What the Carrollton Housing Authority does

The Carrollton Housing Authority (CHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Carrollton, Texas. It does not set policy for all housing authorities — each city runs its own — so the programs, wait lists, and rules specific to Carrollton differ from those in Dallas, Houston, or other Texas cities.

CHA administers two main programs: public housing (apartments the authority owns and rents at reduced rates) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8. Both serve households below certain income limits. The authority also handles maintenance, lease enforcement, and tenant screening for its properties.

If you live in Carrollton and need rental help, CHA is the body you contact directly. If you live outside Carrollton, you will need to contact the housing authority in your own city or county.

Key Takeaways

  • Carrollton Housing Authority manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers only in Carrollton; you must explore to your own city's authority if you live elsewhere.
  • Both programs require household income to fall below specific limits, which vary by family size and are set by HUD but applied locally.
  • Wait lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have long delays; contact CHA directly to learn the current status.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a signed lease (for vouchers) to complete an process.
  • CHA's office is located in Carrollton and handles all intake, inspections, and ongoing case management by phone, mail, and in-person visits.

Public housing managed by Carrollton Housing Authority

CHA owns and operates public housing units — apartments where the authority is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, so it scales with what you earn. The authority covers utilities, maintenance, and building operations; you pay only your share of rent.

Income limits for public housing in Carrollton depend on family size. A single person, for example, must earn below a certain threshold; a family of four has a higher limit. These limits are set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and applied by CHA. Contact the authority directly for the current year's limits, as they change.

Public housing wait lists in most Texas cities are closed or move very slowly. CHA may not be accepting new applications for public housing at all. Call or visit the office to confirm whether the list is open and, if so, how long the wait typically is.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) through CHA

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that CHA pays directly to a private landlord on your behalf. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and CHA pays the difference between the fair market rent and what you contribute (usually 30 percent of your income). You then pay your share to the landlord each month.

Vouchers have the same income limits as public housing. You must also have a signed lease from a landlord willing to participate in the program. The landlord's unit must pass a CHA inspection before the voucher can be used.

Voucher wait lists are also typically closed in Carrollton and other Texas cities. If the list is open, waits can be years long. CHA maintains a single wait list and will contact you when a voucher becomes available. You cannot choose when to receive one.

Income limits and household composition

Both programs use income limits based on family size and area median income. HUD publishes these limits each year; CHA applies them locally. A household of one person has one limit; a household of four has a higher limit. Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular payments.

Household composition matters for wait list placement and rent calculation. CHA counts anyone living in the unit as a household member, including children, elderly relatives, and others. You must list all members when you explore.

Contact CHA directly for the current income limits for your household size. Limits change yearly and vary slightly by program, so do not rely on figures from previous years or other cities.

Documents you will need to explore

CHA requires proof of identity, income, and residency. Bring a government-issued ID for each household member age 18 and older. You will also need Social Security numbers for all members, including children.

For income verification, CHA typically requests recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, and a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and current wage. If you receive benefits, bring award letters from Social Security, unemployment, or other programs. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and business records.

For public housing, you will need proof of residency in Carrollton (a utility bill or lease in your name). For vouchers, you will need a signed lease from a landlord who accepts the program. CHA will inspect the unit before issuing the voucher.

How to contact Carrollton Housing Authority

CHA has a physical office in Carrollton where you can explore in person, by phone, or by mail. The office handles all applications, inspections, and ongoing case management. Hours and exact address can be found through the City of Carrollton's website or by calling the main city number and asking for the housing authority.

When you call, ask whether the wait list for public housing or vouchers is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. If it is open, ask how long the typical wait is and what documents you need to bring or mail in.

CHA staff can also answer questions about income limits, lease requirements, and inspection standards. They cannot tell you whether you will be approved until you submit a full process, but they can confirm whether you meet basic requirements before you spend time gathering documents.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, CHA reviews it for completeness and accuracy. If documents are missing, the authority will contact you and ask you to provide them. This process can take weeks.

If you are explore for public housing, CHA will place you on the wait list in the order applications were received (unless you have a local preference, such as being displaced or homeless, which may move you up). You will be contacted when a unit becomes available.

If you are explore for a voucher, the same process applies. Once a voucher is issued, you have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and sign a lease. CHA will then inspect the unit. If it passes, the voucher becomes active and rent payments begin.

Throughout the process, CHA may ask for updated income information, proof of continued residency, or other documents. Respond promptly; delays can affect your place on the wait list or your voucher status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to Carrollton Housing Authority if I do not live in Carrollton yet?

No. CHA serves only Carrollton residents. If you plan to move to Carrollton, you may be able to explore once you have a lease or proof of residency in the city. Contact CHA to confirm their residency requirement. If you live in another city, contact that city's housing authority instead.

How long is the wait list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary and change frequently. Many Texas housing authorities have closed their lists or have waits of several years. Call CHA directly to learn the current status. If the list is open, ask how long new applicants typically wait before being contacted.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Income limits are firm; if your household income exceeds the limit, you do not meet the requirement. However, CHA calculates income in specific ways — some income types are excluded, and deductions explore. Speak with CHA staff about how they count your income before assuming you are ineligible.

Can I use a voucher in a different city?

A Carrollton voucher can usually be used in other cities through a process called portability, but you must request it and the receiving city's authority must agree. Portability rules vary. Ask CHA about portability before you move.

What if I am behind on rent or have an eviction record?

CHA conducts a background check and reviews rental history as part of the process process. Past evictions or unpaid rent may disqualify you, but CHA considers the circumstances and timing. Disclose any history honestly on your process; CHA will investigate regardless, and dishonesty can result in denial.