The first step in the application process is the submission of the pre-application. Pre-applications are accepted through the application web portal at www.austin.apply4housing.com​. Applicants may only submit one application for each property. All duplicate applications will be deleted. Note that the One Bedroom public housing waiting list is currently closed.
Once an application is completed for conventional public housing, applicants are placed on a waiting list according to the date and time of their application, the size of the unit for which they qualify (Public Housing only) and local preference for which they may qualify. There is an extensive waiting period to receive housing.

Currently the Section 8 waiting list is closed.  When the list re-opens, this website will be the only site with accurate information about how to apply.  Any other website that claims to accept pre-applications or monies on behalf of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin is a fraudulent website. There is never a charge to apply for any program operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Austin.

There are three local preferences for which applicants can qualify. Local preferences are ONLY valid for the head of the household or the co-head of the household. Dependents cannot qualify as a family for a local preference. Please remember that claiming a local preference does not automatically grant you a preference on the wait list. You must submit documentation for review.

Once your preference has been approved, your application will be listed on the wait list with other applicants that have also claimed or qualified for a local preference. Also, a local preference does not mean you will be housed immediately.

In addition, preference documentation will again be reviewed at the time of your screening interview. Your name will be removed from the preference list if your preference documentation is not approved. Your application will then be placed on the non-preference list.

If you stated the correct date of birth on the application and you or your spouse are 62 years of age or older, you will be placed on the preference list. Your birth certificate will be reviewed at the time of your screening interview. Therefore, you do not have to provide documentation until the time of your interview.

If the head of household, co-head or spouse is disabled, according to the HUD definition of disability, the family qualifies for this preference.

If the family has minor children in the household, the family qualifies for this preference.

If the family has been involuntarily displaced by natural disaster or government action within the past 6 months, the family qualifies for this preference.

If the family meets the HUD definition of Homeless and has a referral from a homeless service provider, the family qualifies for this preference.

If the family lives within the five county Central Texas area (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell), the family qualifies for this preference.