What the Cheyenne Housing Authority does

The Cheyenne Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which subsidizes rent for low-income households, and it owns and operates public housing properties directly. The CHA does not set local housing policy — that falls to the City of Cheyenne — but it carries out the day-to-day work of leasing, maintenance, and tenant services.

The agency serves households that meet federal income limits, which change yearly. In 2024, the income ceiling for a family of four in Cheyenne was approximately 80 percent of the area median income, though the exact figure depends on family size and is updated each fiscal year. The CHA prioritizes households below 30 percent of area median income for its most limited resources.

CHA housing is not temporary. Once you are placed in a unit or issued a voucher, you can stay as long as you meet lease terms and income recertification requirements. The agency conducts annual or biennial recertifications depending on the program and your circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cheyenne Housing Authority runs two main programs: Section 8 vouchers (which you use at private landlords) and public housing (which CHA owns and manages directly).
  • Both programs require you to live in Cheyenne, meet income limits, and pass a background check; income limits are set federally and updated yearly.
  • Section 8 voucher waiting lists are typically closed, so contact CHA directly to learn when applications reopen.
  • Public housing has its own waiting list; CHA prioritizes households with the lowest incomes and those experiencing homelessness.
  • You must recertify your income and household composition annually or every two years, depending on the program.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Cheyenne

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that CHA issues to you. You then use it to rent from a private landlord anywhere in Cheyenne (or in some cases, outside Cheyenne if the landlord participates). The voucher covers a portion of your rent; you pay the rest from your own income. The amount CHA pays depends on the size of the unit, the local rent standard, and your household income.

To receive a voucher, you must meet income limits, have a valid Social Security number or immigration status that qualifies, and pass a criminal background check. CHA will also verify your rental history and may contact previous landlords. Households with a history of drug-related criminal activity or violence are typically denied.

The Section 8 waiting list in Cheyenne is usually closed. When it opens, CHA announces the opening on its website and through local media. The list fills quickly. If you are interested, contact CHA directly at the phone number or address listed on its website to ask when the next opening is expected and how to be notified.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and a unit. The unit must pass a CHA inspection and the rent must fall within the local payment standard. If you cannot find housing within the time limit, CHA may extend it or terminate your voucher.

Public Housing managed by CHA

CHA owns and operates public housing properties throughout Cheyenne. These are apartments and townhomes that CHA leases directly to tenants. Public housing is not Section 8; CHA is your landlord, not a voucher provider. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum rent (usually $50 to $100 per month).

Public housing waiting lists are also typically closed. When CHA opens applications, it prioritizes households with the lowest incomes, those experiencing homelessness, and those referred by social service agencies. Contact CHA to ask about the current status of its public housing list and how to request notification when it reopens.

Once housed, you sign a lease with CHA and must follow all lease terms. CHA handles maintenance and repairs. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and undamaged beyond normal wear and tear. If you damage the unit, CHA may charge you for repairs or pursue eviction.

Income limits and recertification

CHA uses federal income limits to determine who can enter its programs. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and updated each fiscal year. Limits vary by family size; a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. In Cheyenne, limits are typically higher than in rural Wyoming counties but lower than in major metropolitan areas.

Once you are housed, you must recertify your income and household composition. For Section 8, recertification usually happens every year. For public housing, it may be every two years. During recertification, you report changes in income, employment, household members, and other factors. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase significantly.

If you fail to recertify or provide required documents, CHA can terminate your lease or voucher. If your circumstances change — you lose a job, a household member moves out, you have a new baby — report it to CHA as soon as possible. Some changes may lower your rent; others may not affect it.

How to contact the Cheyenne Housing Authority

The CHA main office is located in Cheyenne. You can reach it by phone, mail, or in person. The agency's website lists current hours, phone numbers, and the address. You can also find information about waiting list status, process procedures, and program rules on the website.

If you have questions about whether you meet income limits, what documents you need, or when a waiting list might reopen, call CHA directly. Staff can answer basic questions over the phone. If you need to explore or recertify, you will likely need to visit the office in person or submit documents by mail.

CHA also works with local nonprofits and social service agencies. If you are homeless or referred by a shelter or case manager, ask that agency whether they have a relationship with CHA or can help you navigate the process process.

Background checks and disqualifying factors

CHA runs criminal background checks on all applicants. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions do. Federal law prohibits CHA from housing anyone convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine on the property. CHA also has discretion to deny housing based on a history of violent crime, drug trafficking, or repeated lease violations.

If you have a criminal record and are concerned about whether you will be approved, contact CHA before you explore. Some agencies will discuss your situation informally and give you a sense of whether an process is likely to succeed. Others will not discuss it until you formally explore.

CHA also checks rental history. If you have been evicted, owe back rent to a previous landlord, or have a history of lease violations, CHA may deny your process. However, CHA has some discretion here as well. If you can explain the circumstances and show that the situation has changed, you may still be approved.

What happens after you are housed

Once you move into a CHA unit or receive a Section 8 voucher, your responsibilities continue. You must pay your portion of rent on time, keep the unit in good condition, follow all lease rules, and report changes in your household or income. CHA conducts inspections of public housing units and may inspect Section 8 units as well.

If you fall behind on rent, CHA can begin eviction proceedings. If you violate lease terms — such as having unauthorized occupants, engaging in criminal activity, or causing damage — CHA can also evict you. Eviction from public housing or loss of a Section 8 voucher makes it much harder to find housing elsewhere.

If you have problems with your unit — a broken heater, a leak, pest infestation — report it to CHA maintenance in writing or by phone. CHA is required to make repairs within a reasonable time. If CHA fails to make necessary repairs, you may have legal remedies, though you should seek information from a local legal aid organization before taking action.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Cheyenne?

The waiting list length depends on when it last opened and how many people applied. CHA does not publish a current wait time. Contact CHA directly to ask how many people are on the list and whether it is open or closed. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside Cheyenne?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other areas if you move. However, the voucher is initially issued for use in Cheyenne, and you must live there for a period before you can transfer it. Contact CHA to learn the specific rules for portability and how to request a transfer.

What if my income goes above the limit after I am housed?

If your income rises above the program limit, you do not have to leave when ready. CHA will recalculate your rent, which may increase significantly. You may also be placed on a "next available unit" list, meaning you can stay until your lease ends but will not be renewed. The exact rules depend on your program and CHA policy.

Do I need a lease to explore for Section 8?

No. You explore for the voucher first. Once approved, you have a set period to find a landlord and a unit. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass inspection. Only then do you sign a lease.

What if CHA denies my process?

CHA must provide a reason for denial in writing. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a hearing. Contact CHA to learn how to request a hearing and what documents to bring. You may also contact a local legal aid organization for help.