How to Find Affordable Housing in Fort Worth 2026

The demand for affordable housing in Fort Worth, Texas, continues to rise as the city experiences rapid population growth, economic expansion, and increasing cost-of-living pressures. By 2026, Fort Worth is projected to add over 200,000 new residents, intensifying competition for homes that are both safe and financially accessible. For working families, young professionals, seniors on fixed incomes, and essential workers, securing stable, affordable housing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you locate and secure affordable housing in Fort Worth by 2026. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, this resource will equip you with actionable strategies, trusted tools, and real-world insights to navigate one of the most critical challenges in urban living today.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand What “Affordable” Means in Fort Worth

In housing policy, “affordable” typically means a household spends no more than 30% of its gross monthly income on rent or mortgage payments, including utilities. In Fort Worth, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in 2024 was approximately $1,450. By 2026, this figure is expected to rise to $1,600–$1,750 due to inflation, construction costs, and demand. To remain affordable, a household would need to earn at least $64,000 annually for a one-bedroom or $84,000 for a two-bedroom. However, many residents earn significantly less. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines income limits for Fort Worth based on Area Median Income (AMI). For 2026, these are projected to be:

• Extremely Low Income (ELI): 0–30% of AMI ($28,000 or less for a family of four)
• Very Low Income (VLI): 31–50% of AMI ($28,001–$46,700)
• Low Income: 51–80% of AMI ($46,701–$74,700)

Knowing your income bracket is the first step in identifying which housing programs you qualify for. Use HUD’s income calculator or the City of Fort Worth’s official housing portal to estimate your status.

2. Explore Public and Subsidized Housing Programs

Fort Worth offers several government-backed housing programs designed to assist low- and moderate-income residents. The most prominent include:

• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Administered by the Fort Worth Housing Authority (FWHA), this program provides rental subsidies to eligible households. Participants pay 30% of their income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a set limit. Waitlists are long—often 18–36 months—but you can apply online at fwha.org. Monitor for open enrollment periods; they are announced on the FWHA website and local community centers.
• Public Housing: FWHA owns and manages over 4,500 units across 38 developments. These include family, senior, and disabled-accessible housing. Rents are income-based, and applications are accepted year-round. Priority is given to those with the lowest incomes and highest housing needs.
• Project-Based Vouchers: These are tied to specific apartment complexes rather than individuals. If you live in a project-based unit, your subsidy stays with the property. Look for developments labeled “PBV” or “Project-Based Section 8” in listings.
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Funded by HUD and administered locally, this program supports the development of affordable rental units and homeownership opportunities. Some units are reserved for first-time buyers earning up to 80% AMI.

Apply early and keep your documentation updated. Income verification, Social Security numbers, and proof of residency are required. Even if the waitlist is closed, sign up for email alerts to be notified when it reopens.

3. Research Income-Restricted Apartments and LIHTC Developments

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program is the largest driver of affordable rental housing in Texas. Developers receive tax credits for building or rehabbing properties that reserve a percentage of units for low-income tenants. By 2026, Fort Worth will have over 15,000 LIHTC units in operation, with dozens more under construction.

Examples of LIHTC properties in Fort Worth include:

• Harmony Place Apartments (North Fort Worth): 120 units for households earning up to 60% AMI. Includes on-site case management and after-school programs.
• The Lofts at 12th (Downtown): Mixed-income development with 40% of units reserved for those earning 50% AMI or less. Features transit access and energy-efficient design.
• Willow Creek Apartments (Northeast Fort Worth): Senior-focused LIHTC community with subsidized rents and health services.

To find these properties, use the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) LIHTC property database or search “LIHTC Fort Worth” on ApartmentList or Zillow, filtering by “Income Restricted.” Always confirm current availability directly with the leasing office, as units fill quickly.

4. Leverage Nonprofit and Community Housing Providers

Several nonprofit organizations in Fort Worth specialize in creating and managing affordable housing. These groups often have shorter waitlists, personalized support, and flexible eligibility criteria.

• Fort Worth Housing Solutions: The city’s housing authority partner, offering housing counseling, eviction prevention, and homeownership workshops. They also manage transitional housing for homeless families.
• Habitat for Humanity North Texas: Builds and rehabilitates homes for families earning 30–80% AMI. Applicants must contribute “sweat equity” (500+ hours of volunteer work) and complete financial literacy courses.
• United Way of Tarrant County: Operates the 2-1-1 helpline (not a phone number, but a referral system) connecting residents to housing resources, utility assistance, and emergency shelter.
• Community Housing Resources of Tarrant County (CHRTC): Provides rental assistance, security deposit loans, and landlord mediation services to prevent homelessness.

Attend monthly housing fairs hosted by these organizations. They often feature on-site applications, free credit counseling, and direct connections to landlords with available units.

5. Consider Alternative Housing Models

Traditional apartments aren’t the only option. In 2026, Fort Worth will see increased availability of innovative housing solutions:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Also known as “granny flats” or backyard cottages, ADUs are small, detached homes built on existing residential lots. The City of Fort Worth updated its zoning code in 2023 to encourage ADU construction. These units often rent for $800–$1,200/month and are ideal for singles or couples. Search Zillow or Facebook Marketplace using keywords like “ADU Fort Worth” or “backyard cottage.”
• Co-Living Spaces: Companies like Common and LiveWork are expanding into Fort Worth, offering private bedrooms in shared homes with utilities and Wi-Fi included. Monthly rates range from $900–$1,300, making them attractive for young professionals.
• Mobile Home Parks and Manufactured Housing: Many parks in Fort Worth’s outer neighborhoods offer affordable monthly lot rents ($300–$600) with the option to own your home. Look for parks with updated infrastructure, water/sewer access, and community amenities. The Texas Manufactured Housing Association maintains a directory of licensed parks.
• Room Rentals and Shared Housing: Platforms like Roomies.com and Craigslist (use caution) list rooms in owner-occupied homes. These can be as low as $500–$700/month, especially if utilities are included. Always verify safety, lease terms, and landlord reputation before signing anything.

6. Improve Your Financial Readiness

Even if you find an affordable unit, landlords often require credit checks, income verification, and rental history. Strengthen your application by:

• Checking your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Dispute errors and pay down high balances.
• Gathering recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters. If you’re self-employed, prepare bank statements and profit/loss summaries.
• Building a rental history. If you’ve never rented, ask a landlord, employer, or community leader to write a character reference.
• Setting aside a small emergency fund—even $500 can help cover a security deposit or moving costs.
• Attending free financial coaching through Fort Worth’s Housing Counseling Network, offered by HUD-approved agencies.

Many affordable housing providers now use “soft credit checks” or accept alternative credit data, such as utility or phone bill payments, to assess reliability.

7. Apply Strategically and Follow Up

Don’t apply to just one program. Apply to multiple: Section 8, LIHTC properties, nonprofit housing, and ADU listings. Each has different timelines and requirements. Keep a spreadsheet with:

• Property name and address
• Application date
• Waitlist status
• Required documents
• Follow-up dates

Follow up politely every 30 days. Call or email the leasing office and ask: “Is there any update on my application? Are there any additional documents needed?” Persistence pays off—many units are filled by applicants who follow up consistently.

8. Prepare for the Move-In Process

Once approved, you’ll need to complete a lease, pay a security deposit (often equal to one month’s rent), and arrange utilities. Some programs offer move-in assistance:

• Fort Worth Housing Solutions provides up to $1,000 in move-in grants for qualified applicants.
• United Way’s Emergency Assistance Fund may cover first month’s rent or utility deposits.
• Local churches and community groups often donate furniture, kitchen supplies, or cleaning kits.

Always read your lease carefully. Look for clauses about rent increases, maintenance responsibilities, and subletting. In Fort Worth, landlords must provide 30 days’ notice before raising rent unless otherwise specified in the lease.

Best Practices

Start Early and Plan Ahead

Waiting lists for affordable housing can span years. If you’re planning to relocate to Fort Worth in 2026, begin your search no later than mid-2025. Research programs, gather documents, and submit applications as soon as they’re open. Delaying by even six months can cost you a spot.

Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Fort Worth follows Texas landlord-tenant law, which offers limited protections compared to other states. However, you still have rights:

• Landlords must provide habitable housing (working heat, plumbing, electricity).
• Repairs must be addressed within a “reasonable time” (typically 7–14 days).
• Retaliation (eviction, rent hikes) for requesting repairs is illegal.
• Security deposits must be returned within 30 days of move-out, minus documented damages.

Document everything: take photos of the unit before moving in, keep copies of all communications, and save rent receipts. The Texas Tenants Union offers free guides and legal advice online.

Build Community Connections

Networking is one of the most effective—yet overlooked—strategies. Attend neighborhood association meetings, join Facebook groups like “Fort Worth Housing & Rentals,” or volunteer at local food pantries. Landlords and housing advocates often learn about vacancies through word-of-mouth before they’re advertised. Being visible in your community increases your chances of hearing about unlisted opportunities.

Be Wary of Scams

Scammers prey on people desperate for affordable housing. Red flags include:

• Requests for upfront payments via wire transfer or gift cards.
• Properties listed on multiple platforms with identical photos but different addresses.
• Landlords who refuse to meet in person or show the unit.
• Too-good-to-be-true prices ($400/month for a 2-bedroom downtown).

Always verify the legitimacy of a listing. Search the property address on the Tarrant County Appraisal District website. If it’s not registered as a rental, it’s likely a scam.

Use Technology Wisely

Set up Google Alerts for “affordable housing Fort Worth,” “Section 8 openings,” or “LIHTC units Tarrant County.” Subscribe to newsletters from the City of Fort Worth Housing Department and TDHCA. Many programs now use digital portals for applications—keep your email and phone updated.

Consider Transportation and Location

A cheap rent isn’t affordable if you spend 3 hours a day commuting. Prioritize housing near public transit (Trinity Metro buses and the TEXRail line), job centers, schools, and grocery stores. The City of Fort Worth’s “Transit-Oriented Development” zones offer incentives for developers to build affordable housing near stations. Look for properties labeled “Transit-Adjacent” or within a 0.5-mile radius of a bus stop.

Tools and Resources

Official City and State Portals

• Fort Worth Housing Authority (FWHA): fwha.org – Apply for Section 8, public housing, and housing counseling.
• City of Fort Worth Housing Department: fortworthtexas.gov/housing – Updates on affordable housing initiatives, funding, and development projects.
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA): tdhca.texas.gov – LIHTC property database, rental assistance programs, and income limit charts.
• HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program: hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv – National resource for voucher information.

Online Listing Platforms

• ApartmentList: Filter by “Income Restricted” and “No Credit Check.”
• Zillow: Use the “Affordable” filter and search “LIHTC” or “Section 8” in the description.
• HotPads: Includes a “Rent Assistance Available” tag for qualifying properties.
• Roomies.com: Focused on shared housing and room rentals.
• Facebook Marketplace: Search “Fort Worth affordable housing” or “ADU for rent.” Use caution and verify listings.

Nonprofit and Support Organizations

• Habitat for Humanity North Texas: habitatnorthtexas.org – Homeownership and repair programs.
• United Way of Tarrant County: unitedwaytarrant.org – 2-1-1 referral system for housing, food, and utilities.
• Community Housing Resources of Tarrant County: chrtc.org – Rental assistance, eviction prevention, and landlord mediation.
• Texas Tenants Union: texastenants.org – Legal resources, tenant rights guides, and advocacy tools.
• Fort Worth Housing Solutions: fwhs.org – Counseling, financial coaching, and emergency housing support.

Financial and Credit Tools

• AnnualCreditReport.com: Free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• Experian Boost: Free tool to add utility and phone payments to your credit score.
• Naviance (for students): If you’re a college student, check if your school partners with Fort Worth housing programs.
• Money Management International: Free, nonprofit credit counseling available online.

Mobile Apps

• HUD’s Housing Search App: Available on iOS and Android for finding subsidized units.
• Apartment Finder (by Zillow): Real-time alerts for new listings matching your criteria.
• Fort Worth 311 App: Report housing code violations or request city services.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria, Single Mother, Earns $38,000/year

Maria, a registered nurse in Fort Worth, applied for the Housing Choice Voucher Program in January 2025. Her income placed her at 45% AMI, qualifying her for Section 8. After a 14-month wait, she was offered a voucher in March 2026. She used it to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in the Fairmount neighborhood for $1,100/month. She pays $330 (30% of her income), and the voucher covers the rest. She also received $750 in move-in assistance from FWHA and enrolled in a free financial literacy course through United Way. Maria now has a stable home, her children attend a nearby public school, and she’s saving for a car.

Example 2: James, Veteran, 62 Years Old, Fixed Income

James, a retired Army veteran living on Social Security, applied for senior-specific LIHTC housing through the Fort Worth Housing Authority. He was accepted into Willow Creek Apartments, where rent is capped at 30% of his $1,200 monthly benefit. His total housing cost is $360/month, including utilities. He also receives weekly wellness check-ins and free transportation to medical appointments through the property’s social services partner. James says, “I didn’t think I’d find a place this safe and affordable after I retired. This saved my life.”

Example 3: Aisha and Malik, New Graduates, $52,000 Combined Income

Aisha and Malik, recent college graduates working in tech and education, earned $52,000 together—just under 80% AMI. They couldn’t afford a traditional apartment on their own. They found a 2-bedroom ADU in the Westover Hills area listed for $950/month. The owner, a local contractor, allowed them to pay $500/month for the first six months in exchange for helping maintain the property. They used a TDHCA down payment assistance grant to save for future homeownership. By 2027, they plan to buy a home through Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program.

Example 4: The Rivera Family, Earns $29,000/year

The Riveras—parents and three children—were evicted after the father lost his job in 2024. They applied for emergency housing through CHRTC and were placed in transitional housing for six months. During that time, they received job training, childcare support, and credit counseling. In late 2025, they were approved for a LIHTC unit in the Southside on Lamar neighborhood. Their rent is $550/month. Their daughter now attends a school with an after-school program funded by United Way. The family credits the community network for their recovery.

FAQs

What is the income limit for affordable housing in Fort Worth in 2026?

Income limits vary by household size and program. For a family of four, the 2026 projected limits are: Extremely Low Income (0–30% AMI) = $28,000; Very Low Income (31–50% AMI) = $28,001–$46,700; Low Income (51–80% AMI) = $46,701–$74,700. Always verify with HUD or TDHCA for the most current figures.

How long is the waitlist for Section 8 in Fort Worth?

As of 2025, the waitlist for Section 8 in Fort Worth is approximately 18–36 months. It opens periodically, so sign up for alerts and apply as soon as it reopens. Some applicants are prioritized based on homelessness, disability, or domestic violence status.

Can I get help with my security deposit?

Yes. Programs like CHRTC and Fort Worth Housing Solutions offer security deposit loans or grants up to $1,000 for qualified applicants. You may also qualify for assistance through local nonprofits or faith-based organizations.

Are there affordable housing options near public transit?

Yes. The City of Fort Worth prioritizes affordable housing near Trinity Metro bus routes and the TEXRail line. Look for developments labeled “Transit-Oriented” or within 0.5 miles of a station. These properties often have lower rents and better access to jobs and services.

Can undocumented immigrants apply for affordable housing?

Yes. Most federal and state housing programs do not require U.S. citizenship. Eligibility is based on immigration status (e.g., lawful permanent resident, asylum seeker, or DACA recipient). However, some private landlords may have their own policies. Always ask directly.

What if I’m denied housing because of my credit?

Many affordable housing providers accept alternative credit data or allow co-signers. You can also apply for a “soft credit check” program or work with a housing counselor to improve your application. Some properties prioritize income and stability over credit score.

Can I own a home affordably in Fort Worth?

Yes. Programs like Habitat for Humanity, TDHCA’s Homeownership Initiative, and the City of Fort Worth’s First-Time Homebuyer Program offer low-interest mortgages, down payment assistance, and financial education for households earning up to 80% AMI.

How do I report a housing code violation?

Use the Fort Worth 311 app or call 311 to report issues like broken heat, mold, or unsafe wiring. The city is required to inspect and address violations within a set timeframe. Keep records of all communications.

Are there housing options for people with disabilities?

Yes. Fort Worth has numerous accessible LIHTC and public housing units with ramps, widened doorways, and roll-in showers. The FWHA and Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services can help connect you to these resources.

What should I do if I’m facing eviction?

Contact CHRTC or United Way immediately. They may provide emergency rental assistance, legal aid, or mediation with your landlord. Texas law requires landlords to give 3 days’ notice before filing for eviction. You have the right to appear in court and present your case.

Conclusion

Finding affordable housing in Fort Worth in 2026 is challenging—but not impossible. With the right knowledge, preparation, and persistence, you can secure a safe, stable, and affordable home. The key is to act early, explore every option—from Section 8 vouchers and LIHTC units to ADUs and co-living spaces—and leverage the wealth of community resources available. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to begin your search. Start today: check your income eligibility, apply to waitlists, connect with housing counselors, and build a support network. Affordable housing is not a privilege reserved for the few; it’s a right that can be claimed by anyone willing to take informed, consistent action. Fort Worth is growing, and so are its opportunities for those who plan ahead. Your next home is out there—now go find it.