Frequently Asked Questions

HATC is a public housing authority that provides affordable housing and rental assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Travis County, Texas.

HATC offers several programs including public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Continuum of Care (CoC) homelessness assistance, and the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.

You can apply when our waitlists are open. Visit our waitlists page to check current availability and follow the application instructions.

Income limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Austin-Round Rock metro area and vary by family size. Generally, applicants must have incomes at or below 50% of AMI for HCV and 80% of AMI for public housing.

Wait times vary depending on the program, funding availability, and applicant preferences. HATC processes applications as quickly as possible but wait times can be several months to years.

Yes, HCV participants can choose any housing that meets program requirements, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments anywhere in the program's jurisdiction.

HQS are the minimum quality standards established by HUD for housing assisted under the HCV program. All units must pass an HQS inspection before assistance can begin.

Generally, families pay approximately 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The voucher covers the remainder up to the payment standard.

Yes, HCV participants can use their voucher in any area where there is a housing authority administering the voucher program, subject to certain conditions.

FSS is a voluntary 5-year program that helps HCV and public housing participants achieve economic independence through job training, education, financial counseling, and an escrow savings account.

You can report suspected fraud through our online fraud reporting form on the Reporting Fraud page, or by contacting HATC directly.

Current public housing residents can submit maintenance requests through the resident portal or by contacting property management.

Typically you'll need photo identification, Social Security cards for all family members, birth certificates, proof of income, and other documentation as specified in the application.

Contact HATC to report any changes in income, family composition, or contact information. Timely reporting is required under program rules.

MTW is a demonstration program that gives HATC flexibility to design and test innovative approaches to housing assistance that promote self-sufficiency and reduce costs.

Yes! HATC partners with landlords throughout Travis County. Visit our Landlord Information page or contact our Landlord Liaison to get started.

HATC is located at 502 East Highland Mall Blvd, Suite 106-B, Austin, TX 78752.

Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. HATC is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.

You can call us at (512) 854-8245, email us at help@hatctx.com, or visit our office during business hours.

If you are experiencing homelessness, contact ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness Coalition) or call 2-1-1 for a coordinated entry assessment. You may be eligible for HATC's Continuum of Care program.

Yes, HATC's housing programs serve the elderly as a priority population. Both public housing and HCV programs provide housing options for elderly individuals.

A public housing authority (PHA) is a government agency that manages and operates public housing and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program funded by HUD.

HATC is funded primarily through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and rental income from residents.

Yes, you can submit a public information request through our website. HATC is subject to the Texas Public Information Act.