What the Allentown Housing Authority does
The Allentown Housing Authority (AHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It operates under state and federal law, and its main job is to provide affordable housing options to low-income residents through public housing units and voucher programs. The Authority does not set its own rules — it follows regulations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
AHA owns and maintains public housing properties throughout the city and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly called Section 8), which allows residents to rent from private landlords using a voucher that covers part of the rent. The Authority also manages waiting lists for both programs and handles lease enforcement, maintenance requests, and rent collection for its public housing residents.
Key Takeaways
- The Allentown Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing it owns directly, and Housing Choice Vouchers that work with private landlords.
- Both programs have waiting lists, and the time to reach the top varies by program and current demand.
- You must meet income limits and other requirements set by HUD to be considered for either program.
- Once you are in a program, AHA handles rent collection, maintenance, and lease compliance, and you pay a portion of your income toward rent.
- Contact AHA directly at their office or by phone to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you need to provide.
Public housing managed by AHA
AHA owns and operates public housing apartments and townhouses throughout Allentown. These are units the Authority owns outright, maintains, and rents to low-income households. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — rather than market rate. The Authority handles all maintenance and repairs, and you pay utilities according to your lease.
Public housing is not temporary. Once you are placed in a unit, you can stay as long as you meet the lease terms and income limits. However, if your income rises above the program's ceiling, AHA may ask you to leave or may charge you a higher rent. The waiting list for public housing in Allentown is managed by AHA, and the time to be housed depends on the number of available units and how many people are ahead of you.
Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work
The Housing Choice Voucher program lets you find your own apartment from a private landlord and use a voucher to cover part of the rent. AHA issues the voucher, which is a commitment to pay the landlord a portion of the rent directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income. This gives you more choice in where you live than public housing does, because you are not limited to AHA-owned buildings.
To use a voucher, your landlord must agree to accept it and the unit must pass an AHA inspection. The landlord cannot refuse to rent to you straightforward because you have a voucher, though they can set reasonable lease terms. Once you move in, AHA pays the landlord each month and you pay your share. If you move, you can take your voucher to a new landlord, as long as the new rent is within AHA's payment limits for your area.
Income limits and who can be considered
Both public housing and vouchers have income limits set by HUD. These limits change each year and depend on family size and the area median income for Allentown. For example, a single person's income limit will be lower than a family of four's limit. You must be at or below the limit to be considered, though preference is often given to households with the lowest incomes.
Beyond income, AHA screens for criminal history, eviction history, and lease violations. The Authority has the right to deny housing based on these factors, though the rules vary. You have the right to know why you were denied and to request a hearing if you believe the decision was wrong. Contact AHA directly to learn the current income limits and what other factors they consider.
How to get on the waiting list
To be considered for either public housing or a voucher, you must be added to AHA's waiting list. The process begins at the Allentown Housing Authority office. You will need to provide proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, and information about your current housing situation. AHA staff will explain what documents are required and answer questions about the programs.
Waiting lists are typically closed when they become very long, and AHA reopens them periodically. Before you go to the office, call ahead to confirm the list is open and what documents to bring. The time from process to being housed can be months or years, depending on the program and the number of people on the list. AHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available.
Rent and what you pay each month
In both public housing and the voucher program, your rent is based on your income. You pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the program's minimum rent, whichever is higher. The minimum rent in Allentown varies but is typically between $50 and $75 per month. If your income changes, you must report it to AHA, and your rent will be recalculated.
In public housing, AHA collects rent from you and handles all maintenance. In the voucher program, you pay your share directly to the landlord each month, and AHA pays the landlord their portion. If you do not pay your rent on time, AHA can begin eviction proceedings, just as a private landlord can. Staying current on rent is essential to keeping your housing.
Maintenance and repairs in AHA housing
If you live in AHA public housing, the Authority is responsible for maintaining the building and making repairs. You report maintenance issues to AHA's maintenance department, usually by phone or in person at the office. AHA aims to respond to urgent repairs (like no heat or water) quickly, though response times vary. Non-urgent repairs may take longer.
If you are using a voucher in a private apartment, the landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs, not AHA. However, AHA inspects the unit before you move in and periodically afterward to may support it meets housing quality standards. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in or continue living there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher from AHA?
There is no set timeline. It depends on how many people are on the waiting list and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. Call AHA to ask about the current average wait time for each program.
Can I be denied housing because of my criminal record?
Yes. AHA can deny housing based on criminal history, but the decision must follow HUD rules. You have the right to know the specific reason and to request a hearing to challenge the decision. Contact AHA to learn what their policy is and what you can do if you are denied.
What happens if my income goes up while I am in public housing?
AHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. Your rent will increase, but you will not be evicted when ready. However, if your income stays above the program limit for a set period, AHA may ask you to leave. The exact rules depend on your lease and AHA policy.
Can I use my voucher anywhere in Allentown?
You can use your voucher with any landlord who accepts it, as long as the rent is within AHA's payment limit for that area of Allentown. Payment limits vary by neighborhood. AHA can tell you the limits for different areas and help you understand where your voucher will work.
What do I do if AHA is not making repairs to my apartment?
Contact AHA's maintenance department in writing and keep a copy. If repairs are not made within a reasonable time, you can file a complaint with AHA management or contact a local tenant rights organization. Do not stop paying rent, as that can lead to eviction, but document all repair requests and dates.