Tax credit apartments in Texas: what to check before you apply

What LIHTC is and isn’t

TDHCA says the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program is a way to finance affordable housing, with income and rent limits attached. It’s not the same as getting a personal voucher. Ask the manager if the unit you’re offered has rental assistance on top of the capped rent.

Going from a listing to an application

1. Pick an address from the property finder or an official local search tool.
2. Check who manages it now, the unit size and whether they’re taking applications.
3. Ask which income level the unit is set aside for and which income table the property uses.
4. Ask for the screening rules, rent, utilities and fees in writing. If we’re helping with your search, we check the screening rules too, and the property still makes the final call.
5. Only send documents through an application process you’ve confirmed with the property.

Ask the questions that can change the answer

Being under the income limit doesn’t settle screening, household makeup, student rules or whether a unit that fits you even exists. Ask about those before you pay anything. If your income goes up and down, ask the property how they count it. Don’t average it yourself and assume they’ll get the same number.

Eligibility and screening checklist · Student households · Gig and self-employed income

Add up the full cost

The most a program lets a unit charge isn’t the same as what you can afford. TDHCA’s income and rent limit pages explain the program. Ask management how they figured the rent for your actual unit. Then add utilities, required fees and the cash you need to move in. Read up on utility allowances before you assume the base rent they quote is all you’ll pay.

Pick your city

Austin · San Antonio · Houston · Dallas · Fort Worth

Each city guide covers its own agencies and ways to apply. Use our property finder for research, then check availability and current restrictions with the property.