Income & Rent Limits
This webpage outlines the compliance requirements for income-restricted housing, supported by the City of Austin. All affordable housing programs have income eligibility requirements to ensure we target assistance to Austin's moderate- and low-income residents and families. Income restrictions for many of these programs are set by state and federal guidelines. Affordable housing will also have rent or sales price limits. Each program has different eligibility requirements, so be sure to check each program's specific criteria.
Effective June 1, 2026
Federal Eligibility Income Limits
Properties with income-restricted units must verify applicants' income eligibility. Households applying for an income-restricted unit must have a total household income that is at or below the specified percentage of the Median Family Income (MFI) for that unit.
Check your annual household income against the current income limits (effective June 1, 2026) for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The tables below and the print version linked above include the current income limits.
The limits are based on the HUD Median Family Income in the Austin-Round Rock area. Learn more about HUD's methodology for setting income limits, or read more about rent and income limits issued by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets income limits annually.
HOME Program: Income Limits
The Median Income for the fiscal year 2026 is $134,400. For mobile users: please scroll right to view the entire table.
| Income Limit | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | $18,800 | $21,500 | $24,200 | $26,900 | $29,050 | $31,200 | $33,350 | $35,500 |
| *30% | $28,250 | $32,250 | $36,300 | $40,300 | $43,550 | $46,750 | $50,000 | $53,200 |
| 40% | $37,650 | $43,000 | $48,400 | $53,750 | $58,050 | $62,350 | $66,650 | $70,950 |
| *50% | $47,050 | $53,800 | $60,500 | $67,200 | $72,600 | $78,000 | $83,350 | $88,750 |
| *60% | $56,460 | $64,560 | $72,600 | $80,640 | $87,120 | $93,600 | $100,020 | $106,500 |
| 65% | $61,150 | $69,900 | $78,600 | $87,350 | $94,350 | $101,350 | $108,350 | $115,300 |
| 70% | $65,850 | $75,250 | $84,650 | $94,100 | $101,600 | $109,150 | $116,650 | $124,200 |
| *80% | $74,800 | $85,450 | $96,150 | $106,800 | $115,350 | $123,900 | $132,450 | $141,000 |
| 100% | $94,100 | $107,500 | $120,950 | $134,400 | $145,150 | $155,900 | $166,650 | $177,400 |
| 120% | $112,900 | $129,000 | $145,150 | $161,300 | $174,200 | $187,100 | $200,000 | $212,900 |
| 140% | $131,700 | $150,550 | $169,350 | $188,150 | $203,200 | $218,250 | $233,300 | $248,350 |
*income provided by HUD
HOME Program: Rent Limits
For mobile users: please scroll right to view the entire table.
| Rent Limit | Efficiency | 1-bedroom | 2-bedroom | 3-bedroom | 4-bedroom | 5-bedroom | 6-bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **30% Rent Limit | $706 | $756 | $907 | $1,048 | $1,168 | $1,290 | $1,330 |
| **40% Rent Limit | $941 | $1,008 | $1,210 | $1,398 | $1,560 | $1,721 | $1,882 |
| *50% Rent Limit | $1,176 | $1,260 | $1,512 | $1,747 | $1,950 | $2,151 | $2,352 |
| 60% Rent Limit | $1,411 | $1,614 | $1,815 | $2,016 | $2,178 | $2,340 | $2,500 |
| *65% Rent Limit | $1,509 | $1,618 | $1,944 | $2,237 | $2,476 | $2,714 | $2,951 |
| 80% Rent Limit | $1,870 | $2,136 | $2,403 | $2,670 | $2,883 | $3,097 | $3,311 |
| 100% Rent Limit | $2,352 | $2,687 | $3,023 | $3,360 | $3,628 | $3,897 | $4,166 |
| 120% Rent Limit | $2,822 | $3,225 | $3,628 | $4,032 | $4,355 | $4,677 | $5,000 |
| *Low HOME Rent Limit | $1,176 | $1,260 | $1,512 | $1,747 | $1,950 | $2,151 | $2,352 |
| *High HOME Rent Limit | $1,474 | $1,562 | $1,852 | $2,237 | $2,476 | $2,714 | $2,951 |
| *Fair Market Rent (for information only) | $1,447 | $1,530 | $1,817 | $2,292 | $2,689 | $3,092 | $3,496 |
*Rents provided by HUD;
**Rents provided by TDHCA
City of Austin Rent Limits
The tables linked below show the current rent limits and sales price limits for all City of Austin affordable housing incentive programs. Rent limits are updated annually based on Median Family Income.
- Development Incentive Rent Rates (PDF)
- University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Rent Rates (PDF)
- Development Agreements Rent Rates (PDF)
Properties participating in a state or federal program with active monitoring, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit or the HUD 202 program, may follow the compliance guidelines and rent limits for that separate program. A property that commits to providing income-restricted units solely to obtain a state property tax exemption is not included in this exemption and must follow City of Austin guidelines.
City of Austin Sales Price Limits
Affordable housing developments that offer affordable units for sale through the City of Austin's affordable housing incentive programs must sell those units at or below the affordable prices Austin Housing sets annually.
City of Austin Affordability Program Compliance
Below are the monitoring and compliance guidelines for the City of Austin's affordability programs.
These guides outline compliance requirements for properties participating in City of Austin affordable housing incentive programs, such as S.M.A.R.T. Housing, DB90, University Neighborhood Overlay, and others. These guides cover income qualification, rent limits, leasing fees, lease renewals, and other common topics.
Properties participating in state or federal affordable housing programs should reference the compliance rules for their respective program.
- Development Incentives and Agreements Guide
The City of Austin’s Development Incentive Program allows developments to achieve greater height and density or reduce parking in exchange for providing affordable Housing and other community benefits.
This document provides an overview of requirements for Income Determination, Rents, Compliance, and Monitoring for projects that have opted to participate in a Development Incentive Program with an affordable Housing requirement.
- University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Guide
The City of Austin’s University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Density Bonus Program allows developments to achieve greater height and density or a reduction in parking requirements in exchange for providing affordable housing and other community benefits.
This document provides an overview of the requirements for Income Determination, Rents, Compliance, and Monitoring for projects developed under the UNO Ordinance, as amended, in the West Campus area.
- Approved Need-Based Financial Aid Packages for Student Eligibility
This document provides the 2024 UT Austin SMART Awards List with long and short titles.
- All Development Incentive Programs: Income Verification Forms
Property managers are required to use forms approved by Austin Housing to gather and maintain the documentation needed to assess income eligibility.
Properties that participate in state or federal funding programs, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), may use the forms mandated by those specific programs. For all other properties, managers should use the form linked below.
Finding Affordable Housing
The City of Austin does not have an application process for individuals looking to rent an affordable unit.
Prospective tenants who want to apply for an affordable housing unit within Austin city limits must contact the apartment community of interest and complete its application process.
- Affordable Housing Online Search Tool (AHOST)
Use the Affordable Housing Online Search Tool (AHOST) to find an affordable apartment. Enter your household income and household size to view available rental properties.
This website includes privately restricted rental units that may not be subject to the City’s monitoring and compliance guidelines.
AHOST for Property Managers
If you manage a property and wish to list your affordable units on the Affordable Housing Online Search Tool, please complete the survey to help interested renters find the perfect match and contact your property.
- Renter Resources
Austin Housing offers programs, services, and resources that address the needs of vulnerable residents by collaborating with nonprofit organizations to collectively reach individuals and families in Austin.
- Homebuyer & Homeowner Resources
Austin Housing offers programs, services, and resources for eligible homeowners and homebuyers.