What the Tacoma Housing Authority does

The Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Pierce County, Washington. It does not decide who gets housing vouchers statewide — that is the state's job — but THA itself runs public housing developments and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) for the Tacoma area. If you live in Tacoma or nearby parts of Pierce County and need affordable rental housing, THA is the local body that either owns the property you might rent or holds your voucher if you receive one.

THA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but it makes its own decisions about who gets into its buildings and voucher program, how much rent you pay, and what happens if you break your lease. The agency also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and manages several mixed-income developments across the county.

Key Takeaways

  • Tacoma Housing Authority owns and manages public housing and runs the Section 8 voucher program for Tacoma and parts of Pierce County.
  • You explore to THA directly for public housing or a voucher; the agency maintains its own waiting lists and sets its own income limits and rent rules.
  • THA's waiting lists are often closed because demand far exceeds available units, so you may need to check back periodically or contact them to learn when applications reopen.
  • If you receive a voucher from THA, you can rent from any landlord who accepts the program, but THA must inspect the unit and approve the lease before you move in.
  • THA has a formal grievance process if you disagree with a decision about your housing or lease, and you can request a hearing before an independent officer.

THA's public housing and voucher programs

THA operates two main housing programs. Public housing means THA owns the building and you rent directly from the agency. THA manages several developments across Tacoma, including family apartments, senior housing, and properties for people with disabilities. Rent is set at 30 percent of your income (or a minimum amount set by THA), and THA covers utilities and maintenance.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) works differently. THA gives you a voucher worth a set dollar amount each month, and you use it to rent from a private landlord anywhere in the Tacoma area. The voucher pays part of the rent; you pay the rest. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and THA must inspect the unit and approve the lease before you can move in.

Both programs have long waiting lists. THA periodically opens applications, but lists fill quickly and then close again. You can contact THA directly to ask when the next opening is expected, or check their website for announcements.

How to contact Tacoma Housing Authority

THA's main office is located in Tacoma, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person. The agency's website lists current phone numbers, office hours, and the address. If you are calling about public housing or a voucher, have your income information and household size ready — staff will tell you whether you may be within the income limits and whether waiting lists are open.

If you are already a THA resident or voucher holder and have a question about your lease, rent, maintenance, or a dispute with the agency, you can also contact THA's resident services or grievance office. THA is required to respond to written complaints within a set timeframe and to offer a hearing if you disagree with a decision.

Income limits and rent calculations

THA sets income limits for both public housing and the voucher program based on the area median income for Pierce County. These limits change each year. For example, a family of four might have a limit of around 50 percent of the area median income for public housing, though the exact number varies by program and year. Contact THA to learn the current limits for your household size.

In public housing, your rent is 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or a minimum rent set by THA (usually $25 to $50), whichever is higher. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. THA will recalculate your rent each year or when your income changes significantly.

In the voucher program, THA sets a payment standard (the maximum it will pay toward rent). You find a unit, the landlord and you agree on rent, and THA pays its share directly to the landlord. You pay the difference. If the rent is below the payment standard, you pay less. If the rent is above it, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

THA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and the voucher program. Both lists are typically very long — demand for affordable housing in Tacoma far exceeds supply. When a list is open, you can submit an process in person, by mail, or online (if THA offers it). You will need to provide proof of income, household composition, and residency.

Once you are on a waiting list, THA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. Wait times vary widely depending on the program and your household type. Some people wait months; others wait years. If your circumstances change (income, household size, address), you must notify THA so your process stays accurate.

If a waiting list is closed, you can ask THA when it will reopen. Some agencies reopen lists annually or when funding allows. You can also ask to be placed on a future list so you are notified when applications are accepted again.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, THA will offer you a unit when one becomes available. You will sign a lease, pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent), and move in. THA is responsible for repairs and maintenance; you are responsible for keeping the unit clean and following lease rules. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear, THA may charge you.

If you are approved for a voucher, THA will issue it and give you a important date to find a rental unit. You search for a place on your own, negotiate rent with the landlord, and then give THA the lease and landlord information. THA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards (safe, clean, working utilities, no lead paint hazards). Only after inspection and approval can you move in. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a contract with THA.

Grievances and disputes with THA

If you disagree with a THA decision — such as a denial, a rent increase, a lease violation charge, or an eviction notice — you have the right to file a grievance. THA must have a written grievance procedure that explains the steps. Generally, you submit a written complaint to THA, THA responds, and if you are not satisfied, you can request a hearing before an impartial officer (not a THA employee).

The hearing officer will listen to both sides and make a decision. This process is free and does not require a lawyer, though you can bring one. Keep copies of all documents you submit and take notes on conversations. If THA is evicting you, filing a grievance does not stop the eviction, but it may delay it and gives you a chance to present your side to a neutral person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a unit or voucher from THA?

Wait times depend on the program, your household type, and funding. Some applicants wait six months to a year; others wait several years. THA can tell you the average wait time for your specific situation when you explore. Priorities vary — THA may prioritize families with children, elderly people, or people with disabilities.

Can I use my THA voucher to rent anywhere in Washington?

No. Your voucher is valid only in the Tacoma area and parts of Pierce County that THA serves. If you move outside that area, you lose the voucher. You can request a transfer to another housing authority's program if you move, but that authority must accept you and have funding available.

What if I cannot afford the rent THA says I owe?

Contact THA when ready. If your income has dropped, you can request a rent recalculation. If you are facing hardship, ask about emergency information programs or referrals to nonprofits that help with rent. Ignoring the bill will lead to eviction, so do not wait.

Can THA evict me without a court order?

No. THA must follow Washington state eviction law, which requires a written notice, a waiting period, and a court case. THA cannot lock you out or remove your belongings without a court order. If you receive an eviction notice, you can file a grievance with THA and also respond in court.

What if I think THA made a mistake on my rent or denied me unfairly?

Request a copy of THA's grievance procedure and file a written complaint. Explain what you believe is wrong and what you want THA to do about it. THA must respond within a set timeframe. If you disagree with the response, request a hearing. Bring any documents that support your case.