What the Denver Housing Authority does
The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Denver and surrounding areas. It does not build or fund housing itself — instead, it operates as a landlord, running apartment complexes and administering voucher programs that help people pay rent in the private market. If you live in the Denver metro area and need affordable housing, DHA is either a direct landlord or the organization that determines whether you can use a voucher to rent elsewhere.
DHA manages roughly 6,000 units of public housing and distributes thousands of vouchers each year. The agency also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) on behalf of the federal government. Understanding which DHA program might work for your situation requires knowing what each one actually does and who can use it.
Key Takeaways
- DHA operates public housing directly and also administers vouchers that let you rent from private landlords, but these are separate programs with different waiting lists.
- Public housing rent is based on your income (usually 30 percent of what you earn), while vouchers require you to find a landlord willing to accept them and pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.
- Both public housing and voucher waiting lists are closed or have years-long waits, so you should contact DHA directly to learn the current status rather than assuming you cannot get on a list.
- DHA requires proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check; criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but DHA evaluates each case.
- If you are experiencing homelessness, DHA runs supportive housing programs that combine a unit with case management and mental health services.
Public housing versus vouchers: which program is which
DHA public housing means you rent an apartment that DHA owns. The rent you pay is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent (usually around $150 to $200 depending on the property). You sign a lease with DHA, and DHA handles maintenance and repairs. Public housing is concentrated in specific neighborhoods — mostly north Denver, parts of northeast Denver, and some scattered sites — so your housing options are limited to whatever DHA owns.
A Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) is different: DHA gives you a voucher worth a certain dollar amount each month, and you use it to rent from any private landlord in the Denver metro area who will accept vouchers. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. For example, if your voucher is worth $1,200 and the apartment costs $1,500, you pay $300. This gives you more choice in where you live, but it requires finding a landlord willing to participate — many do not.
Both programs have separate waiting lists. You can be on both lists at the same time. Neither waiting list is currently open to new applicants, though DHA periodically reopens them. Contact DHA directly at 720-944-2400 or visit their website to confirm whether you can join a list right now.
Income limits and rent calculations for public housing
DHA public housing is open to households earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). For Denver in 2024, that means a single person can earn roughly $52,000 per year and a family of four can earn roughly $74,000 per year. These numbers change annually, so confirm the current limit with DHA before assuming you are ineligible.
Your rent in public housing is the higher of two amounts: 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or a minimum rent set by DHA (typically $150 to $200). If you earn $2,000 per month, your rent would be $600. If you earn $500 per month, your rent would be the minimum (say, $175). Rent increases if your income increases, and decreases if your income drops. You report income changes to DHA, and they recalculate your rent annually.
Utilities are usually included in public housing rent, though this varies by property. Ask DHA which utilities are covered at the specific complex you are interested in. Some properties charge a separate utility allowance if you pay your own water or heat.
How to get on the DHA waiting list
When DHA opens a waiting list, you submit an process in person at their office (1667 South Delaware Street, Denver) or online through their website. You will need to bring or upload proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and a photo ID. If you are explore for public housing, DHA will also run a background check.
The process process takes about 30 minutes if you have documents ready. DHA staff will ask about your household size, income, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements). They will give you a confirmation number and tell you your position on the waiting list. Waiting times vary — public housing waiting lists can be years long, while voucher lists may move faster depending on funding.
If the waiting list is closed when you contact DHA, ask when it is expected to reopen. Some lists reopen annually; others stay closed for extended periods. You can also ask to be notified when a list reopens, though DHA's notification system is limited. Check their website or call periodically to confirm status.
Background checks and criminal history
DHA runs a background check on all public housing applicants. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. DHA evaluates each case based on the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have demonstrated rehabilitation. Violent crimes, drug manufacturing, and sex offenses are more likely to result in denial, but DHA considers context.
If you have a criminal history, be honest on your process. Lying about it will result in when ready denial. If DHA denies you, you have the right to request a hearing where you can explain your circumstances. Contact DHA's administrative office to request a hearing within the timeframe specified in your denial letter (usually 10 days).
For vouchers, background check standards are slightly different — federal law prohibits vouchers for people with certain drug convictions, but other offenses are evaluated case-by-case. Ask DHA specifically about your situation rather than assuming you are ineligible.
Supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness
DHA runs several supportive housing programs for people who are currently homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. These programs combine a rental unit with case management, mental health services, and sometimes substance abuse treatment. Examples include the Supportive Housing Program and the Permanent Supportive Housing Program. Units are scattered throughout Denver rather than concentrated in one complex.
To access supportive housing, you typically go through the Denver Homeless Out Reach Office (DHOC) or a community partner agency that refers people to DHA. You do not explore directly to DHA for these programs. If you are homeless or at risk, contact DHOC at 720-913-1000 or visit a local shelter to ask about referrals. DHA will work with the referring agency to determine whether you meet the program's requirements.
What documents you need before you explore
DHA requires specific documents at the time you submit your process. Having them ready speeds up the process and prevents delays. The table below shows what counts as proof for each category and why DHA needs it.
| Document Type | What Counts | Why DHA Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Income | Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns (last 2 years), or employer letter on letterhead | To calculate rent and confirm you are within income limits |
| Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency | U.S. passport, green card, visa, or state ID with citizenship notation | Federal law requires it for public housing and vouchers |
| Photo ID | Driver's license, state ID, or passport | To verify your identity during process |
| Proof of Residency (if explore for vouchers) | Utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency in your name | To confirm you live in the DHA service area |
| Social Security Numbers | For all household members age 6 and older | Required by federal law for background checks and income verification |
If you do not have one of these documents, ask DHA what alternatives they will accept. For example, if you do not have a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer stating your hourly wage and hours worked may work. DHA staff can tell you what substitutes are allowed before you submit your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore to DHA if I have an eviction on my record?
An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but DHA will ask about it. If the eviction was recent (within the last few years), DHA may deny you or require a letter from your current landlord stating you pay rent on time. If it was several years ago and you have since maintained stable housing, it is less likely to be a barrier. Be honest about it on your process.
How long does it take to get housed after I get on the waiting list?
For public housing, waiting times range from one to five years depending on the property and your household size. Smaller units (studios and one-bedrooms) have longer waits. For vouchers, the wait is often shorter but still measured in months to years. DHA will give you an estimated timeframe when you join the list, though it can change.
What if I cannot get to DHA's office in person to explore?
DHA accepts online applications when the waiting list is open. You can upload documents through their website. If you need help, call 720-944-2400 and ask whether staff can information you over the phone or whether a community partner near you can help you explore.
Do I have to stay in public housing forever, or can I move out?
No — you can move out whenever you want. There is no lock-in period. If you move out, your unit goes back to DHA and someone else from the waiting list gets it. If you want to move to a different DHA property, you can request a transfer, though availability is limited.
What happens if my income goes up after I move into public housing?
Your rent will increase. DHA recalculates rent annually based on your reported income. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in public housing (the limit is usually 80 percent of AMI). DHA will give you notice and time to find other housing, but you cannot stay indefinitely if you exceed the income limit.