What the Dallas Housing Authority does

The Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Dallas. It does not run emergency rental information, homelessness prevention, or rapid rehousing — those are separate city and county programs. DHA's job is to own and manage public housing units and to issue Section 8 vouchers that subsidize rent at private landlords. If you need help with current rent arrears or eviction prevention, you will need to contact the City of Dallas or Dallas County instead.

DHA serves roughly 8,000 households through public housing and about 10,000 through Section 8 vouchers. Both programs have waiting lists, and both require income verification and a lease or housing plan. The agency is located at 1825 Market Center Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207, and you can reach it by phone at (214) 941-7000.

Key Takeaways

  • DHA runs two separate programs: public housing (units it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies at private landlords), each with its own waiting list and rules.
  • Both programs require proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check; waiting times vary from months to years depending on the program and your priority.
  • You explore directly to DHA for either program, not through a third party, and you can explore to both at the same time.
  • DHA does not run emergency rental information or eviction prevention; those programs are managed by the City of Dallas and Dallas County separately.
  • Once you receive a Section 8 voucher, you find your own apartment and the landlord must accept the voucher; DHA pays the subsidy directly to the landlord.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

Public housing means DHA owns the building and you rent directly from DHA. The rent you pay is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with DHA covering the rest. Units are scattered across Dallas in various neighborhoods. You live in a DHA-owned apartment, follow DHA's lease terms, and DHA handles maintenance and repairs.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. DHA gives you a voucher that subsidizes your rent at a private landlord's apartment. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord must accept the voucher, and DHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the apartment must pass a DHA inspection.

Waiting lists for both programs are separate. You can explore to both at the same time. Public housing waiting lists are typically longer — often two to five years — while Section 8 waiting lists vary but are also measured in years, not months. DHA periodically opens and closes these lists depending on funding and turnover.

Income limits and household requirements

DHA programs are for households earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). For Dallas, that threshold changes yearly. In 2024, a single person earning roughly $52,000 or less per year would likely fall within the limit, though exact figures depend on household size and are updated annually by HUD. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing current income.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a valid immigration status recognized by HUD. You will need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). DHA will run a background check covering criminal history, eviction history, and drug-related offenses. A prior eviction or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but DHA considers the nature and timing of the offense.

You must be at least 18 years old (or an emancipated minor) and have a valid photo ID. If you are explore as a family, all household members must be listed on the process. DHA will verify your identity, income, and residency status before approval.

how the process works and what documents you need

You explore in person at the DHA office at 1825 Market Center Boulevard or by calling (214) 941-7000 to ask about current process periods. DHA does not accept online applications; you must visit in person or call to request an process packet by mail. Bring or mail the completed process along with required documents.

Required documents typically include: a valid photo ID, proof of Social Security number or ITIN, recent pay stubs or proof of income (last 30 days), tax returns from the prior year, proof of residency (utility bill or lease in your name), and a list of all household members with their dates of birth. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits, disability payments, or other income sources. If you have a disability, you can request reasonable accommodations during the process process.

After you submit your process, DHA will contact you to schedule an in-person interview. This interview verifies your information and answers your questions about the program. Processing time varies but typically takes four to eight weeks from submission to interview. After the interview, DHA will notify you of approval or denial in writing.

Waiting lists and how long approval takes

Both public housing and Section 8 have separate waiting lists. DHA prioritizes applicants based on date of process and certain preferences — for example, households experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic violence, or those with disabilities may move up the list. You can check your position on the waiting list by calling DHA or visiting in person; they will not provide this information by email.

Public housing waiting lists in Dallas are typically two to five years long, though this varies by neighborhood and unit type. Section 8 waiting lists are also measured in years. When a unit or voucher becomes available, DHA contacts you in the order you appear on the list. You will have a set amount of time (usually 10 business days) to accept the offer or it goes to the next person on the list.

DHA periodically closes waiting lists when they become very long. You can call to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, you can ask when it might reopen or whether you can be placed on a future opening list.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, DHA will show you available units and you choose one that fits your household size and budget. You sign a lease with DHA, pay your portion of the rent (based on income), and move in. DHA handles all maintenance and repairs. Your rent is recalculated annually based on your current income.

If you are approved for Section 8, you receive a voucher valid for a set period (usually 60 to 120 days). You then search for an apartment on your own. The apartment must be in Dallas, the rent must not exceed DHA's payment standard for that area, and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. Once you find an apartment, DHA inspects it to may support it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, DHA and the landlord sign a contract, and you move in. You pay your portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and DHA pays the rest to the landlord.

In both programs, your rent is recalculated each year based on your income. If your income increases, your rent may increase. If your income decreases, your rent may decrease. You must report changes in household composition, income, or employment to DHA within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes. An eviction does not automatically disqualify you. DHA considers the timing and circumstances — a recent eviction is viewed more seriously than one from several years ago. You will need to explain what happened during your interview. Some applicants with evictions are approved; others are denied. It depends on DHA's assessment of your case.

What if I am currently homeless?

You can still explore to DHA. Homelessness is a preference factor, meaning you may move up the waiting list. You will need a mailing address where DHA can reach you — this can be a shelter, a social service agency, or a friend's address. Bring documentation of your homelessness, such as a shelter letter or case manager contact information.

How do I know if the waiting list is open?

Call DHA at (214) 941-7000 and ask whether applications are being accepted for public housing or Section 8. The status changes based on funding and demand. If the list is closed, ask when it might reopen or whether you can be added to a future opening notification list.

Can I transfer between public housing and Section 8?

Not directly. If you are in public housing and want a Section 8 voucher, you would need to leave public housing and explore to the Section 8 waiting list separately. Conversely, if you have a Section 8 voucher and want public housing, you would explore to that waiting list. You cannot hold both at the same time.

What if my income increases after I am approved?

Your rent will increase at your next annual recertification. DHA recalculates your portion based on your new income. If your income exceeds 80 percent of AMI, you may no longer be income-may be able to access and could lose your subsidy, though DHA typically allows a phase-out period. Report income changes to DHA as soon as they occur.