Which new buildings have income-qualified units?
Some new apartments in the Austin metro set aside a share of units for income-qualified households, often through programs like SMART Housing, Affordability Unlocked, LIHTC, or ownership through a housing finance corporation (HFC) or Public Facility Corporation (PFC). We label those buildings on every card: “Some units: essential housing (income-qualified).” If your household income falls under the limit for your size, these units can offer capped rent in a brand-new building.
For Travis County, the TDHCA 2026 limit at 60% of area median income (AMI) for 2 persons is $64,560, and the 60% maximum rent on a 2BR is $1,815.
Who qualifies for an income-restricted unit?
Three tests usually apply:
- Household income under the limit for your household size and the unit’s AMI tier (for example, 60% AMI or 80% AMI).
- Income documentation such as pay stubs, an offer letter, bank statements, and ID.
- A rent multiple, because many buildings still want income of about 3x the rent.
| Figure (Travis County) | Value | Source and date |
|---|
| 60% AMI income limit, 2 persons | $64,560 | TDHCA 2026 |
| 60% maximum rent, 2BR | $1,815 | TDHCA 2026 |
| Fair market rent (FMR), 1BR | $1,530 | HUD FY2027 |
| Austin Housing Authority payment standard, 1BR | $1,650 | AHA, Jan 1, 2026 |
Austin doesn’t use Small Area FMRs. The Austin Housing Authority waitlist is closed. Our eligibility guide covers income limits by household size and recertification.
Can you use a housing voucher at a new building?
Yes, at some buildings. Buildings owned through a housing finance corporation must accept Housing Choice Vouchers under Loc. Gov’t Code §394.9026 (HB 21). Outside that rule, Texas cities can’t require voucher acceptance (§250.007), so it’s building by building. We confirm voucher acceptance before you apply. The housing voucher guide explains FMR and the payment standard.
Do specials apply to restricted units?
Not always. Some buildings exclude restricted units from move-in specials because the rent is already capped; others apply the same special. In a building with deep market-rate concessions, a market-rate unit’s net effective can come close to the restricted rent in year one. Year two is where they split: restricted rent follows the cap and annual recertification, while market-rate renewals price from base rent. The income-restricted vs. market-rate guide compares both in the same building.
What about 55+ communities?
Age-restricted 55+ communities are a filter on the board rather than a separate page. Tell us on the form if you need one, and we’ll include the counts by area in your shortlist.
How we keep this Fair Housing compliant
We describe buildings and programs, never people. We don’t steer by race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability, and we personalize only from what you tell us. The Fair Housing Act applies to every search we run. See our Fair Housing page for the full policy.
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