Affordable and subsidized apartments cover a range of programs designed to keep rent tied to a household's income rather than the open market. In San Antonio that includes public housing run through the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA), privately owned Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, project-based Section 8 buildings, and a smaller number of nonprofit-managed communities serving seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities. We've identified 31 properties and programs in this category, ranging from high-rise senior buildings downtown to family townhomes on the East and West Sides.
What this category actually covers
Unlike a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 voucher), where you find your own apartment and take the voucher with you, most of the properties here have their own waitlists and set rents at a fixed percentage of your income or at a capped "affordable" rate tied to area median income (AMI). Some buildings mix both: a portion of units are tax-credit affordable and a portion are project-based Section 8. Eligibility usually depends on household size and income, and some properties add age or disability requirements on top of that.
What to look for before you apply
- Income limits and unit mix: confirm your household income falls within the required range for the specific unit size you need, since limits shift by bedroom count and household size.
- Waitlist status: some lists are closed for months or years at a time. Call directly rather than relying on a status shown online.
- Condition and management: older tax-credit and public housing stock varies widely in upkeep. Ask about recent renovations, pest control history, and how maintenance requests are handled.
- Location and services: proximity to bus lines, grocery stores, and clinics matters more here than in market-rate housing since many residents don't drive.
- Lease terms and recertification: understand how often income is reverified and what documentation you'll need to keep your rent at the subsidized rate.
Our ranked guide to low-income housing programs in San Antonio scores each property on factors like responsiveness, unit condition, and how clearly they communicate waitlist and eligibility information, so you can narrow the list before making calls. Details on how we weigh those factors are on our methodology page.