What the Annapolis Housing Authority does

The Annapolis Housing Authority (AHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Annapolis, Maryland. It operates public housing units, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and manages other affordable housing programs for low- and moderate-income residents. The Authority does not set city policy — it carries out housing programs under federal and state law.

The AHA serves as the local landlord for public housing residents and as the voucher administrator for Section 8 participants. If you live in an AHA property or hold an AHA voucher, the Authority handles rent collection, maintenance, lease enforcement, and program rules. Understanding which program you are in — or which one you are considering — matters because the rules, costs, and processes differ significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Annapolis Housing Authority manages public housing units and administers Section 8 vouchers, which are two separate programs with different rules and costs.
  • Public housing residents pay rent based on 30 percent of their household income, while Section 8 voucher holders pay a portion of rent to their private landlord and the program covers the rest.
  • Both programs have waiting lists; the Section 8 list is often closed and can have years-long waits when it reopens.
  • The AHA office is located in Annapolis and handles lease issues, rent disputes, maintenance requests, and program questions for residents and voucher holders.
  • Eviction from an AHA property or loss of a voucher follows specific legal procedures, but the Authority can terminate tenancy or voucher status for lease violations or program non-compliance.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The Annapolis Housing Authority operates two distinct programs, and they work very differently. Public housing means you rent a unit that the AHA owns directly. You sign a lease with the Authority, pay rent to the Authority, and the Authority maintains the building. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income — so if your income is $2,000 per month, your rent is roughly $600. The Authority covers the rest of the operating costs through federal subsidies.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work the opposite way. The program gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to a private landlord. You find your own apartment on the open market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and you pay a portion of the rent while the voucher covers the difference. Your share is typically 30 percent of your income, but the landlord's rent must fall within the program's payment standard for your area. You sign a lease with the landlord, not the Authority — but the Authority still enforces program rules and can revoke your voucher if you violate them.

Public housing is simpler in some ways: one landlord, one lease, income-based rent. Section 8 gives you more choice of where to live, but you have to find a willing landlord and navigate the rental market. Both programs have waiting lists, and both have income limits that vary by household size.

How to contact the Annapolis Housing Authority

The AHA office is located at 2 Melvin Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. You can reach them by phone at 410-268-6800. The office handles inquiries about public housing, Section 8 vouchers, waiting lists, lease questions, maintenance requests, and rent payment issues.

If you are a current resident or voucher holder, you may have a dedicated case manager or housing specialist assigned to your file. Calling the main number will route you to the right department. If you are inquiring about the waiting list or program information, ask to speak with an intake specialist. For maintenance emergencies in public housing, the Authority typically has an after-hours number posted in your lease or on the building.

The AHA website may also post updates about waiting list status, program changes, and community notices. Check the site or call to confirm current office hours and whether the Section 8 waiting list is open, as this changes periodically.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists, and both can be long. The length and wait time depend on how many units are available, how many people are on the list, and how quickly people move through the program. The public housing waiting list is typically shorter than Section 8, but neither is short.

The Section 8 waiting list is frequently closed. When it is closed, new applications are not accepted. When it reopens, it may reopen for a limited time or until a certain number of applications are received. The AHA will announce when the list opens, usually through the office phone line, the website, or local media. If you call and the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does.

Once you are on a waiting list, your position depends on the date you applied and sometimes on local preference categories (such as living or working in Annapolis). The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within the timeframe given — usually a few days — or you may lose your place on the list.

Income limits and household size

Both public housing and Section 8 have maximum income limits based on household size and area median income. These limits change annually. For Annapolis, the limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vary by the number of people in your household.

If your household income exceeds the limit, you are not currently may be able to access for either program. If your income is below the limit when you are admitted, you can stay in the program even if your income later rises — though the Authority may adjust your rent or eventually ask you to leave if you significantly exceed the limit. The exact rules depend on the program and your lease.

To find the current income limits for Annapolis, call the AHA office or check the HUD website, which publishes limits by area. Have your household size ready when you call, as the limit is different for a single person, a family of two, a family of three, and so on.

Lease violations and eviction procedures

If you are a public housing resident, your lease with the Annapolis Housing Authority is a legal contract. The Authority can begin eviction proceedings if you violate the lease — for example, by not paying rent, allowing unauthorized occupants to live in the unit, engaging in criminal activity, or damaging the property. The Authority must follow Maryland eviction law, which requires written notice and an opportunity to cure (fix) the violation within a set time, usually 14 days for non-payment of rent.

If you do not cure the violation, the Authority can file for eviction in District Court. You have the right to appear in court and present your side. The judge decides whether eviction is warranted. If the judge rules in favor of the Authority, you will be given time to move — typically 10 days — before a sheriff can remove you and your belongings.

If you hold a Section 8 voucher, the rules are similar but the landlord is the one who files for eviction, not the Authority. However, the Authority can revoke your voucher if you violate program rules, which would end your subsidy and leave you responsible for the full rent. The Authority must give you notice and a chance to respond before revoking your voucher.

Maintenance and repair requests

Public housing residents report maintenance problems to the Annapolis Housing Authority. Most properties have a maintenance office or a phone number for work orders. Non-emergency repairs — a leaky faucet, a broken light fixture, a door that does not close — should be reported during business hours. Emergency repairs — no heat in winter, a gas leak, a roof leak causing water damage — should be reported when ready, often through an after-hours number.

The Authority is responsible for keeping the unit and building in habitable condition under the lease and Maryland housing code. If the Authority does not make repairs in a reasonable time, you may have the right to withhold rent, repair it yourself and deduct the cost from rent, or break the lease — but these remedies have specific legal requirements. Before taking any of these steps, document the problem in writing, send a written request to the Authority, and give them a reasonable time to respond. If they do not, consult a local legal aid organization or tenant rights group.

Section 8 voucher holders report repairs to their private landlord, not the Authority. The landlord is responsible for maintenance. If the landlord does not make repairs, you have the same remedies as any tenant in Maryland, but you should also notify the AHA because the Authority inspects Section 8 units and can remove a landlord from the program if the unit falls below housing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Section 8 waiting list is open?

Call the Annapolis Housing Authority at 410-268-6800 and ask whether the Section 8 waiting list is currently accepting applications. The list opens and closes periodically based on funding and the number of vouchers available. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request a call when it does.

What happens if I lose my job while on the waiting list?

Your position on the waiting list is not affected by a change in income. However, when a unit or voucher becomes available, you must still meet the income limit at that time. If your income has dropped below the limit, you will likely still be may be able to access. If it has risen above the limit, you may not be. Call the Authority to discuss your situation.

Can I be evicted for having a guest stay too long?

Yes, if your lease prohibits it or limits guest stays. Public housing leases typically require that occupants be listed on the lease and that guests not stay beyond a certain period (often 14 days). Unauthorized occupants can be grounds for eviction. If you want someone to move in permanently, you must request a lease modification from the Authority. Do not wait until you receive a notice to cure.

What if I disagree with the Authority's decision to revoke my Section 8 voucher?

You have the right to request a hearing before the voucher is revoked. The Authority must give you written notice of the reason and information about how to request a hearing. The hearing is held before an impartial officer who reviews the facts. You can present evidence and witnesses. If you lose the hearing, you may have the right to appeal, depending on the reason for revocation.

Do I have to pay utilities if I live in public housing?

It depends on your lease and the unit. Some AHA units include utilities in the rent; others require tenants to pay for electricity, gas, or water. Your lease will specify which utilities you are responsible for. If you are unsure, call the AHA office or check your lease document.