What the McAllen Housing Authority does
The McAllen Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in McAllen, Texas. It owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers voucher programs that help people pay rent in privately owned units. The Authority is separate from the City of McAllen itself — it is a special-purpose district with its own board and budget.
The Authority's main job is to make housing more affordable for people whose income falls below certain limits. It does this by either providing housing directly (public housing) or by giving landlords vouchers that cover part of the rent, with the tenant paying the rest. Both routes require you to meet income limits and other requirements before you can be considered.
The McAllen Housing Authority serves Hidalgo County residents, though the exact service area and programs available can change. If you live in McAllen or nearby, the Authority is usually your first stop for information about public housing or voucher programs in your area.
Key Takeaways
- The McAllen Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and voucher programs that help low-income renters afford housing in the McAllen area.
- You must meet income limits based on family size, and income limits vary by program and change annually.
- Public housing has a waitlist that can be months or years long, depending on how many units are available and how many people are waiting.
- Voucher programs also have waitlists, and some are closed to new applicants when the waiting list is full.
- You can contact the Authority directly by phone or in person to learn which programs are currently open and what documents you will need.
Income limits and who can explore
The McAllen Housing Authority sets income limits based on family size and the area's median income. These limits change each year, usually in the spring. A family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $60,000 per year, but the exact number depends on the current year and the specific program.
To find out the current income limits, you need to contact the Authority directly — the limits are not posted on a single public page that updates automatically. Call their main office or visit in person with your most recent tax return or pay stubs so they can tell you whether your household income falls within the range for the program you are interested in.
Beyond income, you will need to show proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a valid reason for needing housing information. The Authority will also run a background check and may deny you if you have certain criminal convictions or a history of lease violations.
Public housing through the McAllen Housing Authority
Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent directly from them. The Authority operates several apartment complexes in McAllen. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so the lower your income, the lower your rent. The Authority covers utilities, maintenance, and building operations.
To get into public housing, you must first be placed on the waitlist. The waitlist is not first-come, first-served — the Authority prioritizes based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of your income toward rent. Even with priority, waits can stretch from several months to several years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available.
Once you are on the waitlist and a unit becomes available, the Authority will contact you. You will need to pass an inspection of your housekeeping habits and provide references. If you are approved, you sign a lease and move in. The lease is renewable annually as long as you follow the rules and your income stays within limits.
Voucher programs and how they work
A voucher (also called a Housing Choice Voucher) is a subsidy the Authority pays directly to a private landlord on your behalf. You find an apartment in the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest out of pocket — usually 30 percent of your income.
Vouchers give you more choice than public housing because you can rent from any landlord who will accept the voucher, rather than being limited to Authority-owned buildings. However, the voucher amount is set based on the local market rent for your area and bedroom size, so you may need to pay more out of pocket if you choose a unit above that amount.
Like public housing, voucher programs have waitlists. Some are open to new applicants and some are closed. The Authority opens and closes the waitlist based on funding and how many vouchers are in use. If the waitlist is closed when you call, ask when it is expected to reopen — this information is usually available.
How to contact the McAllen Housing Authority
The McAllen Housing Authority's main office is located in McAllen. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current programs, income limits, and whether waitlists are open. Having your Social Security number, household income information, and family size ready will speed up the conversation.
You can also visit the office in person to pick up applications and ask questions face-to-face. Bring proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax return), proof of identity, and Social Security cards for all household members. Staff can tell you on the spot whether you meet the income limit and what the current waitlist status is.
If you are unsure whether the McAllen Housing Authority serves your address, call first. Some areas near McAllen may be served by a different housing authority or may not have a local authority at all.
Waitlist status and what to expect
Once you are on a waitlist, the Authority will keep your process on file. You are responsible for keeping your contact information current — if you move or change your phone number, notify the Authority so they can reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available.
Waitlist times vary widely. Public housing waitlists in larger cities can be years long, while smaller programs or less-populated areas may move faster. Voucher waitlists also vary. The Authority can tell you approximately how long the current wait is, though they cannot predict exactly when your turn will come.
If you are on the waitlist and your circumstances change — your income goes up, you move out of the service area, or you no longer need information — let the Authority know. Staying on a waitlist you no longer need ties up resources for someone else.
What happens after you are approved
If you are approved for public housing, you will sign a lease with the Authority. The lease spells out your rights and responsibilities, including rules about guests, pets, maintenance, and how rent is calculated. Breaking the lease can result in eviction, so read it carefully before signing.
If you are approved for a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. The landlord's unit must pass a housing quality inspection by the Authority before you can move in. Once you move in, you pay your portion of rent to the landlord each month, and the Authority pays theirs directly to the landlord.
In both cases, your rent will be recalculated annually based on your current income. If your income goes up significantly, your rent may increase. If your income drops, your rent will decrease. You must report income changes to the Authority — failing to do so can result in overpayment and a bill for back rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get into public housing or get a voucher?
There is no set timeline. Waitlists can range from a few months to several years depending on how many people are waiting and how many units or vouchers are available. The Authority can give you an estimate based on current demand when you call.
What if my income goes above the limit after I move in?
If your income exceeds the limit by a certain amount (usually 20 percent), you may be required to leave the program. However, most programs allow a grace period. Contact the Authority to discuss your options if your income increases.
Can I use a voucher to rent anywhere in Texas?
No. Vouchers are typically limited to the McAllen area and surrounding jurisdictions served by the McAllen Housing Authority. If you move outside that area, you would need to transfer to a different housing authority, and that authority must have available vouchers.
What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?
The Authority will consider your background but does not automatically deny you. Certain serious crimes may disqualify you, and recent evictions can hurt your chances. Call and ask — each situation is reviewed individually.
Do I have to stay in the same unit forever?
No. Public housing leases are renewed annually, and you can request a transfer to a different Authority unit if one becomes available. With a voucher, you can move to a different rental unit as long as the new landlord accepts the voucher and the unit passes inspection.