What the San Antonio Housing Authority does

The San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Bexar County. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps pay for — instead, it distributes federal money to landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. SAHA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns directly) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), which lets you rent from a private landlord while SAHA pays part of your rent.

SAHA is separate from the city of San Antonio, though it works with city agencies on housing policy. It answers to a board of commissioners and is funded primarily through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Bexar County and need rental help, SAHA is usually the first place to contact, though wait lists are long for both programs.

Key Takeaways

  • SAHA runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers; both have long wait lists that sometimes close to new names.
  • Public housing is owned and managed by SAHA; Housing Choice Vouchers let you pick a private landlord who agrees to take the voucher.
  • Income limits explore to both programs and vary by family size; you can contact SAHA directly to learn whether you fall within the range.
  • SAHA's main office is at 1722 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78202, and you can reach them by phone at (210) 477-6000.
  • Wait list status and program openings change; calling or visiting the website is the only way to know whether a program is currently taking names.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

SAHA owns and operates public housing — apartment complexes where SAHA is your landlord. You pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income), and SAHA covers the rest from federal funds. Public housing is managed by SAHA staff, so maintenance requests and lease enforcement go through SAHA directly. The trade-off is that SAHA sets the rules, inspects units regularly, and can evict you for lease violations.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. SAHA gives you a voucher worth a set amount each month, and you find your own apartment from a private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the market rent (usually 30 percent of your income). You have more choice in where you live, but you also have to find a landlord willing to rent to voucher holders — not all do. SAHA inspects the unit once to make sure it meets housing standards, then annually after that.

Wait lists for both programs are typically years long. Public housing wait lists are often closed; Housing Choice Vouchers may be open but with a wait of two to five years depending on the time you explore. SAHA's website shows current wait list status, or you can call the main office.

Income limits and who can participate

Both SAHA programs have income limits based on area median income (AMI) for Bexar County. Limits vary by family size. For example, a single person might have a limit around 50 percent of AMI, while a family of four might have a higher limit. These numbers change annually, and SAHA publishes updated limits each year.

You must also meet other requirements: U.S. citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, no criminal history that disqualifies you under HUD rules, and no history of lease violations or eviction. SAHA conducts a background check as part of the process. If you have questions about whether your income or background fits, contact SAHA directly — staff can tell you whether you meet the basic requirements without formally entering the wait list.

How to contact SAHA and find current information

SAHA's main office is located at 1722 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78202. You can call (210) 477-6000 during business hours (usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The website is www.saha.org, where you can find current wait list status, income limits, and information about both programs.

SAHA also has a client services department that can answer questions about your process status if you are already on a wait list. If you are interested in public housing or a voucher, the first step is to call or visit in person to confirm that the program you want is currently taking names. Many people spend time preparing documents only to learn the wait list is closed.

What happens after you are on the wait list

Once your name is on a SAHA wait list, you will receive a letter when it is your turn. For public housing, SAHA will contact you with available units and you can view them before deciding. For Housing Choice Vouchers, SAHA will issue you a voucher and give you a time limit (usually 60 days) to find a landlord and a unit. If you do not find housing within that time, your voucher may expire and you will have to reapply.

After you move in, SAHA conducts an initial inspection to confirm the unit meets housing quality standards. For public housing, SAHA inspects annually. For vouchers, SAHA inspects annually as well, and the landlord must maintain the unit to pass inspection. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord has time to make repairs before SAHA stops paying rent.

Other SAHA programs and services

Beyond public housing and vouchers, SAHA administers other HUD-funded programs that may help people who do not may have access to for or cannot access the main two programs. These include project-based rental information (where information is tied to a specific building rather than following you to a new place) and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. SAHA also partners with nonprofits on housing search information and financial counseling.

SAHA's website lists all active programs and their current status. If you do not may have access to for public housing or vouchers, or if the wait list is closed, ask SAHA staff about alternatives. They can point you toward other county or city programs, emergency rental information, or nonprofits that offer housing help.

What to bring when you contact SAHA

If you call or visit SAHA to ask about programs, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency in Bexar County ready. You do not need all of these just to ask questions, but if you decide to enter a wait list, SAHA will ask for them. Bring original documents or certified copies — SAHA cannot accept photocopies of some documents like birth certificates or immigration papers.

If you are already on a wait list and SAHA contacts you, bring the same documents plus your lease (if you are explore for a voucher and have found housing) or be ready to view units (if you are explore for public housing). SAHA will tell you exactly what to bring when they call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for SAHA public housing?

Wait times vary and change frequently. Public housing wait lists are often closed to new names. When they are open, wait times can range from one to five years depending on family size and the type of unit you need. Call SAHA at (210) 477-6000 or check the website to learn the current status.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Texas?

No. A SAHA voucher is valid in Bexar County and a few surrounding areas that SAHA has agreements with. You cannot take a SAHA voucher to another city or county. If you move out of the service area, your voucher ends. Some other housing authorities issue vouchers that can be used in multiple counties, but SAHA's cannot.

What if I have a criminal record?

HUD rules prohibit people with certain criminal convictions from living in public housing or using vouchers. Convictions for drug manufacturing, violent crime, or sex offenses typically disqualify you permanently. Other convictions may disqualify you for a set number of years. Contact SAHA to discuss your specific situation — staff can tell you whether your record bars you from the program.

Do I have to stay in public housing or on a voucher forever?

No. You can leave at any time by giving notice to SAHA (usually 30 days). If you move out of public housing, your lease ends. If you have a voucher and move out, you return the voucher and SAHA stops paying rent. You can also lose your voucher if your income rises above the program limit, though SAHA usually gives you time to adjust before terminating information.

What if I disagree with SAHA's decision to deny me or end my information?

SAHA must give you written notice of the reason for denial or termination and a chance to request a hearing. The hearing is conducted by an independent officer who reviews SAHA's decision. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing. Contact SAHA's client services department to request a hearing — you usually have 10 days from the notice date to ask.