How to Check Your Housing Waiting List Status in Texas

Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Texas published June 21, 2025 Flag of Texas

If you’ve applied for affordable housing or rental assistance in Texas, understanding how to check your place on a housing waiting list can be crucial. With limited affordable housing, wait times can be long, so knowing your status helps you plan for your rental needs. This guide breaks down the essentials for Texas renters, including the main processes, official resources, and where to turn for help.

Understanding Housing Waiting Lists in Texas

Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and other Texas housing agencies often use waiting lists for popular programs like Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing. Not all waiting lists are open all the time, and it’s important to know how to check your placement and keep your information up to date.

Which Programs Use Waiting Lists?

  • Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
  • Public Housing
  • Project-Based Rental Assistance

Each PHA manages its own list—even within the same region—so you may need to apply and check status with more than one agency.

How to Check Your Place on the Waiting List

Once you’ve applied for a housing program, Texas housing agencies generally provide several ways to track your application status:

  • Online portals (most major PHAs have these)
  • Phone hotlines
  • Mail or email updates
  • Direct visits to the agency office

For the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and larger city PHAs (like Houston or Dallas), you can often log in with your application ID to see your current wait list status. Find the official portal and contacts for Texas Public Housing Authorities here.

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Updating Your Information or Status

If your address, income, or family size changes while you’re waiting, you must update your application so you don’t lose your place or eligibility. Most agencies require you to submit updates using a specific form or in writing.

Key Official Forms for Texas Housing Waiting Lists

  • Pre-Application for Public Housing and/or Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
    - Use: To initially add your name to a PHA’s waiting list. Complete online or print versions are usually available through the official PHA contact list.
    - Example: If you’re moving to Dallas and want to get on the Section 8 waiting list, fill out the "Pre-Application" for Dallas Housing Authority during their open enrollment period.
  • Change of Information Form
    - Use: For updating your contact details, household size, or income after you’ve already applied.
    - Example: You got a new phone number while on Austin’s waiting list; use their "Change of Information" form so you receive critical agency notices.
    - Find Austin's Change of Information instructions here.

Action Steps for Renters

  • Apply to multiple PHAs if possible to improve your chances.
  • Keep records of confirmation numbers or receipts when you apply.
  • Mark down the agency’s official contact info, and save login credentials for any portal accounts.
  • Update personal information promptly to avoid removal from lists.
  • Check your email (and spam folder) frequently for agency updates or requests for response.
If you don’t hear from the agency within six months, follow up directly using your application number. Many PHAs remove inactive applicants if you miss a response window.

Your Rights: Texas Tenant Protections & Appeals

Texas housing agencies must follow federal—and in some cases, additional state—rules when managing waiting lists. Your key rights include:

  • Fair and equal treatment regardless of race, disability, or family status
  • The right to request a review or informal hearing if you are denied assistance
  • Access to clear information about your status and next steps

Appeals usually go through the individual housing agency. The main state tribunal for housing complaints is the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), which oversees many affordable housing programs and enforces related laws in Texas.

Relevant laws include the Texas Property Code, Title 8: Landlord and Tenant—specifically statutes relating to residential tenancies and landlord-tenant protections1.

FAQ: Waiting List Status and Texas Housing

  1. How do I check my status on a Texas housing authority waiting list?
    You can check through the agency’s online portal (if available), by phone, by email, or in person. Most PHAs provide instructions and requirement details on their websites. Have your application number or ID handy.
  2. What happens if I don’t update my contact information?
    If the housing authority cannot reach you, they may remove you from the waiting list. Always use the Change of Information Form to keep your info current.
  3. How long are wait times for affordable housing in Texas?
    Wait times vary widely—from months to several years—depending on the program, city, and current demand for assistance. It’s wise to apply to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
  4. Can I appeal if I am removed from a waiting list?
    Yes, you can request a review or informal hearing if you believe you were removed by mistake. Each agency will provide its own appeal or hearing form and instructions.
  5. Which agency handles tenant complaints in Texas?
    The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) oversees state housing programs and landlord-tenant issues. Housing discrimination complaints may also be reported to the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division.

Key Takeaways for Texas Renters

  • Always keep your waiting list application info up to date; use official Change of Information forms as soon as changes occur.
  • Check your waiting list status regularly to avoid missing important notifications.
  • If you have questions or concerns, contact your housing authority or reach out to the TDHCA for guidance and appeals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Texas Property Code, Title 8: Landlord and Tenant

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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