What the Fort Worth Housing Authority does

The Fort Worth Housing Authority (FWHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Fort Worth and operates the Section 8 voucher program for the city. It does not build or own most of its properties — instead, it contracts with private landlords who agree to rent to low-income tenants at below-market rates. The agency also administers federal housing vouchers that help tenants pay rent directly to their landlord.

FWHA serves roughly 4,000 families through public housing and another 6,000 through its Section 8 program. If you live in Fort Worth and need affordable housing, FWHA is the main point of contact for both public housing units and rental information vouchers. The agency's offices are located at 1001 East Anderson Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Worth Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, but both programs have waiting lists that are currently closed to new applicants.
  • Section 8 vouchers pay a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the remainder — the exact split depends on your income and local rent levels.
  • Public housing units are owned or controlled by FWHA and typically cost less than Section 8 rentals, but availability is extremely limited.
  • You can contact FWHA by phone at (817) 871-5000 or visit their office in person to ask about waiting list status or other housing programs in the area.

Public housing units managed by FWHA

FWHA owns or controls a small number of apartment complexes and scattered single-family homes throughout Fort Worth. These units are rented only to households that meet income limits set by the federal government. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, which is typically much lower than market rent in the area.

The waiting list for public housing is currently closed. When it does reopen, FWHA prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than half their income toward rent. Even after the list reopens, wait times can stretch from months to years depending on the size of unit you need and how many people are ahead of you.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a federal rental subsidy that FWHA distributes to low-income households. When you hold a voucher, FWHA pays your landlord a portion of the rent each month, and you pay the rest out of pocket. The amount FWHA pays is based on the fair market rent for your area and your household income — typically you pay 30 percent of your gross income, and FWHA covers the gap up to the voucher amount.

The Section 8 waiting list in Fort Worth is also currently closed. The list is extremely long in most Texas cities, and FWHA only opens it periodically when funding allows. You can call the agency to ask when the list might reopen, but there is no set schedule. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord willing to accept it and sign a lease.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are limited to households earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income. For Fort Worth, this means a single person earning roughly $50,000 to $55,000 per year may be over the limit, depending on household size and the current year's calculation. FWHA uses the most recent income limits published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

When you explore (if the waiting list is open), you will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed or receive benefits, bring documentation of those as well. FWHA also conducts a background check and verifies your rental history.

How to contact Fort Worth Housing Authority

You can reach FWHA by phone at (817) 871-5000 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The main office is at 1001 East Anderson Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104. Staff can tell you whether the waiting lists are currently open and answer questions about may be able to access or the process process.

FWHA also maintains a website where you can find information about current programs and any announcements about waiting list openings. If you are in crisis and need housing when ready, ask FWHA staff about emergency information programs or local nonprofits that may have faster resources available.

Other housing resources in Fort Worth

If FWHA's waiting lists are closed or you do not meet the income limits, several other organizations in Fort Worth offer housing information. The Community Development Department administers emergency rental information for people behind on rent, and local nonprofits like Catholic Charities and the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition provide transitional housing and case management.

You can also dial 211 from any phone in Texas to reach a free referral service that connects you with local housing programs, food banks, and other services. The operator can tell you which programs are currently accepting new people and what documents you will need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher in Fort Worth?

Wait times depend entirely on when the list opens and how many people are ahead of you. In some Texas cities, people wait three to five years or longer. FWHA cannot predict when the list will reopen, so call periodically to check the status.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Fort Worth?

No. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the rent cannot exceed FWHA's payment standard for that area and unit size. Not all landlords participate. Once you have a voucher, FWHA staff can provide a list of properties and landlords known to accept vouchers, though you can also search on your own.

What happens if my income increases while I have a voucher?

FWHA recalculates your rent contribution annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you will eventually lose the voucher, but the agency typically gives you time to transition. The exact rules depend on your lease and FWHA's policies, so ask about this when you explore.

Is there a fee to explore for public housing or Section 8?

No. FWHA does not charge an process fee. Be cautious of any organization claiming to charge money to help you get on a waiting list — that is a scam. FWHA's process is always free.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

FWHA reviews your rental history but does not automatically reject applicants with an eviction. The agency looks at the reason for the eviction and how long ago it happened. Call FWHA to discuss your specific situation before assuming you are ineligible.