What the Texarkana Housing Authority Does

The Texarkana Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in the Texarkana area, which spans the Texas-Arkansas border. It does not build or own all the housing it manages — instead, it contracts with private landlords and manages federal funds to help low-income households pay rent. The agency is separate from your city or county government, though it receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

THA operates two main programs: public housing (where the authority owns or controls the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (where you rent from a private landlord and the voucher covers part of your rent). Both programs require you to meet income limits and other conditions set by federal law. The authority also manages waiting lists, conducts inspections, and handles lease enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texarkana Housing Authority runs public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers for households below certain income limits, which vary by family size.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be closed or open depending on demand; you must contact THA directly to learn the current status.
  • Public housing is owned or controlled by THA; vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while THA pays a portion of your rent to the owner.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and background information when you request to be added to a waiting list.
  • THA's office is located in Texarkana, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current openings and next steps.

Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers

Public housing means you rent an apartment or house that THA owns or leases from a private owner on your behalf. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and THA covers the rest. The authority is responsible for maintenance, utilities (in most cases), and property management. Public housing units are scattered throughout the Texarkana area.

A Housing Choice Voucher works differently. You find your own rental unit from a private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher. THA pays the landlord directly for a portion of the rent, and you pay the difference out of pocket. This gives you more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to participate and the unit must pass a THA inspection. If your rent is higher than what the voucher covers, you pay the gap yourself.

Both programs require you to recertify your income and household composition annually. Failure to recertify can result in loss of housing or voucher information.

Income Limits and Who Can Be Considered

THA sets income limits based on family size and federal guidelines. These limits change yearly. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. To learn the current income limits for your household size, you must contact THA directly — the limits are not posted on a single public website and vary based on HUD's annual adjustments.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. THA will ask for proof, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you have an eviction judgment on your record or a criminal history, THA may deny your request, though policies vary and some cases are reviewed individually. You should ask THA about their specific screening criteria when you inquire about the waiting list.

Households with children, elderly members, or people with disabilities are not given priority over others in most cases, though THA may have local preferences for people who work in Texarkana or have lived there for a certain period.

How to Request Housing or a Voucher

Contact the Texarkana Housing Authority directly by phone or visit their office in person. Ask whether the waiting list for public housing or vouchers is currently open. Many housing authorities close their lists when demand is high, and you cannot be added until they reopen. THA staff can tell you the current status and what documents you need to bring.

When you visit or call, you will need to provide basic household information: names and ages of all household members, current income sources, and proof of residency in the Texarkana area. Bring documents such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, a lease or utility bill showing your address, and identification. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of job search efforts or proof of benefits you receive.

Once you submit your request, THA will place you on the waiting list if you meet the basic requirements. The wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. THA will contact you when a unit or voucher is available, so keep your phone number and address current with the authority.

What Happens After You Are Offered Housing

When THA offers you a unit or voucher, you will have a limited time to accept or decline. If you accept public housing, THA will conduct a move-in inspection and you will sign a lease. You will pay your portion of rent (usually 30 percent of income) and THA will handle the rest. If you accept a voucher, you have a set period to find a rental unit, get the landlord's agreement, and have THA inspect the property before you move in.

After you move in, you must follow the lease terms and pay your rent on time. THA will conduct annual inspections to may support the unit meets housing quality standards. You must also recertify your income and household composition every 12 months. If your income changes, you must report it to THA — your rent portion may increase or decrease as a result.

If you violate the lease (such as not paying your share of rent, causing damage, or having unauthorized occupants), THA can begin eviction proceedings. You have the right to a hearing before eviction, but the process can move quickly.

Contact Information and Office Hours

The Texarkana Housing Authority is located in Texarkana, Texas. You can reach them by phone to ask about waiting list status, current programs, and required documents. Office hours and phone numbers are available through the agency's main line or website. Some housing authorities now accept requests online or by mail, though you should confirm with THA which methods they accept.

If you have questions about a specific unit, your lease, or your voucher, contact THA's main office. If you need to report a maintenance issue in public housing, call the maintenance line or submit a work order through the office. For voucher holders, contact your assigned case manager if you have questions about rent calculations or lease terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher after I am added to the waiting list?

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait six months to a year; others wait several years. THA will contact you when something becomes available, so it is important to keep your contact information current with the authority.

Can I be denied housing because of my credit score or past evictions?

THA does not use credit scores, but it may deny your request based on eviction history, criminal convictions, or other factors. Ask THA about their specific screening policy when you inquire about the waiting list. Some authorities consider the age and circumstances of past events, so you may still be considered even if you have a history.

What if my income increases after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

You must report income changes to THA. Your rent portion will likely increase if your income goes up. If your income exceeds the program's limit for too long, you may lose your housing or voucher, though THA usually gives you time to transition out.

Can I use my voucher to move to a different city?

Some vouchers can be used in other areas through a process called "portability," but this depends on THA's policies and the receiving housing authority's rules. Contact THA to ask whether your voucher can be ported and what steps you need to take.

What if I cannot afford the rent portion THA calculates for me?

You are responsible for paying your share of rent. If you cannot pay, you risk eviction. Contact THA to discuss your situation — in some cases, they may recalculate your income or offer guidance, but they cannot waive the rent requirement. You may also look into other information programs in your area.