What the Housing Authority of the City of Austin does

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs for Austin residents. It does not set rent prices or control the private market — instead, it owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income households, and it distributes federal rental information money to help people pay rent in privately owned units.

HACA operates two main programs. The first is public housing: HACA owns the buildings, sets the rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of what you earn), and you live there as a tenant. The second is the Housing Choice Voucher program (often called Section 8), where HACA gives you a voucher to use at a private landlord's property, and HACA pays part of the rent directly to the landlord.

The agency also manages emergency rental information when federal funding becomes available, handles some supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, and runs programs for people aging out of foster care or leaving the criminal justice system.

Key Takeaways

  • HACA runs public housing where rent is based on your income, and the Housing Choice Voucher program where you choose a private apartment and HACA subsidizes part of the rent.
  • Both programs have long waiting lists; you must register on HACA's waiting list to be considered, and the wait can be several years depending on the program.
  • Your household income must fall below a certain threshold to register, and HACA will verify your income, citizenship or immigration status, and background before approving you.
  • You can contact HACA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office on East Riverside Drive to ask about current wait times and what documents you need.
  • HACA also runs a Family Self-Sufficiency program that pairs housing information with job training and financial counseling to help you move toward financial independence.

How to get on HACA's waiting list

To register for either public housing or a Housing Choice Voucher, you must submit an process to HACA. You can do this online through HACA's website, by mail, or in person at their office. The process asks for your household size, income, citizenship or immigration status, and Social Security numbers for all household members.

HACA will verify your information before placing you on the waiting list. This means they will check your income (usually through recent pay stubs or tax returns), confirm your identity, and run a background check. If you have an eviction record, criminal history, or owe money to a previous landlord, HACA may deny you or place conditions on your housing.

Once you are on the waiting list, you wait for your name to be called. Wait times vary by program and change over time. Public housing wait times in Austin have historically been several years, while Housing Choice Voucher wait times can be even longer. HACA publishes wait time estimates on their website, though these are approximate.

Income limits and what HACA considers

HACA sets income limits based on the area median income for Austin. These limits change each year. For example, a single person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, while a family of four might have a limit around $55,000 to $60,000, but these numbers shift yearly and depend on family size.

HACA counts income from employment, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular sources. They do not count some types of income, such as certain education benefits or temporary information. If your income is above the limit, you cannot register. If your income drops below the limit later, you may still be may be able to access.

HACA also considers your background. They look at eviction history, criminal convictions (especially drug-related or violent offenses), and whether you owe money to previous landlords or housing programs. A negative history does not automatically disqualify you, but HACA may deny you or require you to meet additional conditions.

How rent works in HACA housing

In HACA public housing, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income. If your household earns $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. If your income changes, your rent adjusts at your next lease renewal, usually once a year.

HACA covers utilities in most public housing units, or includes a utility allowance in your lease. This means you do not pay separate bills for water, gas, or electricity — the cost is built into your rent calculation. Some units may have different arrangements, so check your lease.

In the Housing Choice Voucher program, you find your own apartment and the landlord must accept the voucher. HACA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (called the "housing information payment"), and you pay the difference out of pocket. Your share is also typically 30 percent of your income, though the exact split depends on the voucher amount and the rent the landlord charges.

What documents you need to bring

When you explore to HACA, have these documents ready: a government-issued photo ID, proof of Social Security numbers for all household members, recent pay stubs or tax returns to show income, and proof of citizenship or immigration status (such as a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit).

If you receive benefits (Social Security, disability, unemployment, child support), bring the award letter or most recent statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. If you have zero income, bring a letter from a social service agency or other documentation explaining your situation.

You will also need to provide references — usually previous landlords or employers who can speak to your reliability as a tenant. HACA will contact them as part of the verification process.

HACA's Family Self-Sufficiency program

HACA runs a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program that pairs housing information with job training, financial counseling, and case management. If you are accepted into FSS, you work with a counselor to set goals — such as increasing your income, finishing a degree, or building savings — and HACA helps connect you to resources.

One key feature of FSS is the escrow account. As your income rises, HACA sets aside part of the rent increase in an account in your name. When you leave the program (usually after five years), you receive that money as a lump sum to help you transition to market-rate housing or other goals. This creates an incentive to increase your earnings while you have housing stability.

FSS is not automatic — you must explore separately and be selected. The program has its own waiting list, and not all HACA residents or voucher holders are may be able to access. Ask HACA whether FSS is currently open for new participants.

How to contact HACA and get more information

HACA's main office is located at 1124 East Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78702. You can call their main line during business hours to ask about wait times, process status, or program details. Their website has information about current programs, income limits, and how the process works online.

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you can also reach out to Austin's homeless services system through the Homeless Services Division or by calling 211, which connects you to local resources. Some HACA programs prioritize people experiencing homelessness.

If you have a complaint about HACA's service or believe you were treated unfairly, you can file a grievance with HACA's management office. HACA has a formal grievance process outlined in their resident handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore to HACA?

HACA typically takes 30 to 60 days to process an process and verify your information. After that, if you are approved, you go on the waiting list. The wait to actually receive housing or a voucher depends on the program and current demand — it can be several years. HACA will contact you by phone or mail when your name comes up.

Can I explore to both public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program at the same time?

Yes, you can explore to both programs. You will have separate waiting lists for each. If you are offered one before the other, you can accept it and stay on the second list, or decline and wait for your preferred option. Check HACA's website or call to confirm their current policy on multiple applications.

What happens if my income goes above the limit after I move into HACA housing?

If your income rises above the limit, you do not have to leave when ready. HACA allows you to stay, but your rent will increase to reflect your higher income. Eventually, if your income stays above the limit for a certain period (usually one year), HACA may ask you to move out so the unit can go to someone who meets the income requirement. Your lease will specify the exact terms.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Austin?

You can use a voucher at any private apartment where the landlord accepts it and the rent is within HACA's payment standard for that area. Not all landlords accept vouchers, and some neighborhoods have higher payment standards than others. HACA publishes payment standards by zip code, and staff can help you understand what you can afford in different areas.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

HACA considers your full background, not just one incident. Older offenses, minor charges, or circumstances that have changed may not disqualify you. Drug-related convictions and violent crimes are taken more seriously. The best approach is to be honest on your process and explain any history in writing. You can also ask HACA directly whether a specific issue will affect your may be able to access before you explore.