What the City of Reno Housing Authority does

The City of Reno Housing Authority is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs in Reno, Nevada. It administers public housing units, rental information programs, and voucher-based housing support for low-income residents. The authority does not set policy for the entire state — it operates only within Reno's city limits and answers to a local board of commissioners.

The Housing Authority's main role is to connect people with housing resources and manage the properties and programs that make affordable housing possible. This includes maintaining public housing developments, processing applications for rental information, and managing the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which is the largest rental information program in the country.

Understanding what the Housing Authority actually does — and what it does not do — helps you know whether to contact them directly or look elsewhere for the help you need.

Key Takeaways

  • The City of Reno Housing Authority runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and rental information programs only within Reno city limits.
  • You can reach the Housing Authority by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about programs and get on waiting lists.
  • Section 8 vouchers typically have long waiting lists, sometimes years, so you may want to explore other rental information options while you wait.
  • The Housing Authority processes applications for multiple programs, and each has different income limits and documentation requirements.
  • If you live outside Reno or in an unincorporated area, you may need to contact Washoe County or a different local housing authority instead.

Programs the Housing Authority manages

The City of Reno Housing Authority runs three main types of housing support. Public housing consists of apartment buildings and complexes owned and operated by the authority itself. These are typically older properties, but rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, which is much lower than market rate. Public housing has waiting lists, and the wait can be months or longer depending on the size unit you need.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are the most common form of rental information. The Housing Authority gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's property. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Section 8 waiting lists in Reno are typically closed to new applicants, and when they do open, the list fills quickly. Even if you get on the list, the wait is often several years.

Rental information programs vary by year and funding. These may cover emergency rent, back rent, or deposits. Some programs are temporary and funded by federal COVID relief money or state grants. The Housing Authority can tell you which programs are currently open and what each one covers.

How to contact the City of Reno Housing Authority

The main office is located in Reno and can be reached by phone during business hours. You can also visit in person to pick up applications, ask questions, or submit documents. Mailing address and phone number information is available through the City of Reno's official website or by calling the main city line and asking for the Housing Authority.

When you call or visit, have your household income information, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of residency ready. Staff can tell you which programs you may be able to join, what the waiting list status is, and what documents you will need to submit.

If you are unsure whether you live in Reno's service area, ask when you contact them. The Housing Authority serves only the city proper, not all of Washoe County. If you live outside city limits, you may need to contact Washoe County or another local housing authority.

Income limits and who can explore

Each Housing Authority program has income limits based on household size. Generally, you must be at or below 50 to 80 percent of the area median income, depending on the program. For a single person in Reno, this might be around $30,000 to $50,000 per year, but limits change annually and vary by family size. The Housing Authority will tell you the current limits when you ask about a specific program.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Housing Authority will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration documents as part of the process. Background checks are standard, and some programs have restrictions based on criminal history or eviction records, though policies vary by program.

Families with children, elderly people, and people with disabilities may have priority in some programs. Ask the Housing Authority whether your household qualifies for priority placement.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Most Housing Authority programs use waiting lists. When you submit an process, you are added to the list in the order applications are received, though some programs use preferences that may move you up. The wait time depends on the program and how many people are ahead of you.

Public housing waiting lists can be months to a year or more. Section 8 waiting lists are typically closed, and when they open, they close again within days or weeks. If the list is open, the wait is often two to five years or longer. Rental information programs may move faster if funding is available, but some programs close when money runs out.

While you wait, you can be on multiple waiting lists at once. Many people explore for public housing and Section 8 at the same time, or explore emergency rental information programs that may help in the meantime.

What documents you will need

Applications require proof of income, identity, and residency. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. You will need a government-issued ID and proof that you live in Reno, such as a utility bill or lease. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources.

You will also need Social Security numbers for all household members and proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. If you have a disability and want priority consideration, bring documentation from a doctor or disability agency. The Housing Authority can tell you exactly what they need before you submit your process.

Keep copies of everything you submit. The Housing Authority may ask you to resubmit documents if they are unclear or incomplete, and having copies speeds up the process.

What happens after you explore

After you submit an process, the Housing Authority will review it for completeness. If documents are missing, they will contact you and ask you to provide them. Once your process is complete, you are placed on the waiting list for that program.

The Housing Authority will contact you when your name comes up on the list. For public housing, this means an interview and a home inspection before you move in. For Section 8, you will get your voucher and then search for a landlord who accepts vouchers. For rental information, you may be asked to provide additional information about your specific need — back rent, deposit, or current hardship.

Stay in touch with the Housing Authority while you wait. Some programs require you to update your contact information or recertify your income annually. If you move or your phone number changes, tell them so they can reach you when your name comes up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between public housing and Section 8?

Public housing is an apartment owned by the Housing Authority where you pay 30 percent of your income as rent. Section 8 is a voucher you use at a private landlord's property, and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Public housing has shorter waiting lists but fewer units available. Section 8 gives you more choice in where to live but waiting lists are much longer.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

Some programs will consider you even with an eviction, especially if it was several years ago or if you can explain the circumstances. Others have stricter policies. Contact the Housing Authority directly and ask about their eviction policy for the specific program you are interested in. Being honest about your history is better than leaving it out.

How do I know if I live in the Housing Authority's service area?

The City of Reno Housing Authority serves only the city of Reno proper. If you live in an unincorporated area of Washoe County or in a different city, you will need to contact Washoe County or that city's housing authority instead. Call the Housing Authority and give them your address — they can tell you in seconds whether you are in their service area.

What do I do if the Section 8 waiting list is closed?

When the Section 8 list is closed, you cannot add your name. Check back with the Housing Authority periodically, as lists do open again, though it may be months or years. In the meantime, explore public housing, emergency rental information programs, or nonprofits that offer rental help. Some communities have local programs that move faster than Section 8.

Can I explore for multiple programs at the same time?

Yes. You can explore for public housing and Section 8 at the same time, and also look into emergency rental information or other local programs. Being on multiple waiting lists increases your chances of getting help sooner. Each program has its own process and waiting list, so there is no penalty for explore to more than one.