Who qualifies for an income-restricted unit?
A household qualifies when its total gross income is at or below the limit for its size and the unit’s income tier, usually stated as a percentage of area median income (AMI). In Travis County, the TDHCA 2026 limit at 60% AMI for a 2-person household is $64,560, and the maximum rent on a 60% AMI 2-bedroom is $1,815. If you’re under the limit, income-restricted new apartments can offer capped rent in a brand-new building.
The dated figures
| Figure (Travis County) | Value | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| 60% AMI income limit, 2 persons | $64,560 | TDHCA 2026 |
| 60% maximum rent, 2-bedroom | $1,815 | TDHCA 2026 |
| Fair market rent, 1-bedroom | $1,530 | HUD FY2027 |
| AHA payment standard, 1-bedroom | $1,650 | Austin Housing Authority, Jan 1, 2026 |
Limits differ by household size and tier (for example, 50%, 60%, or 80% AMI). Each building’s program sets which tiers apply to which units. We check the current figures for the building’s program before you apply.
Two tests, not one
You need to be under the maximum income for the unit and usually above the building’s minimum, often about 3x the restricted rent.
How household income is counted
Programs generally count gross income from everyone in the household who will live in the unit, including:
- Wages, salary, tips, and overtime
- Self-employment income
- Social Security, pensions, and disability benefits
- Unemployment and other regular payments
Some assets and their income may be counted too. The program’s rules, not general rent rules, decide what counts.
Documents to have ready
- Pay stubs for the period the program asks for
- An employer verification or offer letter if you’re starting a job
- Bank statements
- Benefit award letters (Social Security, disability, pension)
- Photo ID for adults and proof of household size
The community certifies your eligibility; we help you gather the right documents before any application fee.
Annual recertification
Most income-restricted programs recertify household income and size every year. If your income rises above the limit, the program decides what happens: some allow you to stay with a rent adjustment, others require a move to a market-rate unit at renewal. Ask the building how its program handles it.
Restricted vs. market-rate in the same building
In buildings with deep market-rate specials, a market-rate unit’s net effective can come close to the restricted rent in year one. Year two is where they differ. Our guide on restricted vs. market-rate compares both.
Check your eligibility
The income check on our tools page shows the rent you qualify for at a given multiple. For income-restricted units, send us your household size and income range on the form; we’ll match you with buildings whose tiers fit, label each one “Some units: essential housing (income-qualified),” and pre-check documents before any fee.
