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 Harris County Housing Authority 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Harris County Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Houston maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Harris County Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Harris County Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Harris County Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Harris County Housing Authority?
Harris County Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Harris County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $50,550. 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 | $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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Harris County Housing Authority — including across state lines.