The Dallas Housing Authority waiting list is a queue for public housing and housing vouchers, managed by the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA)

The DHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing units and for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). Public housing means you rent an apartment owned by DHA. A voucher means you find your own apartment and DHA pays part of the rent to your landlord. Both lists are closed most of the time — DHA opens them only when funding allows, and they fill quickly. You cannot get on a list that is currently closed.

Wait times vary. Public housing can take years; vouchers sometimes move faster but still involve months of waiting. DHA prioritizes households with the greatest need — very low income, homelessness, or disability — so your position depends on your circumstances and when you applied, not on how long you have been waiting overall.

Key Takeaways

  • Both the public housing list and the voucher list are usually closed; you can only explore when DHA announces an opening.
  • DHA prioritizes applicants based on need level, not on first-come-first-served order, so your wait time depends on your household situation.
  • You will need proof of income, identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and rental history to complete an process.
  • You can call DHA at 214-320-3500 or visit their office to ask when the next opening is expected and what documents to prepare now.

When the waiting lists are open and how to find out

DHA announces openings on their website and through local news. The lists do not stay open long — they can fill within days or weeks. There is no way to be notified automatically, so you need to check regularly or call DHA directly.

Call the DHA main line at 214-320-3500 and ask whether the public housing list or the voucher list is currently open. If both are closed, ask when the next opening is expected. DHA staff can tell you what documents to gather in the meantime so you are ready to explore the moment a list opens. You can also visit the DHA office in person at 1818 North Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75211 during business hours.

Documents you will need to explore

Have these ready before the list opens so you can submit your process quickly. DHA requires proof of identity, income, and household composition. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.

You will need a photo ID for the head of household, Social Security cards or numbers for everyone in your household, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and a list of current and previous landlords with dates and contact information. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of job search efforts or disability benefits. If you have a disability, bring medical documentation. Bring proof of citizenship or legal residency status. DHA will ask for your current address and phone number, and may request permission to contact previous landlords.

How DHA prioritizes applicants

DHA does not serve households in the order they applied. Instead, the authority uses a priority system based on need. Households experiencing homelessness, living in substandard housing, paying more than 50 percent of income toward rent, or containing a member with a disability move ahead of other applicants. Very low income households (below 30 percent of area median income) are also prioritized.

Your position on the list can change as new applicants are added and others are served. DHA will contact you when it is your turn, so keeping your contact information current is critical. If you move or change your phone number, call DHA to update your file.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

When DHA calls you, you will attend an orientation session and complete a more detailed process. DHA will verify all the information you provided — income, household members, rental history — and conduct a background check. This process takes several weeks.

If you are selected for a voucher, DHA will issue the voucher and give you a important date to find an apartment. You then locate a rental property, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and DHA inspects the unit to may support it meets housing standards. If you are selected for public housing, DHA will place you in an available unit once your process is approved.

What disqualifies you or delays approval

DHA will deny your process or delay it if you have an outstanding debt to a housing authority, a history of lease violations, or a criminal conviction for drug manufacturing or distribution. Evictions within the past three years can also result in denial, though DHA considers the circumstances. If you were evicted because of domestic violence, that may not disqualify you.

Providing false information on your process will result in when ready denial. If you are unsure whether something in your history will be a problem, ask DHA staff before you explore. They can sometimes explain what documentation or explanation might help your case.

Keeping your spot on the list if you are already waiting

If you are already on a DHA waiting list, you must keep your contact information current. DHA sends notices by mail and phone. If you miss a call or letter, you may lose your spot. Update your address and phone number when ready if either changes.

Some waiting lists have activity requirements — you may need to respond to a letter or attend an appointment within a certain timeframe to stay on the list. DHA will explain this when you explore. If you are no longer interested in housing, you can ask to be removed from the list at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to both the public housing list and the voucher list at the same time?

Yes. The lists are separate, and you can be on both. If you are selected from one list before the other, you can choose to accept that housing or stay on the other list. Let DHA know your preference when you are contacted.

What if I have a criminal record?

DHA will review your record case by case. Drug manufacturing or distribution convictions are automatic disqualifications. Other convictions may not be. Contact DHA before you explore to discuss your specific situation and what documentation might help.

How long does it take to get housing after I am selected?

For vouchers, you typically have 60 to 90 days to find an apartment after DHA issues the voucher. For public housing, placement depends on unit availability, which can range from weeks to months. DHA will give you a timeline when you are selected.

What if I move out of Dallas while I am on the waiting list?

You will be removed from the DHA list. If you move back to Dallas later, you can reapply when the list opens again. Some other housing authorities may accept transfers, but you would need to contact them directly.

Is there a fee to explore or to be on the waiting list?

No. DHA does not charge a fee to explore or to be on the waiting list. If someone asks you for money to help you get on a list or move up in priority, that is a scam.