What the Houston Housing Authority process process looks like

The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) runs the public housing program in Houston and Harris County. To get on the waiting list, you fill out an process either online through their website, in person at their office, or by mail. The process asks for household income, size, citizenship or immigration status, and rental history. HHA then verifies your information and places you on a waiting list if you meet the basic requirements — the wait can be months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and what type of housing you need.

You do not pay HHA to explore. There is no fee. The process itself does not may provide housing; it puts your name in the queue. HHA will contact you when an apartment becomes available that matches your household size and income level.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at hha.org, in person at 2500 North Loop West, or by mail; all three routes take you to the same waiting list.
  • HHA will ask for proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and a list of people in your household; bring documents or they will ask you to return with them.
  • The waiting list is long — how long depends on the type of housing and your income level, and HHA publishes these wait times on their website.
  • Once you are on the list, HHA contacts you when a unit opens; you then have a set number of days to accept or decline the offer.
  • If your income or household changes while you are waiting, contact HHA to update your process so they have current information.

Where to explore and what documents to bring

HHA's main office is at 2500 North Loop West, Houston, TX 77008. You can walk in during business hours, call 713-260-0800 to ask about hours, or explore online at hha.org. The online process is the fastest route if you have all your documents ready and a way to upload them or type in the information.

Bring or upload proof of income for the past 30 days — a pay stub, benefit letter, or bank statement showing deposits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or profit-and-loss statements. Bring proof of citizenship or immigration status: a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit. Bring identification for everyone in your household who is 18 or older. If you have a lease or rental history, bring that too, or be ready to name previous landlords and their phone numbers.

If you do not have all documents when you explore, HHA will tell you what is missing and give you a important date to submit it. If you miss the important date, your process may be denied and you will have to start over.

Income limits and household size requirements

HHA has income limits based on household size and the area median income for Houston. These limits change each year. A household of one person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 per year; a household of four might be around $55,000 to $65,000. The exact numbers vary by year and are posted on HHA's website.

Your household size is the number of people who will live in the unit with you. HHA uses this to determine what size apartment you can get — a household of one or two typically gets a one-bedroom, a household of three or four gets a two-bedroom, and so on. If your household size changes while you are waiting, tell HHA so they can adjust your process.

If your income is above the limit, you cannot get on the waiting list. If your income is below the limit, you move forward in the process. HHA will verify your income by contacting your employer or benefit provider directly.

How long the waiting list is and when you might hear back

Wait times vary widely depending on the type of housing and your income level. HHA publishes current wait times on their website — you can see roughly how many people are ahead of you and how long it typically takes to reach the top of the list. Some categories have waits of one to two years; others are longer. During periods when HHA receives federal funding for new units, they may move through the list faster.

HHA contacts you by phone or mail when a unit is available. You then have a specific number of days — usually 10 to 14 — to accept or decline the offer. If you decline, you stay on the list but move to the back. If you do not respond by the important date, HHA may remove you from the list.

If you move or change your phone number while waiting, update your information with HHA when ready. If they cannot reach you when a unit opens, they will move on to the next person on the list.

What happens after you accept a housing offer

Once you accept an offer, HHA schedules a move-in inspection and reviews your lease. You will pay a portion of your rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your monthly income, though HHA calculates the exact amount. HHA pays the rest to the landlord. You are responsible for utilities unless they are included in the lease.

Before you move in, HHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. You will also sign a lease with the landlord and a housing information payment contract with HHA. Read both documents carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

After you move in, HHA will do periodic inspections to make sure the unit is being maintained and that you are following the lease terms. If your income changes, report it to HHA so they can recalculate your rent share.

What disqualifies you or gets you removed from the list

HHA will deny your process or remove you from the list if you have a criminal conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine, are a registered sex offender, or have a history of violence or drug-related crimes within a certain time frame. The exact rules depend on the type of crime and when it happened. HHA also denies applications if you owe money to HHA from a previous tenancy or if you were evicted for lease violations.

If you are on the list and your circumstances change — you move out of the area, your income rises above the limit, or you no longer need housing — contact HHA to withdraw your process. If you do not respond to HHA's attempts to reach you for more than a certain period, they may remove you for non-responsiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

HHA looks at the reason for the eviction. If you were evicted for non-payment and have since paid what you owed, or if circumstances have changed, you may still be considered. If you were evicted for lease violations like criminal activity, your chances are lower. Contact HHA or ask during your in-person appointment — they can tell you whether your specific situation disqualifies you.

What if my income changes after I explore?

Tell HHA right away. If your income drops, it may help your position on the waiting list. If it rises above the limit, you may no longer be may be able to access. Either way, HHA needs accurate information to process your process correctly. Call 713-260-0800 or visit in person to update your income.

How do I check where I am on the waiting list?

HHA does not provide individual ranking numbers. You can call 713-260-0800 and ask about the current wait time for your household size and income level, which gives you a general idea. You can also visit the office in person and ask staff to review your process status.

What if I miss the important date to accept or decline a housing offer?

If you do not respond by the important date, HHA will typically move on to the next person and you will go to the back of the list. Contact HHA when ready if you missed the important date — in some cases they may give you a second chance, but do not count on it. Keep your phone number and address current so you do not miss the call.

Do I have to pay anything to explore or stay on the waiting list?

No. HHA does not charge an process fee or a fee to stay on the waiting list. Anyone who asks you for money to put you on HHA's list or to speed up the process is running a scam. explore directly through HHA's website, office, or mail.