What the East Hartford Housing Authority does

The East Hartford Housing Authority (EHHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in East Hartford, Connecticut. It operates public housing units and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the town. The Authority does not build new housing or provide cash grants — it owns buildings where tenants live, and it distributes vouchers that subsidize rent at private landlord properties.

The Authority serves low-income households. To live in EHHA public housing or receive a Section 8 voucher, your household income must fall below a set limit. That limit changes each year and depends on household size. For 2024, a single person's income limit for EHHA programs is roughly 50% of the area median income; a family of four's limit is higher. The Authority publishes current income limits on its website and can confirm the exact figure for your household size when you contact them.

EHHA is not the same as the town's social services department or the state housing agency. It is a separate entity that manages its own properties and voucher program. If you need help paying rent or utilities, or if you are facing eviction, the town's social services office or a local nonprofit may have emergency funds — but that is different from EHHA's permanent housing programs.

Key Takeaways

  • EHHA runs public housing buildings and Section 8 vouchers; both require income verification and have waiting lists that can be years long.
  • Public housing means you rent from EHHA directly; Section 8 means you find a private landlord and EHHA pays part of the rent.
  • You must explore in person or by mail to EHHA's office; there is no online process portal for most programs.
  • Once you are on a waiting list, EHHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, which may take months or years depending on demand.
  • Income limits, rent amounts, and waiting list status change; contact EHHA directly to confirm current details for your situation.

EHHA public housing: how it works and who can explore

EHHA owns several public housing developments in East Hartford. When you live in EHHA public housing, you rent directly from the Authority. Your rent is set at 30% of your household's adjusted gross income, or the Authority's minimum rent, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is typically $50 to $100 per month, but EHHA sets this amount and can change it. You pay utilities separately unless the lease states otherwise.

To explore for public housing, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or may be able to access immigrant, and have a household income at or below EHHA's limit. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a Social Security number for each household member, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. EHHA also runs a background check and may deny you if you have a criminal history involving drugs or violence, or if you have been evicted for non-payment in the past three years.

You explore by visiting EHHA's office in person or by mailing a paper process. EHHA does not have an online process system. Once you explore, EHHA places you on a waiting list. The waiting list is long — in many cases, years. EHHA will contact you by phone or mail when a unit becomes available. You do not need to reapply; staying on the list means EHHA will reach out when your turn comes.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: how they work and how the process works

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that EHHA pays directly to a private landlord on your behalf. You find an apartment in East Hartford or a nearby town, the landlord agrees to accept Section 8, and EHHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of your own money. The voucher covers only part of the rent, so you will still have a housing payment each month.

The amount EHHA pays depends on the size of the unit and the local rent standard EHHA sets each year. For example, if EHHA's rent standard for a one-bedroom is $900 and your share is 30% of your income, and your income is $1,500 per month, you would pay $450 and EHHA would pay $450. If the landlord charges $1,100, you would pay $650. You are responsible for any rent above what EHHA pays.

To explore for Section 8, you must meet the same income and citizenship requirements as public housing. You explore at EHHA's office in person or by mail. The Section 8 waiting list is also long — often several years. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. If you do not find a unit in that time, you may lose the voucher. The landlord's property must pass an EHHA inspection before you can move in.

Documents you will need to explore

EHHA requires the same basic documents for both public housing and Section 8. Bring or mail originals or certified copies; EHHA will not accept photocopies for most documents. You will need:

  • A completed EHHA process form (available at the office or by mail request)
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment letter, Social Security statement, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead)
  • Proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document)
  • A Social Security number for each household member
  • Photo identification for the head of household
  • Proof of residency in East Hartford or the surrounding area (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)

If you receive benefits (SNAP, TANF, SSI, Social Security), bring a recent award letter or benefit statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. If you are unemployed, bring a letter from the Department of Labor or your most recent unemployment benefit statement. EHHA may ask for additional documents depending on your situation.

EHHA's office location and how to contact them

The East Hartford Housing Authority office is located at 104 New England Boulevard, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108. You can reach them by phone at (860) 289-2211. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but call ahead to confirm. EHHA does not have a website with online services, so you will need to visit in person or call to request an process by mail.

When you call, have your household size and approximate income ready. EHHA staff can tell you whether you may be within the income limit, how long the current waiting list is, and what documents to bring. They can also tell you whether applications are currently open. Some years, EHHA closes its waiting list when it becomes too long; if that happens, you will have to wait until it reopens to explore.

Waiting lists and how long it takes to get housing

Both EHHA public housing and Section 8 vouchers have waiting lists. The length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units or vouchers become available. In many Connecticut towns, the wait for Section 8 is five to ten years. The wait for public housing varies but is often shorter than Section 8 because there are fewer people on that list.

EHHA ranks people on the waiting list by date of process, with some exceptions. Families with a member who has a disability, or who are experiencing homelessness, may be moved higher on the list. Once you are on the list, you do not need to do anything except wait for EHHA to contact you. If you move or change your phone number, call EHHA to update your information so they can reach you.

While you wait, you can explore to other housing programs. You can be on EHHA's waiting list and also receive emergency rental funds from the town, or look for housing through a nonprofit. Being on EHHA's list does not prevent you from using other resources.

Income limits and rent calculations

EHHA's income limits are based on the area median income (AMI) for the Hartford region. For public housing, the limit is typically 50% of AMI. For Section 8, it is also 50% of AMI. These limits change each year, usually in April. A single person's limit for 2024 is approximately $35,000 to $38,000 per year, depending on the exact calculation. A family of four's limit is roughly $50,000 to $55,000 per year. Call EHHA to confirm the exact limit for your household size and the current year.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet EHHA's requirements. If your income is at or below the limit, you can explore. EHHA counts income from all sources: wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and benefits. EHHA does not count some income, such as child care subsidies or certain education grants. If you are unsure whether your income counts, ask EHHA when you explore.

In public housing, your rent is 30% of your adjusted income. EHHA subtracts certain expenses (such as medical costs or child care) from your gross income to get your adjusted income. For Section 8, the calculation is similar, but the voucher amount is based on EHHA's rent standard for your area, not your income. You always pay at least the minimum rent, even if 30% of your income is less.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

EHHA will place you on the waiting list when ready after you explore. You will not hear back until a unit or voucher becomes available, which can take months or years. EHHA will contact you by phone or mail when it is your turn. If you do not hear from them within a few months, call to confirm they have your correct contact information.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record?

EHHA will deny you if you have a conviction for drug-related crimes or crimes of violence within the past three years, or if you are a registered sex offender. Other criminal history is reviewed case by case. Call EHHA to discuss your situation before you explore; they can tell you whether your record will likely disqualify you.

What happens if my income increases after I move in?

If you live in EHHA public housing and your income increases, your rent will increase to 30% of your new adjusted income. You must report income changes to EHHA within 30 days. If you have a Section 8 voucher, your share of the rent may also increase. EHHA will recalculate your rent at your annual lease renewal.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists. If you receive a public housing unit first, you can stay on the Section 8 list and accept the voucher later if you prefer. Tell EHHA if you want to withdraw from one list or the other.

What if I cannot find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

EHHA gives you a limited time to find a unit, usually 60 to 120 days. If you do not find one, you may lose the voucher. Before your voucher expires, contact EHHA to ask for an extension. Some landlords are reluctant to accept Section 8 because of the inspection process or because they prefer higher-paying tenants. EHHA can provide a list of landlords who have accepted vouchers in the past.