How the Laredo Housing Authority Works and What Programs It Runs

What the Laredo Housing Authority does

The Laredo Housing Authority (LHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Laredo, Texas. It does not build or own most of the housing stock in the city — instead, it administers federal funds to help low-income residents afford rent, and it operates public housing properties where tenants pay rent based on their income.

The LHA is separate from the City of Laredo government, though it works with city agencies on housing policy. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are looking for rental help or public housing in Laredo, the LHA is the body you contact directly.

Key Takeaways

The Laredo Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), which are the two main federal programs available in Laredo.
Public housing rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn, and the LHA owns and maintains the buildings.
Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of the rent while the voucher covers the rest, but waiting lists are often closed or very long.
The LHA office is located in Laredo and you must contact them directly by phone or in person to learn about current openings and waiting list status.
Emergency rental information and other temporary help programs are usually run by the City of Laredo or Webb County, not by the Housing Authority itself.

Public housing managed by the Laredo Housing Authority

The LHA owns and operates public housing complexes in Laredo where tenants pay rent based on their household income. Rent is typically set at 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the LHA can adjust this based on local policy. You live in an LHA-owned unit, and the Authority handles maintenance, repairs, and property management.

Public housing in Laredo includes family units, elderly housing, and housing for people with disabilities. The specific properties, their locations, and the number of available units change over time. To find out which properties exist, whether any units are currently available, and how to get on a waiting list, you must contact the LHA directly — this information is not standardized across housing authorities and varies by location.

Waiting lists for public housing can be closed or open depending on demand and available funding. Even when open, wait times can be months or years. The LHA will tell you the current status and your position on the list if you contact them.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) in Laredo

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, is a federal program that the LHA administers. Instead of living in an LHA-owned building, you find a rental property on the private market and the voucher pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the fair market rent for Laredo set by HUD each year. If you find a unit that rents for less than the voucher amount, you pay less. If the unit costs more, you pay the difference — landlords cannot charge more than the voucher allows unless you cover the overage yourself.

Waiting lists for Housing Choice Vouchers in Laredo are often closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the list is open, the LHA may prioritize households experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with very low incomes. Contact the LHA to learn whether the voucher waiting list is currently open and what the wait time is.

How to contact the Laredo Housing Authority

The LHA has a main office in Laredo where you can call, visit in person, or sometimes submit requests by mail. The office handles applications, waiting list inquiries, rent disputes, maintenance requests for public housing residents, and questions about voucher programs.

To reach the LHA, search online for "Laredo Housing Authority" plus "phone" or "address" to get current contact details, office hours, and the location of their main office. Housing authority contact information can change, so calling ahead or checking their official website is the fastest way to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

When you contact the LHA, have ready your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency in Laredo, and identification. If you are inquiring about public housing or vouchers, ask specifically whether waiting lists are open and what the current wait time is.

Income limits and rent calculations

The LHA uses income limits set by HUD to determine who can enter public housing or receive a voucher. These limits change each year and depend on household size. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example. You must fall below the limit for your household size to be considered.

Once you are in public housing or using a voucher, your rent is recalculated annually based on your current income. If your income rises, your rent rises. If your income falls, your rent falls. The LHA will ask you to report income changes and will conduct an annual review of your household's finances.

If you believe the LHA has calculated your rent incorrectly or if you disagree with an income information, you have the right to request a hearing. The LHA must explain the calculation and give you a chance to present evidence. Ask the LHA office for information about the hearing process if this applies to you.

Maintenance and tenant rights in LHA housing

If you live in public housing managed by the LHA, the Authority is responsible for keeping the unit and common areas in safe, habitable condition. This includes plumbing, electrical systems, heating, cooling, and structural repairs. You are responsible for routine cleaning and minor upkeep.

If something breaks or is unsafe, submit a maintenance request to the LHA in writing or by phone. Keep a copy of your request and note the date you submitted it. If the LHA does not respond within a reasonable time — usually 24 to 48 hours for urgent issues like no heat or water — contact the office again and ask for a supervisor.

Texas Property Code and HUD regulations give public housing tenants certain rights, including the right to a lease, the right to privacy, and the right to a hearing before eviction. If the LHA tries to evict you, you have the right to know the reason in writing and to appear in court. Do not ignore an eviction notice — respond in writing to the LHA and show up to any court hearing.

Other housing programs and emergency information

The Laredo Housing Authority itself runs public housing and vouchers. Other programs — such as emergency rental information, utility information, or down payment help for homebuyers — are usually run by the City of Laredo, Webb County, or nonprofit organizations, not by the LHA.

If you need emergency rent help or other temporary information, contact the City of Laredo's community development office or call 211 (a free referral line) to find programs currently accepting requests in your area. The LHA can sometimes point you toward these resources, but they do not administer them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers in Laredo?

Wait times vary and change frequently. The LHA is the only source for current information. Call or visit their office to ask whether the list is open and what the estimated wait is. Some lists may be closed entirely, meaning no new applications are being taken.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher to rent anywhere in Laredo?

You can rent from any private landlord willing to accept the voucher, as long as the unit meets HUD housing quality standards and the rent does not exceed the voucher amount for that bedroom size. The landlord must sign a lease with the LHA. Some landlords refuse vouchers, so you may need to contact multiple properties.

What happens if my income increases while I am in public housing?

Your rent will increase at your next annual review. The LHA recalculates rent based on current income, so you will pay a higher percentage of your earnings. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in the program, though the LHA usually gives notice before terminating your lease.

Do I have to move out if the LHA says my unit needs repairs?

Not necessarily. The LHA must provide temporary housing or cover relocation costs if repairs will take more than a few days. Ask the LHA in writing what your options are and what information they will provide. Do not agree to move without understanding your rights and what the LHA will pay for.

Can the LHA evict me without going to court?

No. The LHA must give you written notice of the reason for eviction, you have the right to a hearing before the LHA, and if eviction proceeds, the LHA must file in court. You can defend yourself in court and present evidence. Seek legal help if you receive an eviction notice — many legal aid organizations in Laredo offer free help to low-income tenants.

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.