FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PFC?

PFC stands for Public Facilities Corporation. These for-profit affordable housing finance companies provide funding to develop and operate affordable housing communities. The Houston Housing Authority has partnered with dozens of PFCs, which have helped to create and preserve thousands of affordable apartment units in the city. PFCs offer a variety of financing products, including tax-exempt bonds, low-income housing tax credits, and loans.

What are the benefits of PFCs?

PFCs provide significant financial and technical assistance to developers of affordable housing communities. PFCs often work with local governments and nonprofits to create partnerships that leverage resources and expertise to further the development of affordable housing communities. As a result, PFCs play an essential role in ensuring that Houston has a healthy supply of affordable housing.

Who qualifies for affordable housing in Houston?

Qualification for Affordable Housing Houston apartment units is based on individual household Area median income. Generally, affordable housing costs no more than 30% of a household’s monthly income. This means that a household earning $3,000 per month could afford to spend no more than $900 on housing expenses. However, the definition of affordable housing can vary depending on the city or region. In Houston, the median income for a family of four is $85,000, which means that a family earning this amount could afford to spend no more than $2,550 per month on housing.

What are the requirements for low-income housing in Texas?

Texas’s requirements for low-income housing are under the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Applicants must meet certain income and asset requirements to be eligible for low-income housing. Income requirements vary depending on household size and are updated each year. In general, households must have an income at or below 80% of the area median income. Asset requirements are determined by household size, but applicants generally must have assets worth no more than $5,000. Most assets include cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks and bonds, and retirement accounts.

How do I apply to live in an affordable property?

The Affordable Housing Houston website provides a list of affordable properties. Browse the apartment options on the Property Locations page and find the apartment that suits your needs and interests. Contact the property at the number listed to inquire about availability and apply for the housing option you choose.

What will the application process look like?

The following are examples of application processes. Steps and requirements may vary based on the individual property’s procedures.

  • Select a property you are interested in living at and click on the associated website link to view the apartment options and amenities.
  • Call the property management and speak with their leasing agent to get information about available units.
  • Fill out the application provided by the leasing agent.
  • It is recommended to discuss the affordability program options with the individual property management representatives.  Ensure the following are discussed:
    • Income Limit
    • Maximum Rent
  • If the property manager determines that you qualify for the program, the following items are typically required:
    • Income verification (Check stubs, bank statements, and tax return documents)
    • Multiple forms of identification
    • Application fee

    (Please contact the property manager to confirm the minimum documentation needed for that specific property.)

  • The property manager will then confirm the following, which may take 3 – 5 days to verify:
    • Credit history
    • Rental history
    • Criminal background check
    • Income verification
  • If approved, a letter will then be sent to you to welcome you to the property with the following information:
    • Move-in date
    • Unit/Apt number
    • Prorated rent
    • Monthly rent
    • Electric/Utility provider to be selected and agreed upon by the client
  • The lease will be signed after reviewing and reading the content in the office.

*** Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Clients: There are specific PFC apartment properties that accept vouchers. You must choose your preferred location based on the available HCV-participating properties. Please call the property management office to confirm availability.

 

  • Select the property you would like to live in and contact the property management office to ensure this property qualifies for HCV.
  • You will work with your Houston Housing Authority caseworker to calculate your rent.
  • Fill out a property application.
  • The property manager will then confirm the following, which may take 3 – 5 days to verify:
    • Credit history
    • Rental history
    • Criminal background check
    • Income verification
  • If approved, a letter will then be sent to you to welcome you to the property with the following information:
    • Move-in date
    • Unit/Apt number
    • Prorated rent
    • Monthly rent
    • Electric/Utility provider to be selected and agreed upon by the client
  • The lease will be signed after reviewing and reading the content in the office.