What the Longview Housing Authority does

The Longview Housing Authority is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Longview, Texas. It does not provide cash information or rental aid directly — instead, it owns and manages apartment buildings, and it administers vouchers that pay part of your rent at a private landlord's property. If you live in Longview and need affordable housing, the Authority is usually your first stop, but you will need to understand which program fits your situation and how long the wait is.

The Authority serves Gregg County and the city of Longview. Its main office is at 707 Cotton Street, Longview, TX 75601. You can reach them by phone at (903) 757-1638 or visit in person during business hours. The office staff can tell you which program you might be able to use and what documents you will need to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • The Longview Housing Authority runs two separate programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (payments to private landlords), and you explore to each one separately.
  • Both programs have income limits based on your household size, and you must provide proof of income, identity, and residency to be considered.
  • Wait lists for both programs are typically long — sometimes several years — and the Authority maintains a single combined wait list that you can join by visiting the office or calling.
  • The Authority does not handle emergency rental aid or eviction prevention; those programs are run by the city or county and you can find them through 211 or your local community action agency.
  • Once you receive a voucher or are offered public housing, you will have a lease with the Authority (public housing) or with a private landlord (Section 8), and the Authority will conduct annual inspections.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The Longview Housing Authority owns and operates public housing apartments. These are buildings the Authority owns outright, and you sign a lease directly with the Authority. Your rent is set as a percentage of your income — typically 30 percent — and the Authority covers the rest. Public housing is usually older and located in specific neighborhoods; the Authority maintains the buildings and handles repairs.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. The Authority gives you a voucher (a document stating the amount it will pay toward rent), and you find your own apartment at a private landlord who accepts Section 8. You pay your share of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income), and the Authority pays the landlord the rest directly. You have more choice in where you live, but the landlord must pass an inspection and agree to accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate in Section 8.

Both programs have the same income limits and require the same documents to explore. The main difference is who owns the building and who you sign the lease with. Many people explore to both programs at the same time, since they are separate wait lists and your situation might fit one better than the other.

Income limits and household size

The Longview Housing Authority sets income limits based on the area median income for Gregg County. These limits change every year, usually in April. The limits are higher for larger households — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four.

As of the most recent year, the income limits for public housing and Section 8 are the same. You can call the Authority at (903) 757-1638 and ask for the current year's limits for your household size, or you can visit the office and ask to see the posted limits. The limits explore to your gross income — that is, income before taxes — and they include wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular income sources.

If your income is above the limit, you cannot be considered for either program. If your income is below the limit, you meet that part of the requirement, but you will still need to pass a background check and provide proof of income.

Documents you will need to bring

When you visit the Longview Housing Authority office to explore, bring originals or certified copies of the following:

  • A photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) for each adult household member.
  • Proof of Social Security number for each household member (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2).
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters from Social Security or disability, unemployment statements, or a letter from your employer stating your income).
  • Proof of residency in Longview or Gregg County (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your current address).
  • Birth certificates for all children in the household.
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, green card, or work permit).

If you do not have all these documents, ask the Authority staff what you can substitute. Some documents can be obtained quickly (a utility bill, a letter from your employer), and the Authority may allow you to bring them later. Do not wait to explore if you are missing one document — call first and ask what you can do.

how the process works and wait list timelines

You explore in person at the Longview Housing Authority office at 707 Cotton Street. Bring the documents listed above. The staff will fill out an process form with you, answer questions about your household, and explain the next steps. You do not need an appointment for most applications, but you can call ahead to confirm office hours.

After you explore, your name goes on the wait list for whichever program you chose (or both, if you explore to both). The Authority will contact you by phone or mail when a unit or voucher becomes available. Wait times vary widely — they can be anywhere from several months to several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers the Authority has available.

The Authority will also conduct a background check, which includes a criminal history search and a check of your rental history. If you have an eviction on your record or certain criminal convictions, you may be denied. The Authority has specific rules about what disqualifies you; ask the staff to explain their policy if you have concerns about your background.

Once the Authority contacts you and offers you a unit or voucher, you will have a limited time to accept it — usually 10 to 14 days. If you turn it down, you stay on the wait list but may move to the back. If you accept, you will sign a lease and move in within a set timeframe.

What happens after you move in

If you receive public housing, you sign a lease with the Longview Housing Authority. Your rent is recalculated every year based on your income at that time. If your income goes up, your rent goes up; if it goes down, your rent goes down. You are responsible for keeping the apartment clean and in good condition, and the Authority will inspect it annually. Damage beyond normal wear and tear is your responsibility to pay for.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you sign a lease with the private landlord, not the Authority. The Authority pays the landlord directly each month. You are responsible for your share of the rent and for following the lease terms. The Authority will inspect the apartment before you move in and then annually to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If the landlord does not make repairs that the inspection finds, the Authority can stop paying until repairs are made.

In both cases, you must report changes in your household (births, deaths, people moving in or out) to the Authority within 30 days. You must also report changes in income. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of information, which you may have to repay, or termination of your lease.

If you need emergency rental help instead

The Longview Housing Authority does not run emergency rental information or eviction prevention programs. If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, you need to contact a different agency. The city of Longview or Gregg County may have emergency rental funds, and you can find them by calling 211 (a free referral line) or by contacting your local community action agency.

Emergency programs are separate from the Housing Authority and have their own process process, income limits, and timelines. They usually pay your landlord directly and cover rent you already owe. If you are in crisis, start with 211 or ask the Housing Authority staff for a referral — they can point you to the right agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher is available, which can take months or years depending on the wait list. In the meantime, you will receive a letter confirming your process and your position on the wait list. If your contact information changes, call the Authority to update it so they can reach you.

Can I explore if I have an eviction or criminal record?

It depends on the type and how recent it is. The Authority has specific policies about criminal convictions and evictions. Call (903) 757-1638 and describe your situation to the staff — they can tell you whether you are likely to be denied before you spend time explore. Some records may disqualify you; others may not.

What if my income goes up after I move in?

Your rent will increase at your next annual recertification. The Authority will ask for proof of your new income and recalculate your rent as a percentage of that income. If your income goes up significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in the program, but this is recalculated yearly, not when ready.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Longview?

Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be used in other cities, but you must request a transfer and the receiving housing authority must have available vouchers. This is not automatic. Contact the Longview Housing Authority to ask about portability and what the process is.

What if I disagree with a decision the Authority made about my process?

The Authority has a grievance process. If you are denied or your information is terminated, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. The letter will include information about how to request a hearing. You have the right to present your side of the story to a hearing officer.