What the Casper Housing Authority does

The Casper Housing Authority is a public agency that manages public housing, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and runs other affordable housing programs in Casper, Wyoming. It does not set local housing law or enforce tenant protections — that falls to the City of Casper and the state of Wyoming. The Authority's main job is to own and maintain public housing units, process voucher applications, and manage the waiting lists for both programs.

The Authority operates independently from the city government, though it receives some public funding. It answers to a board of commissioners and must follow federal housing rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you have a question about your rights as a tenant in a private rental, or about eviction law in Wyoming, the Housing Authority is not the right place to call — but they can often point you toward the right agency.

Key Takeaways

  • The Casper Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, but does not enforce tenant rights or handle private rental disputes.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and you must reapply if you are not contacted within a set period.
  • The Authority's office is located in Casper, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current program status and waiting list timelines.
  • If you are having trouble with a private landlord or need information about Wyoming tenant law, you will need to contact a different agency or legal aid organization.

Public housing managed by the Casper Housing Authority

The Authority owns and operates public housing apartments and townhomes throughout Casper. These units are rented to low-income households at below-market rates, with rent typically set at 30 percent of your household income. To live in public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD, which change each year based on the area median income for Natrona County.

Public housing waiting lists in Casper are typically long. The time from process to move-in can range from several months to several years, depending on the size of unit you need and how many units become available. The Authority maintains a single waiting list and contacts applicants in order as units open. If you are not contacted within a certain period — usually one to two years — you may need to reapply.

Once you are approved and move into a public housing unit, the Authority is your landlord. They handle maintenance, set the lease terms, and can evict you under Wyoming law if you violate the lease. Public housing leases include federal protections that private leases do not, such as limits on how rent can be raised and requirements for the Authority to give you written notice before ending your tenancy.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Section 8 program gives may be able to access households a voucher that covers part of the rent for a private apartment or house. You find your own unit, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference — typically 30 percent of your household income — out of pocket.

Section 8 waiting lists in Casper are also long and often closed to new applications. When the list is open, the Authority accepts applications for a limited time. Once closed, you must wait until it reopens, which may be months or years away. The Authority's website or phone line will tell you whether applications are currently being taken.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you have more choice in where you live than in public housing — you can rent from any landlord willing to accept the voucher and meet HUD standards. However, the unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection before you can move in, and the landlord must agree to the voucher payment amount. Some landlords refuse vouchers, which limits your options even with the voucher in hand.

How to contact the Casper Housing Authority

The Casper Housing Authority office is located in Casper and accepts phone calls, in-person visits, and mail. You can call to ask about waiting list status, current program openings, or general questions about how the programs work. Staff can tell you whether applications are being taken and what documents you will need to bring if you want to explore.

When you call or visit, have your name, address, and phone number ready. If you are calling about an existing process or tenancy, have your case number or lease information available. The office can also provide information about income limits for the current year and explain what counts as household income for program purposes.

If you need to reach the Authority by mail, you can send documents to their office address in Casper. For time-sensitive matters — such as a maintenance emergency in a public housing unit — call the office directly rather than mailing, as mail can take several days to arrive.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and Section 8 are limited to households earning below a certain income level. HUD sets these limits each year based on the area median income for Natrona County. For 2024, the limits vary by household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. The Casper Housing Authority can tell you the current year's limits when you call.

Household income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular sources of money. Some income does not count — for example, certain student loans and some types of information. The Authority will ask you to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters, when you explore.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to receive public housing or Section 8. The Authority will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status as part of the process. If you are unsure whether your immigration status qualifies, ask the Authority directly — they can explain the rules without reporting you to immigration authorities.

Maintenance and repairs in public housing

If you live in a Casper Housing Authority public housing unit and something breaks — a leaky faucet, broken window, heating problem — you report it to the Authority's maintenance department. You can call the office or submit a work order in person. The Authority is required by federal law to make repairs within a reasonable time, though emergency repairs (no heat in winter, no water) must be handled faster than routine ones.

If the Authority does not make a repair in a reasonable time, you have options under federal public housing law. You can request a hearing before the Authority's board, or you can contact a legal aid organization in Wyoming for information. You cannot withhold rent or break your lease straightforward because of a repair problem — you must follow the formal process.

When you disagree with the Housing Authority

If the Authority denies your process, terminates your voucher, or evicts you from public housing, you have the right to a hearing. The Authority must give you written notice of the reason and tell you how to request a hearing. The hearing is held before an independent hearing officer, not the Authority itself, and you can bring evidence and witnesses to support your case.

For questions about your rights in a hearing, or if you cannot afford a lawyer, contact Wyoming Legal Services or another legal aid organization in Casper. They can explain the hearing process and may be able to represent you. The hearing process is free — you do not pay the Authority or the hearing officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get off the waiting list?

Waiting times vary widely depending on the size of unit you need and how many units become available. Some people wait a few months; others wait several years. The Authority can tell you the current average wait time when you call, though individual timelines are unpredictable.

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

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists at once. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and stay on the other list, or you can withdraw from both. The programs operate separately, so being on one list does not affect your chances on the other.

What happens if I move or my phone number changes while I am on the waiting list?

You must notify the Authority of any address or phone number change. If the Authority tries to contact you and cannot reach you, they may remove you from the waiting list. Keep your contact information current by calling the office or visiting in person.

Does the Housing Authority handle complaints about private landlords?

No. The Authority only handles public housing and Section 8 programs. For complaints about a private landlord — such as failure to make repairs or illegal eviction — contact the City of Casper's housing inspector or Wyoming Legal Services for information about your rights under state law.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in another city or state?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another area and use your voucher there. However, you must contact the Casper Housing Authority first to request a transfer, and the receiving housing authority must have available funding. Not all areas accept transfers, so ask before you move.