# Income Recertification: What Happens Mid-Lease (Texas) | Income Restricted Apartments > Worried a raise costs your apartment? Annual recertification, what URL: https://incomerestrictedapartments.com/guide/what-happens-when-your-income-changes-mid-lease/ Last-Modified: 2026-06-16 ![Renter opening a recertification notice letter at home](/images/misc/renter-opening-recertification-notice-letter-at-ho.webp) ## The Fear vs the Reality A common worry: “If I get a raise, will I be evicted from my LIHTC unit?” Almost never. Here’s what actually happens. ## What Recertification Is Once a year (usually on the anniversary of your lease), compliance calls you in to update your income, household composition, and any deductions. You provide current pay stubs, benefit letters, or self-employment documentation. They calculate your annualized income and compare it to the current tier limit. Most tenants sail through recertification and stay put. Rent stays the same. ## The Three Common Outcomes **1\. Income still under the tier limit.** No change. Keep your unit, same rent. **2\. Income above the tier limit but under 140%.** You keep your unit; LIHTC rent stays capped by tier so it doesn’t automatically rise. The community must comply with mixed-tier rules going forward. **3\. Income above 140% of the tier limit.** The “next available unit rule” kicks in: the next comparable vacancy at the property must be rented to a new income-qualified household. You still keep your unit. In some cases the community can also raise the rent to market for over-income tenants; policy varies. ![Timeline of annual income recertification steps](/images/misc/timeline-of-annual-income-recertification-steps-af.webp) ## Public Housing and Voucher Recertification **Public housing**: rent is a share of income, so a raise means your rent goes up (and a pay cut means your rent goes down). Interim recertification is available if your income changes significantly mid-year. **Housing Choice Voucher**: your PHA re-checks income annually and may adjust your rent share. Interim recert is available; report changes promptly. ## Income Drops Between Recerts If your income drops significantly, don’t wait for the annual cycle. Request an interim recertification. Your rent (in public housing or voucher programs) will drop to reflect the new lower income. LIHTC doesn’t adjust downward the same way because rent is tier-capped, but income drops still don’t push you out. ## Household Changes Adding or removing household members (marriage, divorce, child, adult child moving in or out) also triggers recertification. Compliance will re-count income and household size. ## What to Bring - Current pay stubs (last 2-3 months) for each working adult - Benefit award letters (SSI, SSDI, VA, pension) - Bank statements (if self-employed) - Any change-of-composition documentation ## Related Reading - LIHTC Income Recertification When Your Income Rises [/guide/lihtc-income-recertification-when-income-rises/ →](/guide/lihtc-income-recertification-when-income-rises/) - How to Qualify for Income Restricted Apartments [/guide/how-to-qualify-for-income-restricted-apartments/ →](/guide/how-to-qualify-for-income-restricted-apartments/) Start the free intake [/contact/ →](/contact/) if you’re planning your next move. ## Frequently Asked Questions Will I lose my apartment if I get a raise? + Usually no, especially in LIHTC. LIHTC rent is capped by tier, not by your personal income, so a raise doesn't automatically raise your rent. If your income rises above 140% of the tier limit, the next-available-unit rule may apply, not eviction. In public housing, your rent is a share of income and moves with it. How often is income recertified? + Typically once a year. Some programs (Section 8 vouchers, public housing) may also require interim recertification if your income drops significantly or rises significantly mid-year. What gets re-checked? + Household income (all adults, gross), household composition (who's living there), assets, and any deductions (medical, dependent care). Bring current documentation similar to what you provided at move-in. ## Related Guides ### 2026 Income Limits & AMI Tables by Texas Metro and Household Size 2026 AMI income limits (30/50/60/80%) for affordable apartments by Texas metro and household size. Updated annually from HUD/TDHCA. [2026 Income Limits & AMI Tables by Texas Metro and Household Size →](/guide/2026-income-limits-ami-tables-by-metro-household-size/) ### Accessible & Disability Income Restricted Housing Need an ADA-accessible affordable unit? Accessible set-asides, reasonable accommodations, and how we match you to disability-friendly communities. [Accessible & Disability Income Restricted Housing →](/guide/accessible-disability-income-restricted-housing/) ### Family (2-3 Bedroom) Income Restricted Apartments Need a larger income restricted unit? Occupancy rules, how bedroom count affects AMI, and waitlist realities for 2-3 bedroom units. [Family (2-3 Bedroom) Income Restricted Apartments →](/guide/family-2-3-bedroom-income-restricted-apartments/) ### Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) Explained A Housing Choice Voucher helps pay rent at accepting properties. What HCV is, how to get one from your PHA, portability, and how we help. [Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) Explained →](/guide/housing-choice-vouchers-hcv-explained/) ![](/images/misc/texas-income-restricted-apartment-community-family.webp) Free · No Application Fees Wasted ## Want a Match, Not Just Info? Start the free 5-minute intake. Licensed Texas team, matches within 24-48 hours, application fee rebate on approval. See If I Qualify [/contact/ →](/contact/) Read More Guides [/guide/ →](/guide/)