What the Wichita Falls Housing Authority does

The Wichita Falls Housing Authority (WFHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Wichita Falls, Texas. It owns and operates apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers vouchers that help people pay rent at privately owned properties. The Authority is separate from the city government but answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Authority's main job is to make housing more affordable for people whose income falls below certain thresholds. It does this through two main routes: by renting public housing units it owns directly, or by giving vouchers to tenants who then rent from private landlords. Both programs require residents to pay a portion of their income toward rent—usually 30 percent—with the Authority or voucher covering the rest.

The Authority is located in Wichita Falls and serves Wichita County. If you live outside that area, you would contact the housing authority in your own county or city instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wichita Falls Housing Authority runs public housing units and a voucher program, both of which require you to pay roughly 30 percent of your income toward rent.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and the Authority may close the list when it grows too large.
  • You must meet income limits based on family size, and your household income is verified through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.
  • The Authority's office is in Wichita Falls, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current waiting list status.
  • Public housing and voucher programs are different: public housing means you rent from the Authority itself, while a voucher means you find your own rental and the Authority pays part of it.

Public housing versus voucher programs

The Wichita Falls Housing Authority runs two separate programs, and understanding the difference matters because they work very differently and may have different waiting lists.

Public housing means you rent an apartment or house that the Authority owns. The Authority maintains the building, handles repairs, and collects your rent payment. You live in a property managed directly by WFHA staff. Public housing units in Wichita Falls include family apartments and senior housing.

Voucher programs (also called Section 8) work differently: you find a rental property on the open market, the landlord agrees to rent to you, and the Authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You choose where to live within Wichita Falls and surrounding areas, as long as the landlord will accept a voucher and the rent is not above the Authority's payment limit. You are responsible for finding the property and negotiating with the landlord; the Authority does not place you.

Waiting lists for public housing and vouchers are usually separate, and one may be open while the other is closed. Call the Authority to find out which programs currently have open lists.

Income limits and what the Authority will verify

To be considered for either public housing or a voucher, your household income must fall below the limit set by HUD for your family size. These limits change each year and vary based on whether you are explore for public housing or a voucher. The Authority publishes current income limits on its website or will tell you the limit over the phone when you call.

Income limits for a family of four in Wichita Falls are typically in the range of $40,000 to $50,000 annually, but this varies by year and program. The Authority counts income from wages, self-employment, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other sources. It does not count income from certain information programs like SNAP or TANF.

When you explore, the Authority will ask for documents to prove your income. Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, a letter from your employer, bank statements, or proof of benefits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and business records. The Authority will also run a background check and verify your rental history.

How waiting lists work and how long they typically take

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists because demand is higher than the number of units or vouchers available. When you explore, your name goes on the list in the order it was received. The Authority contacts people from the list as units or vouchers become available.

Wait times vary widely. In some cases, people wait several months; in others, it can be two years or longer. The wait depends on how many people are ahead of you, how many units or vouchers the Authority has, and how quickly people move out or return vouchers. The Authority can tell you approximately where you stand on the list when you call, though it cannot may provide a specific timeline.

The Authority may close the waiting list when it becomes very long. When a list is closed, you cannot explore until it reopens. The Authority announces when lists reopen through its website, local media, and community organizations. If the list is closed when you call, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can be notified when it does.

Once the Authority contacts you from the waiting list, you will have a limited time to complete the next steps—usually 10 to 14 days. If you miss the important date, you may lose your place and have to reapply.

What happens after you are contacted from the waiting list

When the Authority calls you, it will schedule an appointment for an intake interview. Bring proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and any other documents the Authority requested in the letter. You will also need to provide references and information about your rental history.

At the interview, a staff member will review your process, verify the information you provided, and explain the program rules. For public housing, the Authority will tell you about lease terms, house rules, and maintenance policies. For vouchers, it will explain how the program works, your responsibilities as a tenant, and the rent limits in your area.

After the interview, the Authority will conduct a background check, which includes criminal history and rental history. It will also inspect any public housing unit before you move in. If everything clears, you will sign a lease (for public housing) or receive your voucher (for the voucher program). The whole process from interview to move-in typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be longer if documents are missing or if background checks take time.

Rent and tenant responsibilities in WFHA programs

In both public housing and voucher programs, you pay approximately 30 percent of your household income toward rent. The Authority calculates this based on your verified income. If your income changes, you must report it to the Authority, and your rent payment will be adjusted. If your income goes down, your rent usually goes down; if it goes up, your rent goes up.

In public housing, you sign a lease with the Authority and must follow house rules, keep the unit clean, pay utilities (if required by your lease), and report maintenance problems. The Authority is responsible for major repairs and building maintenance. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear and tear, you may be charged.

In a voucher program, you sign a lease with your private landlord and must follow the lease terms and local tenant laws. The Authority pays its portion directly to the landlord; you pay your portion. You are responsible for utilities unless the lease says otherwise. The landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance under state law. The Authority will inspect the unit periodically to make sure it meets housing quality standards.

In both programs, if you do not pay your rent or violate lease terms, the landlord or Authority can begin eviction proceedings. Eviction from public housing or loss of a voucher can make it very difficult to find housing elsewhere.

How to contact the Wichita Falls Housing Authority

The Wichita Falls Housing Authority office is located in Wichita Falls, Texas. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, current income limits, or to request an process. The Authority's website also has information about programs, current waiting list status, and downloadable forms.

When you call, have your name, phone number, and approximate household income ready. The staff can tell you whether the waiting list is open, what the current wait time is, and what documents you will need to bring if you explore. If you need an process mailed to you, the Authority can do that as well.

If you have questions about a specific program or need help understanding the process, the Authority's staff can answer them. You can also visit the office in person during business hours if you prefer to explore face-to-face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in public housing or can I choose a voucher?

You can request either program, but they are separate. You may be on the waiting list for both at the same time, or you may choose to explore for only one. If you are offered a spot in one program, you can accept or decline it without affecting your place on the other list. Call the Authority to understand which program might be the better fit for your situation.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Income limits are firm—if your household income exceeds the limit, you will not be considered for either program. However, the Authority counts income in a specific way and may not count certain types of income or information. Call and describe your situation; the Authority can tell you whether you might be under the limit once income is calculated correctly.

Can I be denied because of my criminal history?

The Authority can deny you for certain criminal convictions, particularly those involving drugs or violence. However, not all criminal history is automatic grounds for denial. The Authority considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and other factors. If you have a criminal history, disclose it when you explore; hiding it will result in denial if discovered later.

What if I am homeless right now?

Homelessness does not disqualify you, but the Authority will need to verify your income and identity. If you do not have documents, ask the Authority what alternatives it will accept. Some programs work with homeless services agencies to help people gather the paperwork needed to explore.

Can I transfer my voucher if I move out of Wichita Falls?

Vouchers are tied to the Wichita Falls Housing Authority. If you move to a different city or county, you would need to contact that area's housing authority to see if they will accept a transfer. Not all authorities accept transfers, and the process varies. Contact the Authority before you move to understand your options.