Everything You Need to Know About Section 8 Housing in San Antonio
You must make more than 80% of the median household income to qualify for Section 8 housing in San Antonio.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
San Antonio families must make less than 80% of the median household income to qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers which permit the federal government to cover a portion of their rent.
Each local public housing agency has its own set of minimum requirements to qualify for Section 8 housing requirements. Pair that with seemingly endless waiting lists, overburdened systems, bureaucratic red tape, and piles of paperwork, navigating the Section 8 housing process can be time-consuming and frustrating.
We specialize in simplifying the complex at
Jerry
—from shopping for cheap renters
and car insurance
to navigating section 8 housing applications. That’s why the super app
has compiled everything you need to apply for Section 8 housing in San Antonio. We'll take you through the
San Antonio
Housing Authority's specific program requirements and how to apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.What is Section 8 housing?
Section 8 is a federal affordable housing program that gives rental assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled in order for them to rent safe and clean housing from private landlords.
Local public housing agencies (PHAs) receive funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to give housing choice vouchers or project-based vouchers to qualifying individuals and families.
Here’s how Section 8 housing works:
- If accepted into the program, applicants will receive housing choice vouchers or project-based vouchers.
- The Housing Choice Voucher Program enables tenants to rent a unit of their choice as long as the property meets Section 8 standards.
- Tenants are limited to participating properties under the Project-Based Voucher Program.
- The size and cost of a unit you can rent are determined by your family's size and composition.
- If you are chosen, you won't pay more than 40% of your monthly income in rent. The rest is handled by the government.
Section 8 obligations
Once the lease agreement and housing assistance contract are signed, the tenant, landlord, and housing authority all have obligations to fulfill. In the table below, you can find out what each party is responsible for:
Tenant | Landlord | Housing authority |
|---|---|---|
Provide accurate and complete documentation | Screen tenants | Determine applicants’ eligibility and administer vouchers |
Find suitable housing and finish all necessary paperwork before the voucher expires | Observe fair housing laws | Approve units, rental amounts, and leases |
Pay rent on time and show up for all of their appointments | Finish all required repairs and maintenance | Annually inspect subsidized units |
Notify the housing authority of any changes in income or family composition | Provide housing authority with documentation of any notices to tenants, including eviction notices | Ensure that tenants and landlords comply with program rules |
Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Shop Now
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Key Takeaway The federal government will cover 60% of qualifying families and individuals’ rent if selected for section 8 housing, but the application process is long and intensive.
What are the requirements for Section 8 housing in San Antonio?
The
San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA)
is the agency that manages Section 8 housing. To qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers in San Antonio, you must meet HUD's federal requirements as well as additional screening requirements related to criminal activity.You must be 18 years or older and a US citizen or documented immigrant to qualify. Your application may be denied if either you or a family member are engaged in drug-related criminal activity or any criminal activity that threatens the life, health, and safety of other residents.
Additionally, you must pay any money owed to SAHA and your annual income cannot exceed 80% of the median income in your county or metro area to be considered eligible.
The HUD considers the following income sources when calculating income:
- Wages
- Business income
- Interest
- Welfare assistance
- Social security benefits
- Alimony and child support
In 2020, the median household income in San Antonio was $74,100. The precise income threshold you'll need to meet, however, is determined by the size of your family.
Note that federal law requires SAHA to administer 75% of its vouchers to those applicants who make less than 30% of the median income amount (i.e., extremely low-income).
The table below breaks down qualifying income based on family size in San Antonio:
Family size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Extremely low income (30%) | $15,600 | $17,800 | $21,960 | $26,500 | $31,040 | $35,580 | $40,120 | $44,660 |
Very low income (50%) | $25,950 | $29,650 | $33,350 | $37,050 | $40,050 | $43,000 | $45,950 | $48,950 |
Low income (80%) | $41,550 | $47,450 | $53,400 | $59,300 | $64,050 | $68,800 | $73,550 | $78,300 |
How to apply for Section 8 housing in San Antonio
You’ll complete a preliminary application
online
when the waitlist opens to apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. SAHA will open the waitlist and accept preliminary applications for Section 8 housing vouchers from September 1st through the 17th. Once you are placed on the waiting list you can check your status
online
. However, you can expect to wait 4 to 7 years before you are called off the waitlist and approved for housing vouchers in San Antonio. Immediately update the SAHA Applicant Portal
of any changes to your physical mailing or email address, family size, and place of employment or you could be removed from the waitlist. When you finally reach the top of the waitlist you will be notified by mail with written instructions on how to begin the eligibility process. SAHA will screen and verify the information provided in your application for accuracy and confirm your eligibility.
You’ll then be given a housing voucher as well as a Request for Tenancy Approval Form (RTA) to use when applying for housing.
Key Takeaway You are required to complete any changes of address, family size, and place of employment in the SAHA Applicant Portal to remain on the waitlist.
How to find Section 8 housing in San Antonio
You'll have 90 days to find housing, finish the RTA, and send it to the SAHA for approval before your voucher expires. You can use
AffordableHousing.com
to find approved housing.Make sure to document everything (think meetings with landlords and submitted applications) during your housing hunt. You’ll need this evidence to apply for a 30-day extension if you don’t find housing within the 90-day limit.
Send a copy of your lease agreement and completed RTA to the SAHA for review as soon as you find a suitable unit. The housing authority will dispatch a representative to inspect the space and ensure that it meets quality housing standards.
When you move into your new home, SAHA will perform inspections annually to recertify the unit and ensure it’s suitable for living and continues to adhere to program standards.
How to save money on car and renters insurance in San Antonio
While
car insurance
rates in Texas are usually on the lower end of the national average, you can always afford to find savings by bundling your renters
and car insurance policies. Use
Jerry
to shop around and compare quotes if you aren’t receiving affordable quotes from your current provider. Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find an affordable insurance policy that is customized to you. They’ll even bundle your policies for the most savings!
After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. Basically, you get all of the savings and coverage, with none of the hassles.
“Super cheap!Jerrysaved me over $4500 during the entire year. The money really adds up.” —D’Shawn G.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What is the most Section 8 will pay?
Section 8 will pay for up to 60% of your monthly income to cover rent. The exact dollar amount will vary depending on your family size, income, and fair market rent in your area.
How much is a 2 bedroom Section 8 voucher in San Antonio?
You can usually find 2-bedroom apartments that meet Section 8 voucher program quality standards for $1,621 in San Antonio, Texas.
Do I have to accept Section 8 in Texas?
While landlords are prohibited from discriminating against applicants with Section 8 vouchers and are required to accept vouchers as a source of income they are not obligated to rent to them either.
Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance
Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!
4.7
