What the Housing Authority of Bexar County does

The Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in San Antonio and surrounding areas. It does not build or own most of the housing it manages — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it maintains a smaller number of public housing properties it owns directly. The agency is independent from the city and county governments, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal rules.

HABC administers two main programs: public housing (older, agency-owned buildings) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. Both serve households below certain income limits. The agency also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and manages emergency rental information when federal funds are available.

Key Takeaways

  • HABC runs public housing properties and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for low-income renters in the San Antonio area.
  • Income limits explore to both programs, and most have long waiting lists that can take years to reach.
  • You can contact HABC directly at their main office or through their website to learn about current program status and waiting list information.
  • Public housing and voucher programs work differently — public housing is agency-owned, while vouchers let you choose a private rental property.
  • HABC also manages emergency rental information and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness when funding is available.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

HABC operates two distinct rental information paths. Public housing consists of apartment complexes and scattered units that HABC owns and maintains. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum amount. You live in an agency property and follow HABC lease terms. Public housing units are older on average and concentrated in specific neighborhoods, but rent is predictable and tied directly to what you earn.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work differently. HABC gives you a voucher worth a set dollar amount each month, and you use it to rent from any private landlord who agrees to participate. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. This gives you more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the landlord must pass HABC inspection. Voucher holders typically pay 30 percent of their income toward rent as well.

Both programs have income limits that vary by household size. Both have waiting lists. HABC does not currently accept new applications for either program during periods when the waiting list is closed, which happens frequently. You can contact the agency to learn whether applications are open.

How to contact HABC and check waiting list status

The Housing Authority of Bexar County main office is located at 1003 E. Hildebrand Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78212. You can reach them by phone at (210) 207-3600 during business hours. The agency also maintains a website where you can find program information, though the website does not allow online applications — you must explore in person or by mail when the waiting list is open.

Before contacting HABC, gather your household income information, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of residency in Bexar County. Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed, meaning HABC is not accepting new applications. The agency reopens applications periodically when funding allows or when enough people leave the program. Calling ahead or checking their website before visiting saves a trip.

If you are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, HABC also coordinates with local nonprofits and the Bexar County Homeless Services office. These agencies can connect you to emergency information, transitional housing, or supportive housing programs that HABC funds or partners with.

Income limits and rent calculation

HABC programs serve households earning below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Bexar County. The exact income limit depends on household size and changes annually. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four. HABC staff can tell you the current year's limits when you call or visit.

Rent in both public housing and voucher programs is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, with a minimum rent amount. If your household income is very low, you still pay the minimum (typically $25 to $50 per month, depending on the program). If your income increases, your rent increases. If your income decreases, your rent decreases. This is why HABC requires annual income recertification — the agency reviews your earnings each year and adjusts your rent accordingly.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in San Antonio are long. Wait times vary, but households often wait two to five years or longer before reaching the top of the list. Some people on the list move, lose interest, or no longer meet income requirements, which creates openings. HABC maintains the list in order of process date, though some preferences (such as homelessness or disability) may move a household up in priority.

When your name reaches the top of the list, HABC contacts you to complete the next step. For public housing, you attend an orientation and then view available units. For vouchers, you receive the voucher and have a limited time (usually 60 days) to find a landlord and a property that meets program standards. If you do not find housing within that window, you may lose the voucher.

HABC does not charge a fee to be on the waiting list. You do not need to reapply each year if you are already on the list — your position holds as long as you keep your contact information current with the agency.

What happens after you are approved

Once you move into public housing or receive a voucher, HABC's involvement continues. For public housing residents, the agency handles maintenance, collects rent, and enforces lease rules. You must report changes in household composition or income. Lease violations (such as criminal activity or repeated late rent payments) can result in eviction.

For voucher holders, HABC inspects the rental property before you move in to may support it meets housing quality standards. The agency pays the landlord directly each month. You are responsible for finding and keeping the unit, paying your share of rent on time, and reporting changes in your household or income. If you move, you can take the voucher to a new property, as long as the new landlord agrees and the unit passes inspection.

Both programs require annual recertification. You must provide updated income documents, proof of residency, and information about anyone living in the household. Failure to recertify can result in loss of benefits.

Emergency rental information and other HABC programs

Beyond public housing and vouchers, HABC manages emergency rental information when federal funding is available. These funds help households pay back rent or upcoming rent when they face temporary hardship. Emergency information programs are separate from regular HABC programs and have their own income limits and process processes. Funding is not always available, and programs may close when money runs out.

HABC also administers supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness, often in partnership with nonprofits like Haven for Hope. These programs combine housing with case management, mental health services, or job training. Referrals typically come through the Bexar County Homeless Services office or local nonprofits rather than direct HABC process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the waiting list is open?

Call HABC at (210) 207-3600 or visit their office at 1003 E. Hildebrand Avenue. The staff can tell you whether applications are currently being accepted for public housing, vouchers, or both. You can also ask to be notified when the list reopens if it is currently closed.

What if I do not meet the income limit?

HABC programs are for households below 80 percent of area median income. If your income is too high, you may be able to find rental information through other programs, such as emergency rental information (when available) or nonprofits that serve higher-income households. Contact 211 San Antonio for referrals to other housing resources.

Can I explore for both public housing and vouchers at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you reach the top of one list first, you can accept that offer and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both. Ask HABC staff about the rules when you explore.

What if my landlord will not accept a voucher?

Landlords are not required to accept Housing Choice Vouchers. If you have trouble finding a participating landlord, HABC staff can provide a list of landlords who regularly work with the program. Some nonprofits also help voucher holders locate housing. If discrimination is involved, you can file a complaint with HABC or HUD.

What happens if my income increases while I am in the program?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. You remain in the program as long as your income stays below the program limit (usually 80 percent of AMI). If your income exceeds that limit, you may be required to leave the program, though some households are given time to transition out.