What Clark County Housing Authority does

Clark County Housing Authority (CCHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Clark County, Nevada. It administers public housing, manages the Section 8 voucher program, and runs other affordable housing initiatives. The agency does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords to house low-income residents, and it gives vouchers to people so they can rent from private landlords.

CCHA serves residents across Clark County, which includes Las Vegas and surrounding areas. The agency operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but the day-to-day decisions about who gets housed and how the money flows are made locally by CCHA staff.

Key Takeaways

  • Clark County Housing Authority runs public housing units and the Section 8 voucher program, both of which require income verification and a background check.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from any landlord willing to accept them, but CCHA must inspect the unit and approve the lease before you move in.
  • Public housing units are owned or controlled by CCHA itself, and rent is set at 30 percent of your household income.
  • Wait lists for both programs are often closed or very long; you can call CCHA directly to learn the current status and what documents you need to bring.
  • CCHA's main office is located in Las Vegas, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

The Section 8 program is CCHA's largest program. When you receive a Section 8 voucher, CCHA pays part of your rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount CCHA pays depends on the size of the unit and the neighborhood, not on your income — but your income determines whether you are on the list in the first place.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords do. Once you have a lease signed, CCHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing standards. If it passes, CCHA signs a contract with the landlord and begins paying. If the unit fails inspection, you and the landlord have time to fix the problems and try again.

You pay the difference between CCHA's payment and the actual rent. This is called your tenant contribution, and it is usually capped at 30 percent of your household income. If the rent is very low, you may pay less than 30 percent. If the rent is very high, you may pay more, but CCHA sets a ceiling on how much they will pay per unit.

Public housing units run by CCHA

CCHA also owns or controls public housing units scattered throughout Clark County. These are apartments or houses where CCHA is the landlord. Rent in public housing is set at 30 percent of your household income, regardless of the actual cost of the unit. This makes public housing cheaper than Section 8 in many cases, because you are not paying the difference between CCHA's payment and market rent.

Public housing units are inspected regularly by CCHA, and you must follow a lease that includes rules about maintenance, guests, and behavior. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear, you may be charged. If you violate the lease, CCHA can evict you, though they must follow Nevada eviction law and give you notice and a chance to cure the violation.

Public housing wait lists are often closed. When they are open, the wait can be years. Call CCHA to find out whether the list is currently open and how long the wait is.

Income limits and who can get housing

Both Section 8 and public housing are limited to households earning below a certain income. The income limit varies by household size and changes each year. For example, a single person might have a limit of around $35,000 per year, while a family of four might have a limit around $55,000, but these numbers change annually and depend on the area median income.

You must provide proof of income when you explore. This can be recent pay stubs, tax returns, a letter from your employer, or proof of benefits like Social Security or unemployment. If you are self-employed, you will need tax returns and possibly bank statements. If you have no income, you may still be on the list, but CCHA will verify that you have no income.

You will also need to pass a background check. CCHA looks at criminal history, eviction history, and whether you owe money to a previous landlord or housing program. A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or recent evictions make approval less likely.

How to contact CCHA and what to bring

Clark County Housing Authority's main office is in Las Vegas. You can call them during business hours to ask about wait list status, income limits for the current year, and what documents you need to bring. You can also visit in person. Bring a photo ID and proof of income when you go.

If you are already on a wait list, you can call to check your status. CCHA will tell you your position on the list and whether anything has changed. If you move or your contact information changes, call CCHA to update your file.

CCHA also has a website where you can find information about programs, current openings, and how the process works. The website lists the phone number and office hours. Some documents can be submitted by mail or email, but you should call first to confirm what CCHA will accept.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for Section 8, CCHA will issue you a voucher. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a unit and a landlord. Once you have a lease, you submit it to CCHA along with the landlord's information. CCHA inspects the unit, and if it passes, they sign the contract with the landlord.

If you are approved for public housing, CCHA will contact you when a unit becomes available. You will be offered a specific unit at a specific address. You can accept or decline. If you decline, you stay on the list but may move down. Once you accept, you sign a lease and move in.

After you move in, you must pay your share of rent on time each month. If you fall behind, CCHA can evict you. You must also keep the unit in good condition and follow the lease rules. CCHA may inspect the unit periodically to make sure it is being maintained.

Wait lists and how long they take

Both Section 8 and public housing have wait lists. The length of the wait depends on how many people are on the list and how many units become available. In Clark County, Section 8 wait lists can be years long, and public housing wait lists are often closed entirely.

CCHA opens and closes wait lists based on funding and demand. When a list is closed, you cannot add your name. When it reopens, there is usually a important date to explore. Call CCHA to find out the current status. Some programs have a preference for people with certain characteristics — for example, people who are homeless or people with disabilities — so ask whether you may have access to for any preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different county?

Section 8 vouchers are portable in many cases, meaning you can move to a different area and use the voucher there. However, you must get permission from CCHA first, and the new housing authority must have funding available. Call CCHA to ask about portability before you move.

What if I lose my job while I am in public housing or Section 8?

Your rent is based on your income, so if your income drops, your rent will drop too. You must report the change to CCHA within 30 days. Bring proof of the job loss, such as a termination letter or a letter from unemployment. CCHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income.

Can I be evicted from public housing or Section 8?

Yes. CCHA can evict you for not paying rent, violating the lease, or criminal activity. However, CCHA must follow Nevada eviction law, which means giving you written notice and a chance to fix the problem before filing in court. If you receive a notice, contact CCHA when ready to discuss your options.

How long does it take to get approved?

The approval process usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you provide documents and how busy CCHA is. During this time, CCHA verifies your income, runs a background check, and reviews your housing history. You can call to check on the status of your process.

What if I have a criminal record or an eviction?

A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it makes approval less likely. CCHA considers the nature of the crime, how long ago it happened, and your circumstances since then. If you are denied, you can ask CCHA to explain the reason and whether you can reapply later.