Can you help me resolve a dispute with my landlord?
We have no authority over private property owners, including owners of rental properties. The only exception is that we inspect properties occupied by participants in our Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program before move-in and annually thereafter. Those properties must meet Housing Quality Standards established by the federal government, which provides funding and regulatory oversight of that program. Landlords must comply with the terms of a Housing Assistance Payments Contract, which includes a requirement for reasonable rents, prohibition of discrimination, authorized tenants, maintenance requirements, etc. We may work to mediate a dispute that might arise between a tenant and a landlord in these circumstances. Otherwise, continued payments to the landlord are dependent upon both parties’ continued compliance with program requirements.
How can I apply for housing assistance?
You can pick up an application for Public Housing at the Allen Wood Homes office or download it from the Public Housing page on this site. You can pick up an application for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program at the Chapultepec Homes office or download it from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program for New Residents page on this site. You can get an application for Springtown Villa by going to that site or calling 512-396-3363. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is not accepting applications at this time.
How long is the waiting list?
Anywhere from 6 months to 3 or more years, depending upon the housing program and the bedroom size for which you qualify.
What documentation is needed to apply?
Social Security cards, City/State Issued birth certificates (not hospital birth certificates), state issued identification, proof of income.
Is rent calculated by income?
Yes, the Total Tenant Payment (rent + utilities) is calculated 30% of the family’s adjusted gross monthly income. We allow deductions from income for dependents, child care expenses, and medical expenses for elderly and disabled residents.
Is Section 8 taking applications?
No. We do not expect to open the waitlist for Section 8 until 2021 or later.
Do you verify rental history?
Yes. We request landlord verification from current and past landlords.
Do you check criminal backgrounds?
Yes we run criminal background checks for every adult member of the household. A criminal history does not necessarily make an applicant ineligible for housing.
Do you have to have children to live in public housing?
No. The bedroom size of the unit is determined by the number of household members.
Do you have to be working?
No. However, you must have some form of income to be able to pay for your monthly utility bills.
What types of programs are offered to families living in housing?
We offer a wide variety of services to our residents. Please see the Resident Services tab for more information.
Are there income limits?
Yes, there are income limitations for housing. Please see the chart below. Call 512-353-5059 if you have any questions.
FY 2021 Income Limits for Hays County
(80% of Median Income)
Median Income | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
$97,600 | $55,400 | $63,300 | $71,200 | $79,100 | $85,450 | $91,800 | $98,100 | $104,450 |
NOTE: Hays County is part of the Austin-Round Rock, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), so all information presented here applies to all of the Austin-Round Rock, TX MSA, which contains the following areas: Bastrop County, TX ; Caldwell County, TX ; Hays County, TX ; Travis County, TX ; and Williamson County, TX .
