What the Lubbock Housing Authority does

The Lubbock Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Lubbock, Texas. It owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income residents, administers the Section 8 voucher program (which pays part of your rent at a private landlord's property), and handles emergency rental help when funding is available. The Authority is not part of HUD directly — it is a separate entity created by the City of Lubbock to serve the community.

The Authority's main job is to make housing more affordable for people whose income falls below a certain threshold. How much you earn, how many people live with you, and what assets you have all factor into whether you can use their programs. The Authority sets its own income limits within federal guidelines, so the cutoff for a family of four in Lubbock may differ from another city's.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lubbock Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers, both of which require you to meet income limits set by the Authority.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of the rent while the program pays the rest, but you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher.
  • Public housing apartments are owned and managed by the Authority itself, and rent is typically set at 30 percent of your household income.
  • The Authority's office is located in Lubbock, and you can contact them directly to learn current income limits, wait list status, and what documents you will need.
  • Emergency rental information and other temporary programs may be available through the Authority or the City of Lubbock, but funding changes and programs may close when money runs out.

Public housing apartments run by the Authority

The Lubbock Housing Authority owns and operates apartment communities where rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. This means if your household earns $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. You pay the Authority directly, and utilities are typically included or handled separately depending on the property.

To live in public housing, you must meet the Authority's income limits, pass a background check, and provide proof of income and residency. The Authority maintains a wait list for public housing, and how long you wait depends on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you. Some properties may have shorter wait times than others.

Public housing is not temporary — you can stay as long as you meet the income and lease requirements. However, if your income rises above the Authority's limit, you may be required to move out or pay a higher rent. The Authority will notify you if this happens and give you time to find other housing.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord while the program pays a portion of your rent. You find the apartment yourself, and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. You then pay your share of the rent (typically 30 percent of your income) and the Authority pays the landlord the difference, up to a limit set by the program.

The Lubbock Housing Authority maintains a Section 8 wait list. Because demand is high and funding is limited, the wait list is often closed, meaning the Authority is not taking new applications. You can contact the Authority to ask whether the list is open and, if it is closed, whether they have a date when it might reopen.

If you receive a voucher, you have a limited time to find a landlord and move in. The Authority will inspect the apartment to make sure it meets housing quality standards before the subsidy begins. Once you move in, the Authority continues to pay the landlord as long as you stay and meet the lease terms.

Income limits and who can use these programs

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits. The Lubbock Housing Authority sets these limits based on the area median income for Lubbock. A family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $55,000 per year, but this varies and changes annually. The Authority publishes its current limits, and you can ask for them when you contact the office.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular money coming into your household. The Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify your income. Assets like savings accounts and vehicles may also be counted, depending on the program and the Authority's rules.

If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to use these programs. If your income is below the limit and you meet other requirements (background check, residency), you can be added to the wait list.

How to contact the Lubbock Housing Authority

The Lubbock Housing Authority's main office is located in Lubbock. You can reach them by phone, email, or by visiting in person to ask about current programs, wait list status, and what documents you need to bring. The Authority's staff can tell you whether the Section 8 wait list is open, how long the public housing wait list is, and what income limits explore to your household size.

When you contact them, have your household size, approximate income, and any documentation ready. They will let you know what the next steps are and whether you need to come in to complete an process or provide more information.

Emergency rental information and other temporary programs

The Lubbock Housing Authority may administer emergency rental information when funding is available through the City of Lubbock or state programs. These programs are temporary and typically cover rent you already owe rather than rent coming due. Funding runs out, and programs may close and reopen depending on budget availability.

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, contact the Authority or the City of Lubbock's housing office to ask whether emergency funds are currently available. You will need to provide proof of your lease, proof of income, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind. The process usually takes two to six weeks.

What happens if you are evicted or have a housing problem

If you are facing eviction or have a dispute with a landlord, the Lubbock Housing Authority itself does not handle tenant disputes — that is a matter between you and your landlord, or for the courts. However, the Authority can sometimes refer you to legal aid or tenant advocacy organizations in Lubbock that may be able to help.

If you are in public housing or using a Section 8 voucher and have a problem with your apartment or landlord, contact the Authority's management office. They can help resolve maintenance issues or disputes related to the program. If you are evicted from public housing or lose your voucher, the Authority will explain your rights and what happens next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for public housing in Lubbock?

Wait times vary depending on the property and how many units are available. The Lubbock Housing Authority maintains separate wait lists for different apartment communities. Contact the Authority directly to ask about current wait times for the properties you are interested in.

Is the Section 8 wait list open right now?

The Section 8 wait list in Lubbock is frequently closed because demand is high. Call the Lubbock Housing Authority to ask whether applications are being taken. If the list is closed, ask when it might reopen so you can check back.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing?

If your income rises above the Authority's limit, you will be notified and given time to move out or transition to paying market rent. The exact timeline depends on the Authority's policy. Contact them to understand what happens in your situation.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher at any apartment?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the apartment must pass the Authority's housing quality inspection. Some landlords do not participate in Section 8. You will need to find a willing landlord and then have the Authority inspect the unit before the subsidy begins.

What documents do I need to bring to explore?

You will typically need proof of income (pay stubs or benefit letters), a photo ID, proof of residency, and information about your household. The Lubbock Housing Authority can give you a complete list when you call or visit. Having these documents ready speeds up the process.