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About San Marcos Housing Authority

The San Marcos Housing Authority (SMHA), located in San Marcos, Hays County, Texas, provides housing assistance for low-income families, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities. SMHA manages approximately 556 assisted housing units, which include 267 Housing Choice Vouchers and 289 Public Housing units.

Currently, SMHA offers several open programs. These include various Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs, such as the Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which recently became open for applications. Elderly/Disabled Housing options are also open, with specific units available at Springtown Villa. While Public Housing programs are currently listed as opening soon, applicants should verify the latest status directly with SMHA.

Eligibility for SMHA programs is primarily based on income and household size. For instance, a family of four applying for Very Low Income assistance in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA area faces an income limit of $66,900 per year. Interested individuals should contact the housing authority for detailed program requirements and application procedures.

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Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online (download) or In-person

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Applications are accepted for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units; applicants must be motivated to succeed. Applications can be downloaded online or picked up in-person at the Chapultepec Homes office. Preference is given to Hays County residents.

Elderly/Disabled Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Mar 19, 2026

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program offers 1 and 2-bedroom units for elderly or disabled applicants at Springtown Villa. To apply, call 512-396-3363 for instructions; applications can be mailed or picked up from the office at 503 Springtown Way.

Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Mar 19, 2026

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program offers 1 and 2-bedroom units for elderly or disabled applicants. To apply, call 512-396-3363 for instructions, or applications can be mailed or picked up from the office at 503 Springtown Way.

FSS Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applications for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program can be picked up at the Chapultepec Homes office or downloaded online; the program offers 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units.

FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person

Additional Notes

Accepting 3 and 4-bedroom applications at Chapultepec Homes; preference is given to Hays County residents, including those who live or work in San Marcos.

FSS (Chapultepec Homes) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applications can be picked up at the Chapultepec Homes office or downloaded from the program's webpage.

Family Self-Sufficiency Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program offers 2, 3, and 4 bedroom units for motivated applicants.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program offers 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units. Applicants must be motivated to succeed.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec Homes) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applications can be picked up in-person or downloaded from the website; applicants must be motivated to succeed.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Apr 3, 2026

How to Apply

Online / In-person

Additional Notes

The Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program is open for applications for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units with no stated deadline. Preference is given to Hays County residents, including those who live or work in San Marcos. Applications can be downloaded online or picked up at the Chapultepec Homes office.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

The Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program is currently open for applications with no deadline. This program offers 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units, and applicants must be motivated to succeed. Applications can be downloaded online or picked up in-person at the Chapultepec Homes office (701 South LBJ Drive). Preference is given to Hays County residents, including those who live or work in San Marcos or have accepted a job there. Currently accepting 3 and 4-bedroom applications. Average wait time is 3 months to 1 year.

Other Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Springtown Villa offers 1 and 2-bedroom units and is specifically for elderly or disabled individuals.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

To apply for Springtown Villa, call 512-396-3363 for instructions. Applications can be mailed or picked up from the office at 503 Springtown Way, San Marcos, TX 78666. This program is for elderly or disabled individuals. The average wait time is 9-12 months.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applications can be downloaded from the website or picked up at the Allen Woods Homes office, then printed, completed, and submitted in-person. The waiting period ranges from 6 months to 3 or more years, serving low-income households including elderly and disabled.

Springtown Villa Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applications for Springtown Villa, offering 1 and 2-bedroom units for elderly or disabled individuals only, can be obtained at 503 Springtown Way or by calling 512-396-3363.

Springtown Villa (Elderly & Disabled) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone, In-person, Mail

Additional Notes

Applications for 1 and 2-bedroom units are available by calling 512-396-3363, requesting by mail, or picking up from the office. Applicants must be elderly or disabled. The Housing Authority gives preference to applicants who live or work in Hays County.

Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applicants must be elderly or disabled; applications can be requested by phone or picked up in-person.

Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone, In-person, Mail

Additional Notes

Applicants must be elderly or disabled. Applications can be mailed upon request or picked up at the office.

Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone or In-person/Mail

Additional Notes

This program is for elderly or disabled applicants, offering 1 and 2-bedroom units.

Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program is for elderly or disabled applicants.

other Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online (download application) or In-person

Additional Notes

This program requires applicants to be motivated to succeed. Applications can be picked up at the Chapultepec Homes office or downloaded online.

Other Programs

4 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (Chapultepec)
Closed

Applications are not currently being accepted for the Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list was last open in December 2016 and briefly in September 2024, accepting 250 applications in-person. Preferences include living or working in San Marcos or being displaced by a natural disaster.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other (Family Self-Sufficiency)
Closed

This waiting list is for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments at Chapultepec Homes.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Pending

This program offers 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units for motivated applicants.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec) Opened 5 days ago
FSS Opened 6 days ago
Public Housing Opened 6 days ago
Public Housing Closed May 24, 2026
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Opened May 21, 2026
HCV Opening Soon May 6, 2026
PBV Opened May 1, 2026
Other Opened Apr 25, 2026
FSS Closed Apr 10, 2026
Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program Opened Apr 3, 2026
Public Housing Opening Soon Mar 27, 2026
Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only) Opened Mar 19, 2026
Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program Closed Mar 12, 2026
Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program Opened Mar 2, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 18, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official San Marcos Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1201 Thorpe Ln
City San Marcos, TX 78666
PHA Code TX087
Section 8 Units 267
Public Housing Units 289

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at San Marcos Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

San Marcos Housing Authority currently has 21 open waiting lists (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Elderly/Disabled Housing, Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa), FSS, FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program), FSS (Chapultepec Homes), Family Self-Sufficiency, Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS), Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec Homes), Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Other, PBV, Public Housing, Springtown Villa, Springtown Villa (Elderly & Disabled), Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only), Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled), Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing), Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled), other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at San Marcos Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $66,900/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official San Marcos Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at San Marcos Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. San Marcos Housing Authority manages approximately 556 assisted housing units (267 Section 8, 289 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in San Marcos. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at San Marcos Housing Authority

Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program open

The Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Elderly/Disabled Housing open

The Elderly/Disabled Housing program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa) open

The Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FSS open

The FSS program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program) open

The FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FSS (Chapultepec Homes) open

The FSS (Chapultepec Homes) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency open

The Family Self-Sufficiency program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS) open

The Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec Homes) open

The Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec Homes) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec) open

The Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) open

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other open

The Other program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at San Marcos Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in San Marcos. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at San Marcos Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. San Marcos Housing Authority manages approximately 289 Public Housing units in San Marcos. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Springtown Villa open

The Springtown Villa program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Springtown Villa (Elderly & Disabled) open

The Springtown Villa (Elderly & Disabled) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only) open

The Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled) open

The Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing) open

The Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled) open

The Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

other open

The other program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (Chapultepec) closed

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (Chapultepec) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for San Marcos. This program serves approximately 267 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other (Family Self-Sufficiency) closed

The Other (Family Self-Sufficiency) program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program closed

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program program at San Marcos Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Marcos. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at San Marcos Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. San Marcos Housing Authority administers 25 programs (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Elderly/Disabled Housing, Elderly/Disabled Housing (Springtown Villa), FSS, FSS (Chapultepec Family Self-Sufficiency Program), FSS (Chapultepec Homes), Family Self-Sufficiency, Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec FSS), Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec Homes), Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Other, PBV, Public Housing, Springtown Villa, Springtown Villa (Elderly & Disabled), Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled Only), Springtown Villa (Elderly or Disabled), Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled Housing), Springtown Villa (Elderly/Disabled), other, Family Self-Sufficiency Program (Chapultepec), HCV, Other (Family Self-Sufficiency), Family Self-Sufficiency Program) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1201 Thorpe Ln, San Marcos, TX.
How long is the wait at San Marcos Housing Authority?
Wait times at San Marcos Housing Authority depend on demand in San Marcos, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 556 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on May 27, 2026 when the Family Self-Sufficiency (Chapultepec) list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact San Marcos Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of San Marcos Housing Authority, including Kyle Housing Authority (7 mi), Lockhart Housing Authority (14 mi), New Braunfels Housing Authority (18 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Texas and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Texas.
How do I contact San Marcos Housing Authority?
You can reach San Marcos Housing Authority by phone at (512) 353-5058. Their office is located at 1201 Thorpe Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666. You can also email them at lana@smpha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for San Marcos Housing Authority?
Income limits for San Marcos Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA (currently $133,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $66,900. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

San Marcos Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the San Marcos Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $66,900. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $28,150 $46,850 $72,950
2 Persons $32,150 $53,550 $83,400
3 Persons $36,150 $60,250 $93,800
4 Persons $40,150 $66,900 $104,200
5 Persons $43,400 $72,300 $112,550
6 Persons $46,600 $77,650 $120,900
7 Persons $49,800 $83,000 $129,250
8 Persons $54,150 $88,350 $137,550
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $133,800 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.