Section 8 Landlord Guide for Texas 2026 — Payments & Requirements
Quick answer: Section 8 pays Texas landlords a monthly Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) based on local Fair Market Rents. The representative 2-bedroom FMR in Texas is approximately $1,295/month. The Texas Area Median Income is $82,300 for a 4-person household (FY2026).
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How Much Will Section 8 Pay in Texas?
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) equals the lesser of (a) actual rent minus 30% of the tenant's adjusted monthly income, or (b) the Payment Standard minus 30% of monthly income. Texas PHAs set Payment Standards at 90–110% of HUD's Fair Market Rents below.
| Metro / Area | 1BR FMR | 2BR FMR | 3BR FMR |
|---|
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $1,090 | $1,295 | $1,692 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $979 | $1,248 | $1,653 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $1,136 | $1,375 | $1,824 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $1,136 | $1,375 | $1,824 |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | $1,429 | $1,685 | $2,126 |
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Payment Standards vary by PHA (90–110% of FMR). Actual HAP depends on tenant income and lease rent vs. local Payment Standard.
Largest Housing Authorities in Texas
Contact these PHAs to list your unit, join a landlord outreach program, or request a vacancy referral:
- Housing Authority Of The City Of Dallas, Texa — (214) 951-8300
- Houston Housing Authority — (713) 260-0500
- San Antonio Housing Authority — (210) 477-6000
- Austin Housing Authority — (512) 477-4488
- Housing Authority Of Fort Worth — (817) 333-3400
- Housing Authority Of The City Of El Paso, Tx — (915) 849-3839
- Harris County Housing Authority — (713) 578-2100
- Dallas County Housing Assistance Program — (214) 819-1871
- Arlington Housing Works — (817) 275-3351
- Central Texas Council Of Governments — (254) 770-2236
4 Steps to Accept Section 8 in Texas
- Contact your local PHA — Use the "Find My PHA" tool to reach the housing authority covering your property address in Texas. Ask about their landlord outreach program.
- Pass the HQS inspection — A PHA inspector visits your unit to verify Housing Quality Standards: safe electrical, working heat, no lead hazards, pest-free, working smoke detectors.
- Set a reasonable rent — Rent must be comparable to similar unassisted units nearby. If above the Payment Standard, the tenant pays the difference (not to exceed 40% of income at move-in).
- Sign the HAP contract — Once the unit passes inspection and rent is approved, you sign the Housing Assistance Payments contract. HAP payments begin on the tenant's move-in date.
- How much does Section 8 pay landlords in Texas?
- In Texas, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is based on local Fair Market Rents and the tenant's income. For a 2-bedroom unit, the representative FMR is approximately $1,295/month. The HAP covers the gap between the Payment Standard and 30% of the tenant's adjusted monthly income.
- What are the requirements to rent to Section 8 tenants in Texas?
- Your unit must pass an HQS inspection, rent must be reasonable compared to similar unassisted units, and you must sign a HAP contract with the local PHA. No special landlord license is required. Some cities in Texas have source-of-income discrimination laws requiring landlords to accept vouchers.
- How do I find Section 8 tenants in Texas?
- Contact your local PHA to join their landlord outreach list. You can also list your unit on GoSection8.com and AffordableHousing.com, commonly used by voucher holders searching for housing in Texas.
- How long does a Section 8 inspection take?
- The initial HQS inspection typically takes 30–60 minutes. The PHA must schedule it within a reasonable time after you request it. If items fail, you have a set period (usually 30 days) to correct them before a re-inspection.