How does the Houston Housing Choice Voucher program work?
Below are common questions about the Houston Housing Authority voucher program.
Affordable housing is a big issue for people living in Houston. The KPRC 2 Investigates team has spent more than a year looking into spending and contracts at the Houston Housing Authority.
The latest: Investigator Amy Davis uncovered millions diverted by the Houston Housing Authority, with not a single cent benefiting the people it exists to serve.
Below are common questions about the Houston Housing Authority voucher program.
What is a housing voucher?
The Houston Housing Authority website explains the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) provides tenant-based assistance, in the form of a voucher, to low-income families, for rental units of their choice in the private market. Program applicants choose from a variety of housing options, including apartments, duplexes, single-family homes and townhomes.
How does the voucher program work?
Participants who receive a housing voucher are responsible for finding a suitable rental unit of their choice, provided the property owner agrees to participate in the program. All rental units must meet the minimum health and safety standards set by the Houston Housing Authority.
The Housing Authority pays a housing subsidy directly to the property owner on behalf of the participant. The participant is responsible for paying the difference between the actual rent and the subsidized amount. Typically, the participant’s share of the rent is around 30% of their monthly income.
How do you get on the housing voucher list?
Income eligibility limits for the voucher program are set by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as percentages of the local area median income.
The HHA’s website spells out the requirements.
Earlier this year, HHA had people re-register for the program waitlist.
The HHA lottery system notifies people via email when they are selected for the voucher program.
Have more questions?
You can contact the Housing Choice Voucher Call Center at 713-260-0600 or check the FAQ section here.
