Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about what IncomeBasedApartments.com does, what it doesn't do, and how your personalized apartment list works.
About the Service
What does IncomeBasedApartments.com do?
We research apartment communities using the information you submit and send you a personalized apartment list by text and email within 48 hours. We focus on tax credit communities, income-restricted apartments, and properties with lower minimum-income requirements. We do not issue vouchers, determine government-program eligibility, approve rental applications, or guarantee housing.
Who operates the service?
The Income Based Apartment Team operates the site. Spirit Real Estate Group, LLC is the broker. The team is based in Austin, Texas, and brings 20+ years of combined experience.
Does receiving a list mean I qualify?
No. Your list provides researched apartment options to explore. Each community confirms current rents, availability, eligibility, and screening requirements and makes its own approval decisions.
Do you guarantee availability or approval?
No. Availability changes and each community makes its own approval decisions. We date the information we research and flag what you should confirm before applying.
How do you use and share my information?
We use your information to research apartment options, deliver your list, and communicate about your request. Optional marketing consent is separate. Our Privacy Policy explains how information is handled and shared.
Requests and Delivery
What information do you need?
We need your preferred locations, monthly rent budget, approximate gross household income, household size, bedrooms needed, and move timing, plus your email and mobile number to deliver your list. Voucher status, pets, accessibility features, and other considerations are optional. We never ask for Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, ID documents, or income-verification uploads for a research request.
When will I receive my list?
You'll receive your personalized list within 48 hours of submitting a completed search request.
How will my list be delivered?
We send your list by both text message and email, using the mobile number and email address you provide.
Do I apply through your website?
No. Your search request is a research request, not a rental application. You apply directly with each community, following the next steps on your list.
Will you contact communities during research?
Yes, when clarification is needed. We communicate daily with leasing agents, onsite staff, and management, and your list shows which details were confirmed with leasing staff, which were published on a property website, and which still need confirmation.
How can I update my information?
Email texas@incomebasedapartments.com, or reply to your confirmation message, with the corrected email, phone number, or search criteria. We'll let you know how the update affects your request.
Apartment Types
Are all listed apartments income-based?
No. Our research includes tax credit apartments, income-restricted communities, and properties with lower minimum-income requirements. Not every apartment we identify calculates rent based on your income.
What is a tax credit community?
A tax credit community takes part in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which TDHCA administers in Texas. Designated units have income and rent restrictions. Those restrictions don't automatically mean you pay a percentage of your own income.
What does "lower income requirement" mean?
It means a property's screening criteria may require less income relative to rent than other communities, for example less than the common '3x the rent' rule. It does not mean the property is subsidized or income-restricted, and criteria vary by property and can change.
Where We Research
Where do you offer apartment research?
We research apartments in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and nearby suburbs, such as Katy and Pearland near Houston, Plano and Irving near Dallas, Arlington near Fort Worth, Round Rock and Kyle near Austin, and Schertz and New Braunfels near San Antonio. You can choose more than one area and tell us how far you're willing to move.
How We're Funded
How is the service funded?
The service is funded by apartment referral commissions paid by apartment communities. Referral compensation does not guarantee a discount, approval, or preferential treatment. Our Referral Compensation Disclosure explains how it works.
Didn't find your answer?
Email texas@incomebasedapartments.com, or browse our Housing Guides for detailed explanations of income limits, tax credit apartments, and applying.
Ready for Your Researched Apartment List?
Submit your criteria in a few minutes. Receive your researched options by text and email within 48 hours.
- No SSN or documents needed
- List by text and email
- Research request, not an application