What the Fort Worth Housing Authority does

The Fort Worth Housing Authority (FWHA) is a public agency that owns and manages public housing units across Fort Worth, Texas, and runs the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the city. It does not build or fund housing itself — instead, it leases apartments from private landlords and subsidizes the rent for low-income households, or it owns the buildings directly. The agency answers to a board of commissioners and operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Authority manages roughly 3,000 public housing units and administers vouchers for several thousand more households. If you live in public housing owned by FWHA or hold a Section 8 voucher issued by FWHA, the Authority is your landlord or your voucher administrator — meaning they set the rules you follow, inspect your unit, and handle disputes with your actual landlord.

Key Takeaways

  • FWHA runs two separate programs: public housing (units it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (subsidies you use at private landlords' apartments).
  • The Section 8 waiting list in Fort Worth is closed most of the time and can have thousands of names when it reopens; you must explore in person or by mail during the open period.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn, and FWHA inspects units annually for safety and maintenance standards.
  • FWHA's main office is at 1001 East Anderson Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104, and you can reach them by phone at (817) 871-7777 during business hours.
  • If you have a dispute with FWHA — over rent calculation, eviction, or housing conditions — you have the right to a hearing before an independent officer before the agency can evict you.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

FWHA operates two distinct programs, and understanding which one you are in matters because the rules and your obligations differ. Public housing means FWHA owns the building you live in. You sign a lease with FWHA itself, pay rent directly to FWHA, and FWHA is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Section 8 means you hold a voucher that subsidizes your rent at a private landlord's apartment. You sign a lease with the landlord, the landlord receives part of the rent from FWHA and part from you, and the landlord is responsible for repairs — though FWHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards.

Public housing rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the local housing authority payment standard, whichever is lower. Section 8 rent varies by the size of the unit and the neighborhood, and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent — which can be zero if the landlord accepts the full voucher amount. Both programs require you to report income changes within 30 days.

How to get on the Section 8 waiting list

The Section 8 waiting list in Fort Worth is not always open. FWHA closes it when the list grows too long, and reopens it periodically — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months. You cannot explore online; you must explore in person at the FWHA office at 1001 East Anderson Street or by mail. Before you go, check the FWHA website or call (817) 871-7777 to confirm the list is open, because showing up when it is closed means a wasted trip.

When the list is open, bring proof of identity, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Fort Worth (a utility bill or lease). If you are explore for a family, bring birth certificates or Social Security cards for all household members. The process itself is straightforward, but processing takes time — you may wait months or years after explore before FWHA contacts you. The waiting list is typically ordered by date of process, though some households are prioritized (for example, those experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing).

Rules and inspections in FWHA housing

Whether you live in public housing or use a Section 8 voucher, FWHA inspects your unit at least once a year using a standard called the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). The inspection checks for working plumbing and heat, safe electrical systems, no lead paint hazards, adequate light and ventilation, and no pest infestations or structural damage. If your unit fails, the landlord (or FWHA, if it is public housing) must make repairs within a set timeframe, usually 30 days. If repairs are not made, your voucher may be terminated or your lease may be ended.

You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and reporting maintenance problems promptly. FWHA can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations (such as unauthorized occupants or criminal activity), or repeated failure to maintain the unit. You have the right to a hearing before eviction, and you can bring evidence or a witness to defend yourself.

Rent calculations and income reporting

In public housing, your rent is recalculated every year based on your reported income. FWHA will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If your income goes down, your rent goes down; if it goes up, your rent goes up. You must report any change in income within 30 days — if you do not and FWHA discovers you underreported, you may owe back rent.

In Section 8, your portion of the rent is the difference between the voucher amount (set by FWHA based on the unit size and neighborhood) and the actual rent the landlord charges. If the landlord raises the rent above what FWHA will pay, you pay the difference out of pocket. If you cannot afford it, you must find a different unit or ask FWHA to increase your voucher amount, which is rare and requires a formal request.

What to do if you have a dispute with FWHA

If FWHA calculates your rent incorrectly, denies you housing, or tries to evict you, you have the right to a hearing. This is called a grievance hearing in public housing and a hearing in Section 8. You must request it in writing within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 14 days after FWHA notifies you of the action. Send your request to the FWHA office or hand-deliver it. Include a brief explanation of why you disagree and what you want FWHA to do instead.

FWHA will schedule a hearing with an independent officer (not someone who made the original decision). You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative. The officer will listen to both sides and issue a written decision. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to HUD's Office of Inspector General, though this is a longer process. For eviction cases, the hearing must happen before FWHA can file in court, so requesting a hearing buys you time and a chance to present your side.

Contact information and next steps

The Fort Worth Housing Authority's main office is located at 1001 East Anderson Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104. You can reach them by phone at (817) 871-7777 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The office also has a website where you can find information about current openings, inspection schedules, and policy documents.

If you are looking to move into FWHA housing, start by calling to ask whether the Section 8 waiting list is open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can get on a notification list. If you are already a resident and have a question about your rent, an inspection, or a lease violation, contact your housing manager or the main office — do not ignore notices from FWHA, as they often have important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I explore?

There is no set timeline. It depends on how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list and how fast FWHA processes applications. In Fort Worth, the wait has ranged from several months to several years. You will not hear anything until FWHA contacts you, so do not assume your process was lost if months pass without word.

Can FWHA evict me without a hearing?

No. FWHA must give you written notice of the reason for eviction and must hold a hearing if you request one in time. The hearing must happen before FWHA can file in court. If you ignore the notice and do not request a hearing, FWHA can proceed with eviction, so respond promptly.

What happens if I find a better job and my income goes up?

You must report the income change within 30 days. Your rent will increase, usually to 30 percent of your new income. Some programs have a grace period or a rent increase cap, so ask FWHA about your specific situation. Hiding income can result in back rent owed and possible lease termination.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher at any apartment in Fort Worth?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass FWHA's Housing Quality Standards inspection. Not all landlords participate in Section 8. FWHA can help you find participating landlords, and you can search for units online through the FWHA website or by asking the housing authority for a list.

What if my apartment has a serious maintenance problem and the landlord will not fix it?

Report it to FWHA in writing. FWHA will inspect the unit and order the landlord to make repairs within 30 days. If the landlord does not comply, FWHA can terminate the lease or the voucher. Do not stop paying rent while waiting for repairs — continue to pay your portion, as non-payment can get you evicted.