What the Plano Housing Authority does

The Plano Housing Authority is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Plano, Texas. It does not set housing policy for the city — that is the city council's role — but it runs the day-to-day operations of public housing properties and administers federal rental information money that flows to Plano residents.

The Authority owns and maintains public housing units scattered throughout the city and also manages the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which subsidizes rent for low-income households at privately owned apartments and houses. Both programs have waiting lists, and both have income limits that determine who can participate.

The Authority's main office is located at 1400 East 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074. You can reach them by phone at (972) 941-7000 during business hours. Their website, planotexas.gov/housing, lists current programs, waiting list status, and process information.

Key Takeaways

  • The Plano Housing Authority manages public housing units and the Section 8 voucher program, both of which have waiting lists and income limits.
  • Public housing is owned and operated by the Authority; Section 8 vouchers let you rent from private landlords with a subsidy covering part of your rent.
  • Waiting lists for both programs can be years long, and the Authority periodically opens and closes them depending on funding and demand.
  • You must meet income requirements and pass a background check to participate in either program.
  • The Authority's office at 1400 East 15th Street can answer questions about current availability and the process process.

Public housing managed by the Plano Housing Authority

Public housing means apartments and townhomes owned and operated by the Authority itself. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it scales with what you earn. The Authority maintains the buildings, handles repairs, and manages the lease.

To live in public housing, your household income must fall below a certain threshold — this limit changes yearly and depends on family size. A single person's income limit is lower than a family of four's. You also need to pass a criminal background check and a credit review, though the Authority considers circumstances rather than automatically rejecting applicants with past issues.

The waiting list for public housing in Plano is typically closed or has a long queue. Call the Authority or check their website to learn whether they are currently taking new applications. If the list is open, the process is free and you can submit it in person at their office or sometimes online.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays a portion of your rent at a privately owned apartment or house. You find the rental unit yourself — the landlord does not have to participate, but many do because the voucher guarantees a portion of the rent payment. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, capped at 30 percent of your income.

The Plano Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers for Plano residents. The waiting list is typically very long — sometimes several years — because demand far exceeds available vouchers. The Authority opens the list periodically when funding allows, and you must explore during an open period to get on the list.

Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing. You also need to pass a background check. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a rental unit that meets program standards and whose landlord will accept the voucher.

Income limits and who can participate

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits based on the area median income for the Dallas-Fort Worth region. These limits are set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and vary by household size.

For example, a single person's income limit is roughly 50 percent of the area median income, while a family of four's limit is higher. The exact dollar amounts change each year. The Plano Housing Authority publishes current income limits on their website or can provide them over the phone.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular sources. The Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify your income during the process process.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists because there are far more people who need affordable housing than there are units or vouchers available. The Plano Housing Authority maintains separate lists for each program.

Waiting times vary dramatically. Public housing might have a wait of one to three years depending on unit availability and turnover. Section 8 waiting lists can be much longer — sometimes five years or more — because vouchers are limited by federal funding. The Authority's website shows the current status of each list and whether they are accepting new applications.

If a list is closed, you cannot add your name until it reopens. The Authority will announce when applications reopen through their website, local media, and community partners. You can call their office to ask when they expect to reopen a list, though they cannot always predict the timing.

Background checks and lease requirements

The Plano Housing Authority runs a criminal background check and reviews your rental history as part of the process process. They are looking for patterns of serious criminal activity, violence, or drug-related offenses. A single conviction or eviction does not automatically disqualify you — the Authority considers the circumstances, how long ago it happened, and what you have done since.

For Section 8, the Authority also verifies that you have a valid lease with a landlord who accepts the program. The landlord's property must pass a housing quality inspection to may support it meets safety and livability standards. For public housing, you sign a lease directly with the Authority once you are approved.

If you are denied because of background information, the Authority must provide you with a written explanation and a chance to dispute inaccurate information. You can request a hearing to challenge the decision.

How to contact the Plano Housing Authority

The main office is at 1400 East 15th Street, Plano, TX 75074. Phone: (972) 941-7000. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though you should confirm current hours on their website or by calling ahead.

You can visit in person to pick up applications, ask questions about waiting list status, or submit documents. Many housing authorities also accept applications by mail or online, so ask whether Plano offers those options when you call.

The Authority's website at planotexas.gov/housing has links to current applications, income limits, waiting list information, and frequently asked questions. If you need help understanding the process or have questions about your process, the staff at the office can walk you through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

No. You can be on one waiting list or the other, but not both simultaneously. If you are approved for one program, you must decline the other. You can reapply for a different program after you leave one, but you cannot hold a spot on multiple lists.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in public housing or using a Section 8 voucher?

In public housing, your rent will increase because it is calculated as 30 percent of your income. You will not be evicted, but you will pay more each month. With Section 8, your voucher amount stays the same, but you will pay a larger share of the rent yourself. Eventually, if your income rises significantly above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program.

How do I know if the waiting list is open?

Check the Plano Housing Authority website at planotexas.gov/housing or call (972) 941-7000. They update waiting list status regularly and will tell you whether applications are being taken for public housing, Section 8, or both. You can also ask to be notified when a list reopens.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The Authority will review the circumstances — whether it was recent, why it happened, and what your rental history looks like overall. If you can explain the situation and show that your circumstances have improved, you may still be approved. Ask about the specific factors they consider when you call.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Texas?

No. A Plano Housing Authority voucher is generally limited to rentals within Plano or the surrounding area, depending on the Authority's jurisdiction. If you want to move to a different city, you would need to contact that city's housing authority. Some vouchers can be transferred through a process called "portability," but this requires approval and coordination between housing authorities.