How the Cheyenne Housing Authority Works and What Programs It Runs

What the Cheyenne Housing Authority does

The Cheyenne Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that runs rental information and public housing programs in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It does not build or own most of the housing it manages — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it oversees a smaller number of public housing units it owns directly. The Authority answers to a local board and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

CHA administers two main programs: the Housing Choice Voucher program (often called Section 8) and public housing. Both serve households below certain income thresholds. The Authority also manages waiting lists, conducts income verification, and inspects units to may support they meet housing quality standards. If you are looking for rental help in Cheyenne, CHA is usually the first place to contact because it holds the waiting lists and can tell you which programs have openings.

Key Takeaways

The Cheyenne Housing Authority runs the Housing Choice Voucher program and public housing in Cheyenne, and maintains waiting lists for both.
Most CHA programs require your household income to fall below 50 to 80 percent of the area median income, depending on the program.
Waiting lists for vouchers and public housing are typically closed or have long wait times; you can contact CHA to learn the current status.
You will need proof of income, residency, and identity to be considered, and CHA staff will verify your information before approval.
CHA's main office is located in Cheyenne, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and next steps.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) through CHA

The Housing Choice Voucher program is CHA's largest program. When you receive a voucher, CHA pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount CHA pays is based on your household income and the local rent standard — not on what your landlord actually charges. You choose your own rental unit (within CHA's rent limits), and your landlord must agree to participate in the program.

To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords participate, so this can take time. Once you have a lease and a participating landlord, CHA inspects the unit to confirm it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, and structural safety. If the unit passes, CHA signs a contract with your landlord and begins paying their portion of the rent each month.

The waiting list for vouchers in Cheyenne is typically closed or very long. Contact CHA directly to learn whether the list is open and, if so, how to request to be added. Even if the list is closed now, you can ask to be notified when it reopens.

Public Housing managed by CHA

CHA owns and operates a smaller number of public housing units throughout Cheyenne. These are apartments or homes that CHA owns directly. When you live in public housing, you pay rent to CHA based on your income — typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. CHA handles maintenance and repairs, and you sign a lease with the Authority.

Public housing units are inspected regularly and must meet the same housing quality standards as voucher units. Rent is usually lower than market rent in the area because your payment is tied to your income rather than the unit's market value. The waiting list for public housing also tends to be closed or long; contact CHA to ask about current availability.

Income limits and who can explore

Both voucher and public housing programs have income limits. These limits change each year and depend on your household size. Generally, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income to be considered for initial placement, though some households earning up to 80 percent of median income may be able to stay in the program if they were already enrolled.

Income limits for a family of four in the Cheyenne area are typically in the range of $35,000 to $56,000 per year, but this varies annually. CHA counts income from wages, self-employment, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular sources. Contact CHA to learn the exact income limits for your household size in the current year.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. CHA will verify this during the process process. If you have an eviction record or criminal history, you may still be considered, but CHA reviews each case individually and may deny you based on lease violations or criminal activity.

Documents you will need

When you contact CHA or submit a request to be added to a waiting list, have the following documents ready or be prepared to gather them:

Photo identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letter, or unemployment statement)
Proof of residency in Cheyenne or Wyoming (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
Social Security numbers for all household members
Proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status
Information about any other household members living with you

If your income is irregular or you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or most recent statement. CHA staff will tell you exactly what they need once you contact them.

How to contact the Cheyenne Housing Authority

The Cheyenne Housing Authority's main office is located in Cheyenne. You can reach them by phone to ask about waiting list status, program details, and next steps. CHA staff can tell you whether lists are open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents to bring if you decide to visit in person.

You can also visit the CHA office during business hours to speak with a staff member face-to-face. This is often faster than calling if you have questions about your specific situation. Bring your identification and proof of income so staff can answer questions about your household's income and household size.

If you are unsure whether you meet the income limits or have questions about which program might work for you, call first. CHA staff can do a quick screening over the phone and let you know whether it makes sense to explore.

What happens after you are added to a waiting list

Once you are on a waiting list, CHA will contact you when a voucher or public housing unit becomes available. This can take months or years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units open up. Keep your contact information current with CHA — if you move or change your phone number, notify them so they can reach you.

When CHA calls you, they will explain the next steps and may ask you to come in to complete more paperwork. If you are offered a voucher, you will have a set amount of time to find a rental unit and a landlord. If you are offered public housing, CHA will show you available units and you can choose one that fits your needs.

After you move in, you will have an annual recertification appointment where CHA verifies your income and household composition again. Your rent payment may change if your income changes. You must report any changes in household members or income to CHA within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cheyenne Housing Authority waiting list open right now?

Waiting lists for both vouchers and public housing in Cheyenne are often closed or have very long wait times. Call CHA directly at their main office number to learn the current status. If the list is closed, ask to be notified when it reopens.

How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many units become available. Some people wait several months; others wait years. CHA can give you a rough estimate based on current demand when you call.

Can I use a voucher at any apartment in Cheyenne?

No. The landlord must agree to participate in CHA's program, and the unit's rent must be within CHA's payment standard for that area. CHA staff can tell you the current rent limits and help you understand what units might work.

What if my income goes up after I receive a voucher?

You can stay in the program, but your rent payment will increase. CHA recalculates your payment each year based on your reported income. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in the program, but CHA will give you notice before that happens.

Do I have to pay an process fee to explore to CHA programs?

No. CHA does not charge a fee to be added to a waiting list or to explore for vouchers or public housing. Be cautious of anyone claiming to charge you to explore — that is a scam.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.