How the Housing Authority of Fort Worth Works and What It Offers

What the Housing Authority of Fort Worth does

The Housing Authority of Fort Worth (HAFW) is a local government agency that manages affordable rental housing and rental information programs in Tarrant County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it contracts with private landlords and property managers who agree to rent units at below-market rates to low-income residents. HAFW also administers federal voucher programs that help tenants pay rent directly to their landlords.

The agency's main programs are the Public Housing program, which operates apartment complexes it owns or leases, and the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly called Section 8), which gives tenants a subsidy they can use at any participating private landlord. HAFW also runs emergency information programs and works with nonprofits to provide supportive services like job training and financial counseling.

Key Takeaways

HAFW manages both public housing complexes and Housing Choice Vouchers that work with private landlords across Tarrant County.
Most HAFW programs require income below 50 to 80 percent of the area median income, which varies by household size and changes yearly.
Wait lists for public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have long delays, so you need to contact HAFW directly to learn the current status.
You can reach HAFW by phone, mail, or in person at their main office, and they can tell you which programs are currently open to new residents.
HAFW also offers emergency rental information and eviction prevention programs that may have different income limits and shorter wait times.

Public Housing managed by HAFW

HAFW owns or leases several apartment communities where it rents units directly to tenants. These are traditional public housing developments with on-site management, maintenance, and sometimes community services. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it changes if your income changes. You pay utilities separately unless they are included in your lease.

To live in HAFW public housing, your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income for Tarrant County. The exact income limit depends on your household size and is updated each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HAFW's website lists the current limits, or you can call their main office to ask.

The wait list for public housing is typically closed or has a significant delay. When it is open, HAFW prioritizes households with the greatest need — usually those experiencing homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than half their income toward rent. You can contact HAFW to ask whether the list is currently open and how long the wait typically is.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy from HAFW that you take to a private landlord. The voucher covers part of your rent; you pay the rest out of pocket. The landlord receives the subsidy directly from HAFW each month. This gives you more choice in where to live than public housing, because you can rent from any landlord who agrees to participate in the program.

Your share of the rent is still set at 30 percent of your household income. If the market rent for the unit is higher than what HAFW will pay, you pay the difference. If it is lower, you pay only your 30 percent share. You are responsible for utilities unless the lease says otherwise.

The voucher wait list is also typically closed. When it reopens, HAFW uses a lottery system or prioritizes by need, depending on how many people are waiting. The wait can be several years in some cases. You can call HAFW to ask about the current status and whether they expect to open the list soon.

Income limits and household size

HAFW programs use income limits based on household size. A single person has a different limit than a family of four. Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and most other regular money coming into the household. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements.

The income limits change every year on April 1, when HUD releases new figures. HAFW uses the limits for Tarrant County, which includes Fort Worth and surrounding areas. If your income is at or below the limit for your household size, you may be able to enter a program. If it is above the limit, you are not currently may be able to access, though you can reapply if your income drops later.

You can find the current income limits on HAFW's website or by calling their office. You will need to know your household size and your total gross income for the past 12 months to check whether you fall within the range.

How to contact the Housing Authority of Fort Worth

HAFW's main office is located at 1001 E. Anderson Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104. You can reach them by phone at (817) 392-6000 during business hours, Monday through Friday. They also accept mail and have an online portal where you can check the status of an existing process or request information about programs.

When you call, have your household size and approximate annual income ready. HAFW staff can tell you which programs are currently open, what the wait list status is, and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to move forward. They can also refer you to emergency information if you are facing eviction or have an urgent housing need.

If you prefer to visit in person, HAFW's office is open during regular business hours. Parking is available on-site. You can also mail questions to their address, though phone or in-person contact is usually faster.

Emergency rental information and eviction prevention

Beyond its main public housing and voucher programs, HAFW administers emergency rental information funded by federal and state grants. These programs help tenants who have fallen behind on rent or are at risk of eviction. They typically have higher income limits than regular HAFW programs and shorter wait times because the money is temporary.

Emergency information usually covers back rent you already owe rather than future rent. The program pays your landlord directly. You will need a signed lease, proof of the hardship (such as a job loss letter or medical bill), and documentation of your income. HAFW can tell you whether emergency funds are currently available and what the process process looks like.

Eviction prevention programs may also help with utility bills, security deposits, or moving costs if you are trying to avoid losing your housing. These programs change based on available funding, so call HAFW to ask what is currently open.

What happens after you are placed in housing

Once you are approved for public housing or a voucher, HAFW will give you a lease or voucher packet and explain your rights and responsibilities. For public housing, you sign a lease with HAFW directly. For a voucher, you find a landlord, negotiate the lease terms, and HAFW reviews the lease and the unit to make sure it meets program standards.

You are required to report changes in your household — such as a new job, a family member moving in or out, or a change in income — within 30 days. HAFW uses this information to recalculate your rent share. If you do not report changes, you may owe back rent or lose your housing.

HAFW also conducts annual inspections of public housing units and periodic inspections of voucher units to make sure they meet housing quality standards. If repairs are needed, the landlord or HAFW must make them within a set timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for HAFW public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary and change frequently. The list is often closed entirely. Call HAFW at (817) 392-6000 to ask the current status. If the list is open, staff can give you an estimate based on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available each month.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Fort Worth?

You can use a voucher at any rental property where the landlord agrees to participate in the program. Not all landlords participate. HAFW can give you a list of participating properties, or you can search for your own and ask the landlord if they accept vouchers. The unit must also pass HAFW's housing quality inspection.

What if my income goes up after I am approved?

You must report the income increase to HAFW within 30 days. Your rent share will increase to 30 percent of your new income. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your housing subsidy, though HAFW usually gives you time to find other housing or appeal the decision.

Does HAFW help with deposits or moving costs?

Public housing and regular vouchers do not cover deposits or moving costs. However, some emergency information programs do. Call HAFW to ask whether deposit or moving information is currently available and what the income and may be able to access requirements are.

Can I transfer my voucher to another city?

Housing Choice Vouchers can sometimes be transferred to other housing authorities, but it depends on whether the receiving authority has funding and whether HAFW approves the transfer. Contact HAFW to discuss your situation and learn whether a transfer is possible.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.