What the Laredo Housing Authority Does

The Laredo Housing Authority (LHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Laredo, Texas. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to house low-income residents, and it owns and operates a smaller number of public housing units directly. The agency's main job is to run two programs: public housing (where LHA owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (where you rent from a private landlord and LHA pays part of the rent).

The Laredo Housing Authority serves Webb County and the city of Laredo. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and operates under federal rules, though day-to-day decisions about who gets on waiting lists and how long the wait is are made locally. If you live in Laredo and need affordable rental housing, LHA is usually the first place to contact.

Key Takeaways

  • The Laredo Housing Authority runs two separate programs: public housing units it owns directly, and Housing Choice Vouchers that let you rent from private landlords.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that are often closed; you can call LHA to ask whether the list is currently open and how long the wait typically is.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, and LHA will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents before you move in.
  • Rent in both programs is based on 30 percent of your household income, though you pay LHA directly in public housing and your landlord in the voucher program.
  • You must pass a background check and credit review; criminal history and eviction records can disqualify you or delay approval.

Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers

Public housing means LHA owns the building and you pay rent to LHA each month. The agency maintains the unit, handles repairs, and sets the rules for the building. Public housing in Laredo includes several complexes scattered throughout the city. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of what your household earns — and LHA covers the rest of the cost.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently: LHA gives you a voucher (a promise to pay part of your rent), you find a private landlord willing to accept it, and you sign a lease with that landlord. You pay the landlord the portion of rent that is not covered by the voucher, usually 30 percent of your income. The landlord receives the rest directly from LHA. Vouchers give you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord who will accept the program.

Both programs have waiting lists. LHA closes and reopens these lists depending on funding and demand. Call the Laredo Housing Authority directly at (956) 795-8500 to ask whether either list is currently open and what the typical wait time is. Wait times can range from months to several years depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you.

Income Limits and Who Can Participate

The Laredo Housing Authority sets income limits based on the area median income for Webb County. These limits change each year and depend on your family size. For example, a single person's income limit will be lower than a family of four's. You must earn less than the limit to be considered; if your income is above the limit, you will not be accepted into either program.

LHA will ask you to prove your income using recent tax returns, pay stubs from the last 30 days, a letter from your employer, or bank statements showing regular deposits. If you are self-employed, retired, or receive benefits, bring documentation for those sources as well. LHA also counts income from child support, alimony, and Social Security.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to participate. LHA will verify this using documents like a birth certificate, passport, or green card. If you are not sure about your status, call LHA before you start the process — they can tell you whether you are may be able to access.

The process and Approval Process

To explore for either program, you will need to visit the Laredo Housing Authority office in person or call to ask about current process methods. LHA is located at 1002 Corpus Christi Street, Laredo, TX 78040. Bring a photo ID, proof of income, proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and a list of references. If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need to show that you have a valid rental history or be prepared to explain any gaps.

Once you submit your process, LHA will verify your information, run a background check, and review your credit and rental history. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days, though it can be longer if LHA needs to contact previous landlords or employers. You will be notified in writing whether you have been approved, placed on the waiting list, or denied.

If you are denied, LHA must tell you why. Common reasons include income above the limit, a criminal conviction within a certain timeframe, an eviction judgment on your record, or failure to provide required documents. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision if you believe the information is wrong.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If you are approved for public housing, LHA will assign you to an available unit and tell you the move-in date. You will sign a lease with LHA, pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent), and move in. Your rent will be recalculated each year based on your current income, so if your earnings change, your payment may go up or down.

If you are approved for a Housing Choice Voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a private landlord who will accept the voucher. The landlord must agree to rent to you at a price that does not exceed the voucher amount for your area and family size. Once you have a signed lease, LHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing standards, then begin paying the landlord.

In both programs, LHA can terminate your lease if you violate the terms — for example, if you do not pay your portion of the rent, if you damage the unit beyond normal wear, or if you engage in criminal activity. You will receive written notice and a chance to respond before termination.

Rent Calculation and Payment

Your rent in either program is based on 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. If your household earns $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. LHA counts income from all household members, including children who work and non-family members living with you. It does not count income from children under 18 who are in school full-time.

In public housing, you pay LHA directly, usually by check or automatic bank transfer. In the voucher program, you pay your landlord the tenant portion and LHA pays the landlord the voucher portion. If you fall behind on your rent, LHA can evict you from public housing or the voucher program can be terminated, which means you lose the voucher and must find another place to live on your own.

Contact Information and Next Steps

The Laredo Housing Authority's main office is at 1002 Corpus Christi Street, Laredo, TX 78040. You can reach them by phone at (956) 795-8500 during business hours. Call to ask whether the waiting list is currently open, what documents you will need to bring, and what the current wait time is for each program.

If you are not sure whether you meet the income limit or have questions about your immigration status, call before you visit. LHA staff can answer basic questions over the phone and tell you what to bring. You can also ask about other housing resources in Laredo if you do not meet LHA's requirements or if the waiting list is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for the Laredo Housing Authority?

Wait times vary and change frequently depending on funding and how many people are on the list. Call LHA at (956) 795-8500 to ask the current wait time for each program. Some people wait months; others wait years. The list is sometimes closed, which means LHA is not accepting new names.

Can I be denied because of an old eviction or criminal record?

Yes. LHA can deny you based on criminal history, evictions, or other lease violations. However, the rules vary — not every conviction or eviction automatically disqualifies you. Call LHA to discuss your specific situation before you explore, or ask for a hearing if you are denied and believe the decision is unfair.

What if my income goes up after I move in?

LHA recalculates your rent each year based on your current income. If you earn more, your rent will increase. You are required to report income changes to LHA; if you do not and LHA finds out, you could face lease violations or termination.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher to move to another city?

Possibly, but it depends on the other housing authority's rules. Some authorities accept vouchers from other cities; others do not. You must get permission from the Laredo Housing Authority before you move, and the new city's authority must agree to take over your voucher.

What documents do I need to bring to explore?

Bring a photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and references from previous landlords or employers. If you are explore for a voucher, bring your rental history. Call LHA first to confirm the full list for your situation.