What the Houston Housing Authority does

The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs funded by the federal government. It does not build or own most of the housing it administers — instead, it issues vouchers to tenants and contracts with private landlords. HHA also manages some public housing properties directly and runs supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.

HHA's main job is to move federal money to landlords on behalf of low-income renters. When you hold an HHA voucher, the agency pays your landlord a portion of your rent each month; you pay the rest. The agency also maintains waiting lists, verifies income and household composition, and conducts inspections to may support properties meet housing quality standards.

HHA is headquartered in Houston and serves Harris County. It is not the same as the City of Houston's housing department, though the two coordinate on some initiatives. HHA answers to a board of commissioners and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Key Takeaways

  • HHA administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and programs for people experiencing homelessness — these are separate waiting lists with different income limits and timelines.
  • Most HHA vouchers are project-based (tied to a specific building) or tenant-based (you can use them at any landlord who accepts HHA); the type determines where you can live.
  • HHA verifies your income, household size, and citizenship or immigration status before issuing a voucher, and re-verifies every year.
  • Waiting lists for HHA programs are often closed and can have multi-year waits when open; you can check the status on HHA's website or by calling their main line.
  • HHA conducts annual inspections of rental units and can terminate a voucher if a property fails inspection or if your household circumstances change.

HHA's main programs and who they serve

HHA runs three broad categories of housing information. Section 8 tenant-based vouchers are the largest program — you receive a voucher and search for a landlord willing to accept it. Project-based vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or buildings; you explore to live in that building, not to the program itself. Public housing consists of properties HHA owns or leases and operates directly, such as scattered-site homes or apartment communities.

HHA also administers programs for people experiencing homelessness, including rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. These programs pair rental information with case management and are typically accessed through homeless services providers rather than through a direct HHA process.

Income limits vary by program and by family size. For Section 8, HHA uses area median income (AMI) thresholds set by HUD; most programs serve households at or below 50% of AMI, though some serve up to 80% AMI. You can find current income limits on HHA's website or by contacting their intake line.

How to get on an HHA waiting list

The process depends on which program you are interested in. For Section 8 tenant-based vouchers, you contact HHA directly — by phone, in person, or sometimes online — to request an process. HHA will tell you whether the waiting list is open. If it is closed, you can ask to be notified when it reopens.

When you submit an process, HHA records your name, address, household composition, and income. You do not receive a voucher when ready. Instead, HHA places you on the waiting list in the order applications were received, though some programs use preferences (such as homelessness, disability, or living in public housing) to prioritize certain households.

For project-based vouchers, you explore directly to the housing provider managing that property, not to HHA. The provider screens you and, if you are found to be income-may be able to access, refers you to HHA for verification. For public housing, the process is similar — you explore to HHA for that specific program.

Waiting times vary widely. Some programs have waits of several months; others have waits of three to five years or longer. HHA's website shows the current status of each program's waiting list.

What HHA verifies before issuing a voucher

Before you receive a voucher, HHA must confirm several things. The agency verifies your household income using recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. It checks your household composition — the number and ages of people living with you — and may require birth certificates or custody documents. HHA also verifies citizenship or immigration status; you must be a U.S. citizen or have a may have access to immigration status to receive information.

HHA runs a background check that includes criminal history and prior housing information. The agency looks for prior fraud, lease violations, or damage to property in previous HHA-assisted housing. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly drug-related offenses or crimes of violence — may result in denial.

HHA also verifies that you do not already receive housing information from another program. You cannot hold two vouchers or live in public housing while receiving a voucher elsewhere.

How rent is calculated and what you pay

Under Section 8, your rent is split between you and HHA. HHA pays the landlord a portion called the housing information payment (HAP). You pay the remainder, called your tenant portion.

Your tenant portion is typically the higher of: 30% of your gross monthly income, or a minimum amount set by HHA (often $50 to $100). If the rent is very low, you may pay the full amount yourself and HHA pays nothing. If the rent is very high, HHA caps what it will pay, and you cover any overage.

HHA recalculates your rent annually during your recertification. If your income increases, your tenant portion increases. If your income decreases, your tenant portion decreases. You must report changes in income, household size, or employment within 30 days, though the exact important date is in your lease and HHA's family obligations letter.

Annual recertification and ongoing requirements

Every year, HHA requires you to recertify your household income and composition. You submit recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters showing your current income. HHA verifies this information and recalculates your rent. If you do not recertify, HHA can terminate your voucher.

HHA also conducts annual inspections of the rental unit. The inspector checks that the property meets housing quality standards — working plumbing, heat, electricity, safe structure, and no pest infestations or mold. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs. If repairs are not made within a set timeframe, HHA can terminate the voucher and you must move.

You are required to live in the unit as your primary residence and to notify HHA if you move. If you move to a new unit, HHA must inspect that unit and the landlord must sign a new lease with HHA. If you move out of state or stop living in the unit, your voucher ends.

What happens if you lose your voucher

HHA can terminate your voucher if you violate the lease, fail to recertify, move without notifying HHA, or if the rental unit fails inspection and repairs are not made. The agency can also terminate information if your income exceeds the program limit for a certain period, though this varies by program.

If your voucher is terminated, you have the right to a hearing before HHA's hearing officer. You can request a hearing in writing within a set number of days (usually 10 to 14) of receiving the termination notice. At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue why the termination should not occur.

If you lose your voucher, you return to the waiting list only if HHA's policy allows it. Some programs allow you to reapply; others do not. Contact HHA to understand the rules for your specific program.

How to contact HHA and find current information

HHA's main office is located in Houston. You can reach the agency by phone at 713-260-0800 or visit their website at hha.org. The website lists current waiting list status, income limits, program descriptions, and office locations.

HHA also has satellite offices in different parts of Harris County. If you need to explore in person or attend a recertification appointment, you can visit the office nearest you. Hours and locations are on the website.

For questions about a specific voucher or case, you will need your HHA case number or process number. Keep this information handy when you call or visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher after I am on the waiting list?

There is no set timeline. It depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly HHA processes applications. Some programs move through waiting lists in months; others take years. HHA's website shows the current position of the waiting list for each program, and you can call to ask roughly where your process stands.

Can I use my HHA voucher at any apartment?

Only if you have a tenant-based voucher. With tenant-based information, you can search for any rental unit and the landlord must accept HHA if they accept Section 8. With project-based vouchers, you must live in the specific building where the voucher is attached. Public housing is limited to HHA-owned or managed properties.

What if my landlord will not accept an HHA voucher?

Landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to you because you have a voucher, but in practice many do. You can file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, though enforcement is slow. Your best strategy is to search for landlords who already accept HHA vouchers — HHA can provide a list of participating properties.

Do I have to pay HHA a fee to get a voucher?

No. HHA does not charge process fees, processing fees, or any other fees to receive a voucher. If someone asks you for money to speed up your process or may provide a voucher, that is a scam.

What if my income increases while I have a voucher?

Your rent will increase during your next annual recertification. HHA will recalculate your tenant portion based on your new income. If your income rises above the program limit for a sustained period, HHA may terminate your information, though policies vary by program. Report income changes to HHA within 30 days to avoid overpayment.