What the Bexar County Housing Authority does

The Bexar County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in San Antonio and surrounding areas. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it owns and manages a smaller number of public housing complexes. The agency's main job is to process applications, verify income, issue vouchers, and inspect properties to make sure they meet housing standards.

BCHA serves Bexar County, which includes San Antonio and suburbs like Alamo Heights, Balcones Heights, and Converse. If you live outside this county, you will need to contact your own local housing authority instead. BCHA is not the same as the City of San Antonio's housing department — they are separate agencies, though they sometimes work together on specific programs.

Key Takeaways

  • BCHA runs two main programs: public housing (units it owns directly) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (rent subsidies you use at private landlords).
  • Both programs require proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check; income limits vary by family size but are typically 30 to 80 percent of the area median income.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are usually closed or have multi-year waits; you can call BCHA to ask the current status before you spend time gathering documents.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you find your own apartment and the landlord must accept the voucher; BCHA pays the landlord directly and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the rent.
  • BCHA's main office is at 1722 Golden, San Antonio, TX 78201, and you can reach them by phone to ask about current openings and required documents.

Public housing versus the Housing Choice Voucher program

BCHA runs two separate programs, and they work very differently. Public housing means BCHA owns the building and you rent directly from the agency. You pay rent based on your income — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. BCHA maintains the building and handles repairs. Public housing complexes in Bexar County include older apartment communities in San Antonio; the number of available units is small compared to voucher demand.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (also called Section 8) is much larger. BCHA gives you a voucher worth a certain dollar amount each month. You find an apartment at any private landlord willing to accept the voucher, and BCHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. For example, if your voucher is worth $900 and the rent is $1,100, you pay $200. The voucher amount depends on the size of your family and the neighborhood where you want to live.

Most people prefer the voucher program because you choose where to live instead of being assigned to a BCHA property. However, both programs have long waiting lists, and BCHA may not be accepting new applications at any given time.

Income limits and household requirements

BCHA programs are for households earning below a certain income threshold. The limit depends on family size and changes yearly. For a single person, the limit is usually around 30 percent of the area median income; for a family of four, it is higher. In Bexar County, these limits are set by HUD (the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development) and published on BCHA's website each year. You must bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. BCHA will ask for a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and will verify your status with federal databases. If you are not a citizen, you will need to show a green card, work visa, or other proof of legal presence.

BCHA runs a background check on all household members age 18 and older. Certain criminal convictions, drug-related offenses, and a history of lease violations can disqualify you. If you have concerns about your background, you can contact BCHA before explore to ask whether you would be disqualified.

How to learn about the waiting list is open

BCHA's waiting lists are often closed because demand far exceeds available units. Before you gather documents and prepare an process, call BCHA at their main office to ask whether they are currently accepting applications for public housing or vouchers. The phone number and office address are on their website. This one phone call can save you hours of work if the list is closed.

If the list is closed, ask when it might reopen. Some programs reopen on a set schedule (for example, once a year); others reopen only when funding becomes available. BCHA staff can tell you whether to check back in a few months or whether there is no timeline yet. You can also ask to be placed on a notification list so BCHA contacts you when applications reopen.

If the list is open, BCHA will tell you what documents to bring and where to submit your process. Most applications are submitted in person at the main office, though some housing authorities now accept online submissions — ask BCHA which method they use.

Documents you will need to bring

BCHA requires proof of income, identity, residency, and background may be able to access. The exact list varies slightly depending on whether you are explore for public housing or a voucher, but the core documents are the same. Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a copy of your most recent tax return, and a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and hourly wage or salary. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or receiving benefits, bring documentation of that income instead — bank statements, benefit award letters, or a letter from a social service agency.

For identity, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address and dated within the last 60 days. For citizenship or legal status, bring your Social Security card, green card, work visa, or other proof of legal presence. If you have a child, bring their birth certificate.

BCHA will also run a background check, so you do not need to bring a criminal record yourself — they will obtain it. However, if you have a history of eviction or lease violation, bring documentation showing the circumstances or any resolution.

What happens after you are approved

If BCHA approves your process, the next step depends on which program you entered. For public housing, BCHA will place you on an assignment list. When a unit becomes available that matches your family size, BCHA will contact you and show you the apartment. You then sign a lease with BCHA and move in. The process from approval to move-in can take several months because units become available slowly.

For the Housing Choice Voucher program, BCHA will issue you a voucher and give you a important date to find an apartment — usually 60 to 120 days. You search for any apartment in Bexar County (or sometimes in neighboring counties, depending on BCHA's rules) where the landlord is willing to accept the voucher. Once you find a place, you give the landlord BCHA's contact information. BCHA inspects the apartment to make sure it meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, electricity, and safe structure. If it passes, BCHA signs a contract with the landlord and begins paying them directly.

You are responsible for finding the apartment and negotiating with the landlord. BCHA does not find housing for you, though they may provide a list of landlords who have accepted vouchers in the past. If you do not find an apartment before your important date, BCHA may extend the important date once, but if you still do not find housing, your voucher may be terminated.

Your rent payment and ongoing responsibilities

Once you move into a voucher apartment, you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent each month. This is called your tenant portion. BCHA pays the landlord the rest directly. If the rent is less than the voucher amount, you pay less; if the rent is higher, you pay more out of pocket. You are responsible for paying your portion on time, every month, or you risk eviction just as you would in any rental.

BCHA will recertify your income once a year. You must report any changes in household composition, income, or employment within 30 days. If your income increases above the program limit, you may lose your voucher. If your income decreases, your rent payment may decrease as well. BCHA will send you a recertification form each year; you must complete it and return it by the important date or your voucher will be terminated.

You must also follow the lease terms and keep the apartment in good condition. BCHA inspects voucher apartments every two years to make sure they still meet housing quality standards. If the landlord fails an inspection or you violate the lease, BCHA or the landlord can terminate your voucher or evict you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for BCHA housing?

Waiting times vary and change frequently. Public housing waiting lists are typically several years long, while voucher waiting lists can be even longer or completely closed. Call BCHA directly to ask the current wait time for the program you are interested in. They can tell you whether it is worth explore now or whether you should check back later.

Can I use my voucher to move to a different county?

BCHA vouchers are valid in Bexar County and sometimes in neighboring counties under a program called portability. If you want to move outside the area, contact BCHA to ask whether the destination county participates in portability. If it does, BCHA can transfer your voucher to that county's housing authority. If it does not, you will lose your voucher.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

Some criminal convictions and evictions disqualify you automatically, while others are reviewed case-by-case. Contact BCHA before explore and describe your situation honestly. They can tell you whether you would be disqualified or whether you should submit an process and let them make a decision. Being upfront is better than being rejected after spending time gathering documents.

Do I have to live in the apartment BCHA assigns me in public housing?

Yes. Public housing is assigned based on availability and family size, not choice. If you want to choose your own apartment, you need the Housing Choice Voucher program instead. However, voucher waiting lists are often longer than public housing lists, so you may not have that option.

What if my landlord refuses to accept my voucher?

Landlords are not required to accept vouchers, so they can refuse. This is one reason finding a voucher apartment can be difficult. BCHA may provide a list of landlords who have accepted vouchers before, or you can search online for "Section 8 friendly" apartments in San Antonio. If you cannot find housing before your important date, contact BCHA to ask about an extension.