Housing assistance in Texas for immigrants

Texas at a glance

Texas is home to about 5,302,466 foreign-born residents (17.6% of the state’s 30,188,424 people) and 11,991,467 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (39.7%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Texas regardless of immigration status unless noted.

What rent actually costs in Texas — HUD’s official numbers

HUD's Fair Market Rents set the ceiling a Section 8 voucher covers and serve as the official rent benchmark. In Texas (FY 2026), the benchmark rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,015/month (median), ranging from $973 (Bailey County, TX) to $1,931 (Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area) across the state's 215 rent areas.

Area (largest by population)Studio1BR2BR3BR4BR
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area$1,280$1,323$1,573$2,116$2,639
Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area$1,582$1,648$1,931$2,431$3,091
Fort Worth-Arlington, TX HUD Metro FMR Area$1,427$1,473$1,723$2,273$2,815
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX HUD Metro FMR Area$1,077$1,177$1,426$1,830$2,132
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA$1,474$1,562$1,852$2,347$2,760
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA$842$847$1,060$1,376$1,522
El Paso, TX HUD Metro FMR Area$821$1,013$1,191$1,633$1,998
Killeen-Temple, TX HUD Metro FMR Area$983$990$1,233$1,711$2,068

Source: HUD FY 2026 Fair Market Rents (effective 2025-10-01; 40th-percentile gross rents — Section 8 payment standards are set at 90-110% of FMR). Look up your county at huduser.gov.

Federal programs in Texas

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) and Public Housing share the same federal rules: low income (typically under 30-50% of Area Median Income) and at least one household member with citizenship or an eligible immigration status — mixed-status families get a prorated voucher rather than nothing. Undocumented members, DACA recipients, and F-1 students don’t count as eligible members. Full eligibility lists and documents: federal housing rules.

To apply in Texas: find your local Public Housing Agency at hud.gov/findpha and get on the waiting list — months to years in tight markets.

Emergency shelters

Available WITHOUT immigration status verification:

  • Homeless shelters
  • Domestic violence shelters (DV shelters have enhanced privacy)
  • Catholic Charities
  • Salvation Army
  • YWCA / YMCA
  • Local churches

National homelessness line: 211 (in many states, connects to local resources)

Do I need ITIN or SSN to rent in Texas?

Not necessarily. Many landlords (especially small individuals) do NOT require SSN to rent. May require: income proof, employer letter, prior landlord references, larger security deposit.

Professionally-managed apartments (large complexes) are stricter about SSN.

Last verified: 2026-06-15.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

The Section 8 math in one line

A voucher household pays about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the local payment standard (90-110% of the FMRs shown above). Housing discrimination is reportable regardless of immigration status: HUD hotline 1-800-669-9777 (hud.gov fair housing).