Where to look for low-income apartments in Fort Worth

Low-income apartments in Fort Worth are listed through several channels, and checking all of them gives you the best chance of finding an open unit. The Fort Worth Housing Authority manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers; their website lists available units and their phone number is (817) 871-7777. You can also search HotPads, Zillow, and Apartments.com by filtering for price range — many landlords list income-restricted units on these sites alongside market-rate rentals.

Local nonprofits also maintain lists. Community Development Corporation of Tarrant County and Tarrant County Homeless Coalition both track affordable housing openings and can point you toward buildings with income limits. Calling 211 (a free referral line) connects you to a counselor who knows which buildings currently have vacancies and which are full.

Walk-ins work too. Many affordable apartment complexes in Fort Worth are concentrated in east and south Fort Worth — areas like Polytechnic Heights, Riverside, and south of Interstate 20. Stopping by the leasing office and asking about income-based units can sometimes reveal openings not yet posted online.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Worth Housing Authority manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and their website lists available units by neighborhood.
  • Income limits for low-income apartments in Fort Worth vary by building and by household size, so you will need to verify your household income against each property's requirements.
  • Nonprofit organizations like Community Development Corporation of Tarrant County and 211 referrals can tell you which buildings have current openings.
  • Rent for income-restricted apartments is typically set at 30 percent of your household income, though some buildings charge a flat rate if it is lower.
  • You will need proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), a photo ID, and usually a credit or background check to complete a lease.

Income limits and rent calculations in Fort Worth

Each low-income apartment building sets its own income limit, which depends on the number of people in your household and the area median income for Tarrant County. For a single person, the limit might be around $35,000 to $45,000 per year; for a family of four, it could be $55,000 to $70,000. These numbers change annually and vary by program, so the leasing office will tell you the exact limit when you call.

Rent is usually calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If your household makes $2,000 per month, you would pay $600 in rent. Some buildings charge a flat minimum rent instead — often $300 to $500 — if 30 percent of your income falls below that amount. A few buildings offer both options and charge whichever is lower.

Utilities are sometimes included in the rent and sometimes billed separately. Ask the leasing office whether water, trash, and electric are covered or if you pay them on top of rent. This affects your actual monthly cost and your ability to stay within budget.

What documents you need to bring

When you visit a leasing office or call to inquire about an apartment, have these documents ready. You will need proof of income — usually two recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or last year's tax return. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter from Social Security, unemployment, or TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families). If you are unemployed, some buildings accept a letter from a job training program or a job offer letter showing future income.

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and your Social Security number. Most buildings run a background check and credit check, so be prepared to authorize those. If you have an eviction or criminal history, tell the leasing office upfront — some buildings have strict policies, but others consider the circumstances and may still lease to you.

If you have a co-signer or guarantor, bring their income documentation and ID as well. Some buildings require a guarantor if your income is borderline or if you have a weak rental history.

Public housing versus income-restricted apartments

Public housing is owned and operated by the Fort Worth Housing Authority. Units are older but maintained, rent is always 30 percent of income, and there is a long waitlist — sometimes years long. You explore through the Housing Authority directly, and once you are approved, they assign you to an available unit in one of their properties.

Income-restricted apartments are privately owned but built or subsidized with tax credits or grants that require the owner to rent to low-income tenants. These are newer, have more amenities, and often have shorter waitlists. Rent is usually 30 percent of income but may have a minimum. You explore directly to each building's leasing office.

A third option is Section 8 vouchers, which the Housing Authority also administers. The voucher pays part of your rent at any apartment that accepts the program; you pay the difference. The waitlist for Section 8 is long, but once you have a voucher, you have more choice in where you live.

Waitlists and how long it takes to get an apartment

Public housing and Section 8 vouchers have waitlists that can stretch months or years. The Fort Worth Housing Authority's waitlist is currently closed for public housing but may reopen; call them to ask when applications will be accepted again. Section 8 waitlists also open and close depending on funding.

Income-restricted apartments managed by nonprofits or private owners usually have shorter waitlists — sometimes weeks, sometimes a few months. Some buildings have units available when ready. When you call or visit, ask directly: "Do you have any units available now, or is there a waitlist?" This tells you whether to expect to move in soon or to plan for a longer wait.

If you are on a waitlist, stay in touch with the building. Call every month or two to confirm you are still on the list and to ask if your unit is getting closer. Waitlists sometimes expire if you do not respond to contact, so answer calls and emails promptly.

Neighborhoods with the most low-income housing in Fort Worth

East Fort Worth, particularly around Polytechnic Heights and the Eastside, has the highest concentration of affordable apartments. South Fort Worth, below Interstate 20 near the Lancaster and Kiest neighborhoods, also has many income-restricted buildings. These areas have good bus service and are close to grocery stores and medical clinics, though they are farther from downtown.

North Fort Worth near the stockyards and northwest Fort Worth have fewer affordable options but some exist. Central Fort Worth is more expensive overall. If you are flexible on location, searching east and south first will show you the most available units.

Use Google Maps or your GPS to check distance to your job, school, or regular appointments before you commit to a neighborhood. Fort Worth is spread out, and a 20-minute drive can become an hour if you are not near transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Fort Worth resident to rent a low-income apartment there?

No. You do not have to live in Fort Worth already. However, some buildings prioritize people who work in Fort Worth or have family there. When you call, ask if residency or employment is required. Most buildings will lease to anyone who meets the income limit and passes the background check.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Some buildings have a small grace period — usually 5 to 10 percent above the stated limit. Call and explain your situation; the leasing office may be able to work with you. If not, you may still be able to rent at market rate at the same building, though the rent will be higher.

Can I get a low-income apartment if I have an eviction on my record?

It depends on the building and how long ago the eviction was. Some buildings will not lease to anyone with an eviction; others consider it if it was more than three to five years ago and you can explain what happened. Be honest when you explore. Nonprofits and public housing are sometimes more flexible than private landlords.

How much does it cost to explore?

Most low-income apartments do not charge an process fee. Some may charge $25 to $50 to cover the background check. Ask before you explore. If a building charges more than $75, that is unusual — call the Fort Worth Housing Authority or 211 to confirm the building is legitimate.

What if I need help filling out the process?

Call Community Development Corporation of Tarrant County or 211 and ask for a housing counselor. They can walk you through the process over the phone or in person, help you gather documents, and answer questions about your rights as a tenant. This service is free.