Student households and LIHTC: what to ask before you apply

Tell the property early who in the household is a student

TDHCA’s April 2026 student training describes an extra test for households made up entirely of full-time students. So school attendance matters on its own, apart from income. Ask what counts as full time for the program, and which household members and time periods the office will look at.

Exceptions need facts to back them up

The training lists exceptions involving qualifying married students, single parents and children, certain former foster children, TANF, and taking part in qualifying job training. Each one is a legal category with conditions. None of them is an automatic approval. Ask compliance staff which exception fits your household and what documents they need.

A second program can mean a second review

A property may combine LIHTC with another funding source. Ask whether other student or financial assistance rules apply to the unit. Having a parent willing to guarantee the rent won’t settle every program’s test by itself, and neither will a financial aid award.

Get a clear next step before you pay

• List everyone who’ll live there and their school status, accurately.
• Ask for the program’s student questionnaire and the list of documents that go with it.
• Mention any planned enrollment or household change.
• Ask how and when to report a change in school status later.