What the Lubbock Housing Authority Does

The Lubbock Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs for people in Lubbock, Texas. It owns and manages apartment complexes, administers the Section 8 voucher program, and handles emergency rental help when funding is available. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and operates independently from the city government, though it serves the same geographic area.

The agency's main job is to make rental housing affordable for households below certain income limits. It does this by either owning the buildings directly (public housing) or by paying part of the rent on private apartments (Section 8). The Authority also manages waiting lists, conducts inspections, and processes paperwork for both programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lubbock Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers, both for low-income households, and you contact them directly—not through the city.
  • Public housing and Section 8 both have waiting lists that can be years long, and you must meet income limits based on household size.
  • The Authority's main office is located in Lubbock, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current programs and waiting list status.
  • Emergency rental help through the Authority depends on whether funding is currently available, which changes throughout the year.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, and citizenship or legal immigration status to be considered for any program.

Public Housing vs. Section 8: What's the Difference

Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent directly from them. You pay 30 percent of your income as rent, and the Authority covers the rest of the cost. The apartments are scattered throughout Lubbock, and the Authority maintains them. Public housing has strict rules about who can live there, income limits, and what you can and cannot do in the unit.

Section 8 is different: you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and the Authority pays part of the rent to the landlord on your behalf. You still pay roughly 30 percent of your income, and the voucher covers the rest up to a limit set by the Authority. This gives you more choice in where you live, but the landlord has to agree to accept the voucher and pass an inspection.

Both programs have long waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists in Lubbock can stretch several years, and Section 8 waiting lists are often closed to new people. Even if you are on the list, your income must stay below the limit, and you must report changes to the Authority.

How to Contact the Lubbock Housing Authority

The Lubbock Housing Authority's main office is located at 1414 Avenue L, Lubbock, Texas 79401. You can reach them by phone at (806) 763-9721 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, and staff can answer questions about waiting lists, current programs, and what documents you need to bring.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or benefit letters), and a list of household members ready. If you are asking about a specific program, ask directly whether the waiting list is open or closed—this changes, and the Authority staff will know the current status.

You can also visit their office in person to pick up applications or ask questions face-to-face. Some people find it faster to visit than to wait on the phone, especially during busy times of day.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits based on household size. These limits change each year and depend on the area median income for Lubbock. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four, and the Authority uses your gross income (before taxes) to decide whether you may have access to.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status. The Authority will ask for proof—a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit. If you are not sure about your status, ask the Authority directly; they can tell you whether you are may be able to access.

You cannot have an eviction judgment against you in the past three years, and you cannot have been evicted from public housing or Section 8 before. The Authority will run a background check and contact previous landlords. If you have a criminal record, some convictions may disqualify you, but not all—ask the Authority about your specific situation.

The Waiting List and How Long It Takes

When you turn in an process, the Authority puts you on a waiting list in the order applications were received. For public housing, this list can be two to five years long depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. Section 8 waiting lists are often closed entirely, meaning the Authority is not taking new people until someone leaves the program.

While you are on the waiting list, your income and household size can change. You must report these changes to the Authority, because they affect whether you stay on the list and where you rank. If your income goes above the limit, you may be removed. If your household size changes, you may move up or down the list.

The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You will have a limited time to respond and complete the next steps. If you do not respond, you may lose your spot.

Emergency Rental Help and Other Programs

The Lubbock Housing Authority sometimes administers emergency rental help when the city or state provides funding. This money pays landlords directly for back rent or helps prevent eviction. However, these funds are not always available—they depend on whether the city or county has received grant money and whether the fund is still open.

To find out whether emergency rental help is currently available, call the Authority directly and ask. Do not assume it exists; many programs run out of money and reopen months later. If you need help right now, also contact the City of Lubbock's Community Development office or call 211 (a free referral line) to learn about other local resources.

The Authority may also have information about other programs, such as utility information or weatherization help. When you call, ask about everything they offer, not just housing.

What Documents You Need

Before you visit or call, gather these documents: a photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of income (pay stubs from the last 30 days, or a benefit letter if you receive Social Security or unemployment), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), and proof of citizenship or legal status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit).

If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years and bank statements. If you receive child support or alimony, bring the court order and proof of payment. If you are currently homeless or living in a shelter, bring a letter from the shelter or a social worker confirming your situation.

The Authority may ask for additional documents depending on your situation. It is better to bring too much than too little—extra documents do not hurt your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for public housing or Section 8?

Getting approved takes a few weeks once a unit or voucher is available. But getting to the top of the waiting list can take years. The Authority will contact you when something opens up, and then you have a short window to complete the approval process, which includes an inspection and final paperwork.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

It depends on how long ago it was. Most programs will not accept you if you were evicted within the past three years. If it has been longer, the Authority may still consider you, but they will ask about it. Be honest about what happened.

What if my income goes up while I am on the waiting list?

You must report the increase to the Authority. If your income goes above the limit, you may be removed from the list. If it stays below the limit, you stay on the list, but your rent may increase if you are already in a unit.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher anywhere in Lubbock?

You can use it at any apartment where the landlord agrees to accept Section 8 and the unit passes inspection. Not all landlords participate. The Authority can give you a list of buildings that accept vouchers, or you can search on your own and ask the landlord if they will take one.

What happens if I lose my job while I am in public housing or Section 8?

Tell the Authority right away. Your rent is based on your income, so if your income drops, your rent will drop too. You will need to provide proof of job loss (a termination letter or unemployment paperwork) and your new income information.