What the Chattanooga Housing Authority does

The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Hamilton County, Tennessee. It does not build or own all the housing it manages — instead, it administers federal funding that helps low-income households pay rent, and it operates public housing communities where tenants pay rent based on their income.

The agency's main programs are public housing (where CHA owns the buildings) and Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly called Section 8 vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and the voucher covers part of your rent). Both programs require you to meet income limits and other conditions, and both have waiting lists because demand exceeds available funding.

CHA also manages supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness and administers emergency rental information when federal funding is available. The specific programs open at any given time depend on current funding and staffing, so the first step is always to contact CHA directly to learn what is currently available.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chattanooga Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs funded by the federal government, not by local tax dollars alone.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and you must meet income limits based on the area median income for Hamilton County.
  • You can contact CHA by phone at (423) 629-1111 or visit their office at 801 East 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403 to learn which programs are currently open.
  • Public housing means CHA owns your building; a Housing Choice Voucher means you find your own rental and the voucher helps pay the landlord.
  • Emergency rental information and supportive housing programs open and close based on federal funding, so availability changes throughout the year.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

CHA operates two distinct rental information paths. Public housing means you rent an apartment or house that CHA owns. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, and CHA covers the rest from federal funding. You must meet income limits, pass a background check, and agree to lease terms. Public housing communities in Chattanooga include East Lake Court, Harriet Tubman Homes, and several other developments.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work differently: you find a rental property on the private market, the landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and CHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your household size. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to participate, and the rental market in Chattanooga means some neighborhoods have fewer participating properties than others.

Both programs require you to live in the Chattanooga area and meet income limits. Both have waiting lists. Public housing typically has a shorter wait in some cases because it is managed directly by CHA, while voucher waiting lists can be years long in many cities. Contact CHA to learn current wait times for each program.

Income limits and who can explore

CHA programs are reserved for households earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Hamilton County. The actual dollar limit depends on your household size and changes annually. For example, if you are a single person, the income limit is lower than for a family of four. CHA publishes current income limits on its website and can provide them by phone.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. CHA will verify this during the process process. You also must pass a background check; CHA screens for criminal history, eviction records, and lease violations. Having a record does not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or recent evictions make approval less likely.

If you are currently experiencing homelessness, CHA has supportive housing programs that may have different or more flexible requirements. These programs pair housing with case management services. Ask CHA specifically about homeless services when you call.

How to contact the Chattanooga Housing Authority

The main CHA office is located at 801 East 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403. You can reach them by phone at (423) 629-1111 during business hours. CHA also maintains a website where you can find information about current programs, waiting list status, and how to request an process.

When you call or visit, ask which programs are currently open and whether the waiting list is accepting new names. Some programs close to new applications when the waiting list is full, then reopen later as people move out or their circumstances change. This is normal and does not mean you can never get on the list — it means you may need to call back at a later date.

If you need help understanding the process or have questions about your specific situation, CHA staff can answer them. You can also ask about other resources in Chattanooga if CHA programs are not currently open to new people.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers operate waiting lists. The length of the wait varies by program and changes over time. In some cases, public housing waiting lists are shorter because CHA directly controls the supply. Voucher waiting lists are often longer because they depend on landlords participating in the program, and turnover can be slow.

When you are on a waiting list, CHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within the timeframe CHA specifies, usually a few days. If you do not respond, you may be skipped and have to reapply later. Keep your contact information current with CHA if your phone number or address changes.

While you wait, you can still search for housing on your own. Being on a CHA waiting list does not prevent you from renting elsewhere or from being on other waiting lists. Some people use emergency rental information or other temporary programs while waiting for permanent CHA housing.

What happens after you are approved

Once CHA approves you for public housing, you will be assigned a unit based on availability and your household size. CHA will explain the lease terms, your rent amount (30 percent of your income), and your responsibilities as a tenant. You will sign a lease and move in. Your rent is recalculated annually based on your current income.

If you receive a Housing Choice Voucher, CHA will give you the voucher amount and explain how to use it. You then search for a rental property that meets CHA standards (the landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a CHA inspection). Once you find a place and the landlord agrees, CHA and the landlord sign a contract, and you move in. You pay the difference between your portion and the voucher amount.

In both cases, you must follow the lease, pay your portion of rent on time, and maintain the unit. CHA can terminate your lease for non-payment, lease violations, or criminal activity. If your income changes, report it to CHA so your rent can be adjusted.

Other programs and resources CHA offers

Beyond public housing and vouchers, CHA administers emergency rental information when federal funding is available. This program pays back rent or upcoming rent for households facing eviction or homelessness. Funding and may be able to access change based on federal appropriations, so ask CHA whether this program is currently open.

CHA also operates supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, often in partnership with local nonprofits. These programs combine housing with case management, mental health services, or job training. If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, mention this when you contact CHA.

CHA can also refer you to other local resources, such as nonprofits that help with utility information, food banks, or job training. If you do not currently meet income limits or are waiting for a CHA program, ask about these alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Chattanooga?

Wait times vary by program and change throughout the year as people move out or move in. Call CHA at (423) 629-1111 to ask the current wait time for the specific program you are interested in. Some programs may have a shorter wait than others.

Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and a Housing Choice Voucher at the same time?

Yes. You can explore to both programs and be on both waiting lists. If you receive one first, you can accept it and ask CHA to remove you from the other list, or you can stay on both lists in case circumstances change.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but CHA will review it as part of your background check. Recent evictions are viewed more seriously than older ones. Contact CHA to discuss your specific situation — they can tell you whether you are likely to be approved.

Do I have to live in a specific neighborhood if I get public housing?

CHA assigns public housing units based on availability and your household size. You do not choose the neighborhood, though you can ask CHA about the locations of available units. With a Housing Choice Voucher, you have more freedom to choose where you live, as long as the landlord accepts the voucher and the unit meets CHA standards.

What if CHA programs are not currently open to new people?

Ask CHA when they expect to reopen the waiting list. In the meantime, explore other resources: emergency rental information (if available), nonprofits that help with rent, utility information programs, or temporary housing. CHA staff can refer you to these options.