Overview
Austin Housing Authority offers assisted housing through two main programs:
- The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program helps very low‑income households afford safe, stable housing in the private rental market. Participants use a voucher to rent from a private landlord, paying a portion of the rent while the Austin Housing Authority provides rental assistance.
- Our Pathways properties offer apartment homes with Project-based Rental Assistance (PBRA) attached to the unit. Households that meet program and project eligibility requirements pay rent based on their monthly income.
To be determined eligible for housing assistance from the Austin Housing Authority, applicants must meet the following:
- Income: Must meet specific limits based on the program and household size (see income limits table)
- Citizenship/Immigration Status: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status
- Rental History: Must have a positive history of paying rent on time and no outstanding debt to Austin Housing Authority
Income Limits
Income limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Austin area. These limits are adjusted by household size annually. Income limits are reviewed every year to keep pace with changes in the local economy, cost of living, and other factors.’
HCV Program Eligibility
To qualify for the HCV Program, your household must generally meet the following requirements:
- Your household’s total income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Austin area
- Your household must meet program screening requirements.
- You must agree to follow program rules and family obligations if assistance is awarded.
Eligibility is determined after a review of your application and supporting documentation, in accordance with HUD regulations and the Austin Housing Authority Administrative Plan.
Where Vouchers Can Be Used
With a voucher, you can choose a housing unit that is owned or operated by a landlord who will accept the voucher.
Vouchers from the Austin Housing Authority can be used in the following cities and suburbs: Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Del Valle, and Manor.
What’s Expected as a Voucher Client
If your household receives a housing voucher, you will be responsible for:
- Paying your portion of rent on time each month.
- Following the terms of your lease and Housing Choice Voucher program requirements.
- Reporting changes to your income or household composition as required.
These responsibilities help ensure that assistance remains available to your household. Failure to comply with program requirements may result in the loss of assistance.
Eligibility at Pathways Properties
To qualify for a PBRA unit at a Pathways Property, your household must generally meet the following requirements:
- Your household’s total income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Austin area. Some units are designated for lower income levels (30%, 50% or 60% of AMI).
- At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Housing assistance is pro-rated based upon the number of eligible household members. All applicants claiming eligibility must also disclose and verify their Social Security Number.
- Your household must meet Pathways’ credit, rental history, and criminal background screening requirements. Screening requirements are outlined in each Pathways property’s Tenant Selection Plan.
- You must agree to follow the requirements outlined in the HUD Model Lease and the property’s House Rules.
- Your PBRA unit must be your only residence, and you must agree to pay the rent required by the PBRA program.
How many bedrooms is my household eligible for?
The chart below lists the minimum and maximum number of household members allowed at initial move-in for each bedroom size in our Pathways portfolio. The family chooses at pre-application which bedroom size is best for their family, as long as the number of family members is within the range listed in the chart below.
Once you have selected a bedroom size you will be placed on that specific waiting list. Changes to the bedroom size can only be made if a qualifying event occurs, such as adding or removing household members.
Fair Access to Housing Assistance
The Austin Housing Authority is committed to providing equal access to housing opportunities for all eligible applicants.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities
- Language assistance is available for individuals with limited English proficiency
These services are provided in compliance with federal civil rights and fair housing requirements.
What Happens Next?
If you believe your household may qualify to receive housing assistance from the Austin Housing Authority, the next step is to:
- Check whether the Housing Choice Voucher or a Pathways Property waitlist is currently open. Check out our helpful guide on how to apply.
- Submit an application during an open enrollment period. Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance, but it is the first step in the process.
- Have access to the required documents we will need to review when you are selected from the waitlist and contacted to complete the interview process:
- Photo ID, or alternative identity verification documents, for all household members 18 years and older
- Birth certificates (or other age verification document), Citizenship status documents, and Social Security card (or other Social Security Number verification document) for all household members applying for housing assistance.
- Proof of all income, including but not limited to, wages, Social Security Benefits, pension or retirement benefits, student financial aid, self employment or business income, gig income, child support, unemployment, and recurring family contributions.
- Proof of all assets and asset income, including but not limited to: checking accounts, savings accounts, EBT or Pre-paid debit cards, Peer to Peer accounts (CashApp, Venmo, ApplePay, Paypay, etc), whole life insurance policies, cryptocurrency, and stocks/bonds.
- Verification of childcare expenses, if applicable.
- Verification of medical or disability expenses, if applicable.
- Verification of student status if a household member is a student at an institution of higher learning, or if all household members are full-time students.