Voucher-Friendly Housing in Dallas

DHA serves Dallas and several surrounding counties, operating public housing communities — such as the Hamptons at Lakewest, Roseland Townhomes, Wahoo Frazier, and The Oaks — along with the Housing Choice Voucher program. Many older developments have been rebuilt as mixed-income communities. Rent in DHA public housing is income-based, set at roughly 30% of adjusted household income.

DHA maintains waitlists for public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program; lists open and close periodically and are often closed for long stretches. Openings are posted at dhantx.com. Check current status before applying, and never pay to apply.

Texas does not protect renters from source-of-income discrimination, and it is important to understand why. There is no statewide law, and a 2015 Texas law (Local Government Code § 250.007) prohibits Texas cities from passing ordinances that would require landlords to accept Housing Choice Vouchers. In practice this means a private landlord in Dallas may legally decline your voucher. Federal Fair Housing protections still apply: a landlord may not refuse you based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Because landlords can say no, it helps to look for housing that already advertises that it accepts vouchers.

Apply through the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) at dhantx.com when waitlists are open. Rent is based on income (about 30% of adjusted household income); eligibility is generally limited to households at or below local income limits. Call DHA at (214) 951-8800. Applications are free — never pay to apply.