Overview
Participants can choose from single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, or other rental units that meet program requirements, while landlords benefit from guaranteed rental payments and professional support from Austin Housing Authority.
Key Responsibilities
Austin Housing Authority:
- Determines eligibility and issues vouchers
- Explains program rules and provides ongoing support throughout the tenacy
- Inspects units, calculates rent, and pays portion of rent directly to landlord
- Reviews household changes annually
Landlord:
- Maintain property in compliance with NSPIRE standards
- Collect application fees, security deposits, and the tenant’s monthly rent portion
- Comply with the terms of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract and all fair housing laws
- Promptly notify the housing authority of vacancies or ownership changes
Client:
- Find housing
- Provide accurate and current household information
- Report income or household changes within 30 days
- Follow lease terms and pay your portion of rent on time
Program Eligibility
To qualify for the HCV program, clients must meet the following:
- Income: Must meet specific limits based on 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
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.
Property Eligibility
Most privately owned rental properties can participate in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, including single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, condominiums, and apartment units.
To be eligible for the program, a property must:
- Meet HUD housing quality and safety standards during inspection
- Have rent that is reasonable compared to similar units in the area
- Comply with federal, state, and local fair housing requirements
- Be owned by a landlord willing to participate in the HCV program and enter into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract with Austin Housing Authority
Before a family can move in, the unit must pass inspection and the proposed rent must be approved by Austin Housing Authority.
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.