What McKinney Housing Authority does

McKinney Housing Authority is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in McKinney, Texas. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps fund — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages public housing properties where it does own the buildings. The Authority answers to a local board and operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The two main programs are public housing (where the Authority owns the property) and Housing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8 vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent). Both programs require you to be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access immigrant, have income below a set limit, and pass a background check. The income limits and rent amounts change each year.

Key Takeaways

  • McKinney Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, both of which require income verification and a background check.
  • Public housing is owned by the Authority; Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays a portion of your rent.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and the wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available.
  • You can contact McKinney Housing Authority directly by phone, mail, or in person to learn current income limits, waiting list status, and program rules.
  • If you believe the Authority has treated you unfairly, you have the right to request a hearing before an independent officer.

How to contact McKinney Housing Authority

McKinney Housing Authority is located at 1600 Chestnut Street, McKinney, Texas 75069. You can reach them by phone at (972) 562-5500 during business hours. They also accept mail and walk-in visits during office hours.

When you contact them, have your Social Security number and income information ready. Ask specifically about current income limits for the year, how long the waiting list is, and whether they are currently accepting new applications. Waiting lists can close when they become very long, so it is worth calling to confirm the list is open before you make the trip in person.

Public housing managed by McKinney Housing Authority

Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent directly from them. McKinney Housing Authority owns and operates several public housing communities in the city. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your monthly gross income, though the Authority sets the exact formula.

To be considered for public housing, you must have income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (the exact dollar amount changes yearly). You will need to provide proof of income, pass a criminal background check, and provide references. The Authority will also verify your immigration status and check your rental history.

Once you are approved and placed on the waiting list, you wait for a unit to become available. The wait time varies widely depending on the size of the unit you need and how many people are ahead of you. Some people wait months; others wait years. The Authority prioritizes based on its own rules, which may include homelessness, disability, or being displaced by disaster.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) through McKinney Housing Authority

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord instead of living in public housing. The Authority pays the landlord a portion of your rent, and you pay the rest. This gives you more choice in where you live, as long as the landlord agrees to accept the voucher and the unit meets housing quality standards.

Income limits for Housing Choice Vouchers are the same as for public housing — at or below 80 percent of area median income. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of income. The Authority will inspect any unit you find to make sure it meets safety and quality standards before they will pay the landlord.

The voucher amount is set by the Authority based on the size of your household and the rental market in McKinney. If you find a unit that rents for more than the voucher amount, you can pay the difference out of pocket — but you are not required to. If the unit rents for less, you pay less. The Authority pays the landlord directly each month.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers have waiting lists. The length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available each year. McKinney Housing Authority does not publish exact wait times on a public website, so you need to call or visit to find out where you stand.

When you explore, the Authority will give you an process number and tell you your position on the list. Some people are prioritized — for example, people who are homeless, people with disabilities, or people displaced by disaster may move up the list. Ask the Authority whether any priority categories explore to you.

While you wait, your circumstances may change. If your income increases above the limit, you may no longer be may be able to access. If your income decreases, you should report it. The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher is available, so keep your phone number and address current with them.

Background checks and what disqualifies you

McKinney Housing Authority will run a criminal background check on you and anyone else in your household who is 18 or older. Certain convictions can disqualify you permanently, while others may disqualify you for a set number of years. The Authority follows federal rules about which crimes are automatic disqualifiers.

Permanent disqualifiers include convictions for manufacturing methamphetamine on the property or any conviction for a violent felony within the past three years. Other drug convictions may disqualify you for a set period. The Authority also checks your rental history — if you owe money to a previous landlord or were evicted for non-payment, that can affect your chances.

If you are denied because of your background, the Authority must tell you why and give you a chance to dispute the information. You can request a hearing to challenge the decision. This is your right under federal housing law, and you should exercise it if you believe the information is wrong.

Your rights and how to file a complaint

As a tenant in public housing or a voucher holder, you have rights under federal law. You have the right to be treated fairly, to know why you were denied or removed from a program, and to request a hearing to challenge a decision. You also have the right to reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.

If you believe McKinney Housing Authority has violated your rights or treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint. First, try to resolve it by talking to the Authority directly — call or visit and ask to speak with a supervisor. If that does not work, you can request a formal hearing. The Authority must give you written notice of the hearing date and allow you to bring evidence and witnesses.

You can also file a complaint with HUD, the federal agency that oversees housing authorities. HUD has an Office of Inspector General and a Fair Housing office. You can reach HUD's regional office for Texas by phone or through their website. A complaint to HUD does not replace a hearing with the Authority, but it can prompt an investigation if you believe federal law was broken.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I make too much money to be considered?

Income limits change each year and depend on your household size. For 2024, the limit is usually around $50,000 to $65,000 for a family of four in the McKinney area, but call McKinney Housing Authority at (972) 562-5500 to get the exact current limit. They will tell you whether your income qualifies.

Can I be denied because of an old criminal conviction?

It depends on the type of conviction and how long ago it happened. Some convictions disqualify you permanently; others only for a set number of years. If you are denied, the Authority must tell you why and give you a chance to request a hearing to dispute it. You can also ask HUD to review the decision if you believe it violates federal rules.

What happens if my income goes up after I am approved?

If you are in public housing, your rent will increase because it is based on your income. If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, your rent share will also increase. You must report income changes to the Authority. If your income exceeds the limit for too long, you may lose your voucher or housing, though the Authority usually gives you time to adjust.

Can I transfer my voucher if I move out of McKinney?

Housing Choice Vouchers are tied to the housing authority that issued them. If you move to a different city, you would need to contact that city's housing authority to see if they will accept a transfer. McKinney Housing Authority can tell you the process and which authorities accept transfers.

How long does it take to get approved once I explore?

The approval process typically takes four to eight weeks, but it depends on how busy the Authority is and how quickly you provide the documents they request. Once you are approved, you go on the waiting list, and the wait for an actual unit or voucher can be much longer — anywhere from a few months to several years.