What Texas City Housing Authority does

Texas City Housing Authority (TCHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Texas City. It owns and operates apartment complexes for low-income residents, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), and handles applications for people seeking affordable rental options in the area. TCHA answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The agency serves residents of Texas City and some surrounding areas. If you live in the city limits or in an may be able to access area nearby, you may be able to use TCHA's programs. The authority maintains waiting lists for both public housing units and vouchers, and those lists can be long — sometimes years — depending on demand and available funding.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas City Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and the Housing Choice Voucher program, both funded by HUD.
  • You must live in Texas City or an may be able to access nearby area to explore, and you will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a valid ID.
  • Waiting lists for both programs exist and move slowly; you can call TCHA directly to learn current wait times before you explore.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher program lets you rent from a private landlord using a voucher that covers part of your rent, and TCHA pays the landlord directly.
  • Public housing units are owned and managed by TCHA itself, and rent is based on 30 percent of your household income.

How to contact Texas City Housing Authority

Texas City Housing Authority's main office is located at 1502 9th Avenue North, Texas City, TX 77590. You can reach them by phone at (409) 945-1748 during business hours. The office staff can answer questions about current waiting lists, program requirements, and how to start the process.

Before you visit or call, have your household income information, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of residency ready. Calling first is often faster than visiting in person, because staff can tell you when ready whether a waiting list is open and what documents you will need to bring.

Public housing through TCHA

Public housing means apartments owned and operated directly by Texas City Housing Authority. TCHA maintains several complexes throughout the city. Rent in public housing is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, so your payment changes if your income changes. TCHA covers utilities, maintenance, and building operations.

To live in TCHA public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD each year. These limits vary based on household size and change annually. You will also need to pass a background check and provide references. TCHA has the right to deny housing based on criminal history, drug-related offenses, or other lease violations at previous addresses.

The waiting list for public housing can be substantial. Once you are on the list, TCHA will contact you when a unit becomes available that matches your household size. You will then have a set number of days to accept or decline the offer.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program is different from public housing. Instead of living in a TCHA-owned building, you find your own apartment from a private landlord who agrees to accept vouchers. TCHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent, and you pay the rest — typically 30 percent of your income. This gives you more choice in where you live within Texas City and surrounding areas.

Not all landlords accept vouchers, so you will need to search for participating properties or contact landlords directly to ask if they will. TCHA can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program in the past. Once you find a unit and a landlord agrees, TCHA inspects the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards before the voucher is issued.

The voucher waiting list is also typically long. TCHA prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of income toward rent. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time frame to locate a unit and move in.

Income limits and rent calculations

HUD sets income limits each year based on area median income. For Texas City, these limits vary by household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. If your household income exceeds the limit, you will not be able to use TCHA programs. You can call TCHA to learn the current year's limits for your household size.

Rent in both public housing and voucher programs is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. You must report income changes to TCHA within a set time frame, usually 30 days. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment or underpayment of rent and may affect your lease.

What documents you will need

TCHA requires several documents before you can be placed on a waiting list or approved for housing. You will need a valid photo ID for the head of household, proof of Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, or tax returns). If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years.

You will also need proof of residency in Texas City or the may be able to access area, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. If you have a criminal history, TCHA will ask for details. Bring any documentation related to past evictions, lease violations, or criminal convictions, because TCHA will conduct a background check and may deny housing based on this information.

Bring original documents or certified copies. TCHA staff can tell you which documents are acceptable when you call or visit.

How long the process takes

The timeline depends on whether you are explore for public housing or a voucher, and how long the waiting list is at the time you explore. Once you submit your process and documents, TCHA typically reviews them within two to four weeks. If everything is in order, you will be added to the appropriate waiting list.

After that, the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units or vouchers become available. For public housing, this can be months or years. For vouchers, the wait is often similar. TCHA can give you an estimate of the current wait time when you call. Some applicants are prioritized — for example, people experiencing homelessness or living in dangerous conditions may move up the list faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have a criminal record?

You can explore, but TCHA will conduct a background check. The agency may deny housing based on the type and timing of the offense. Drug-related convictions, violent crimes, and recent felonies are more likely to result in denial. Contact TCHA directly to discuss your specific situation before you explore.

What happens if my income increases while I am in TCHA housing?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. You must report income changes to TCHA within 30 days. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program, though TCHA usually gives you time to find other housing.

Can I use a voucher outside of Texas City?

Vouchers can sometimes be used in nearby areas outside Texas City, but this depends on TCHA's portability agreements with other housing authorities. Call TCHA to ask whether your voucher can be used in a specific location outside the city.

How do I know if a landlord will accept a voucher?

TCHA maintains a list of landlords who have participated in the program. You can also contact landlords directly and ask. Some landlords are hesitant because the process involves inspection and paperwork, but many accept vouchers regularly. TCHA can help you understand what to expect when you approach a landlord.

What if I am denied housing by TCHA?

TCHA must provide you with a written reason for denial. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact TCHA's office to learn how to file a hearing request and what the process involves.