What the Clearwater Housing Authority does

The Clearwater Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Clearwater, Florida. It does not build or own most of the housing stock in the city — instead, it manages federally funded programs that help low-income households pay rent or live in public housing units. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and operates under rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

CHA administers two main programs: public housing (where the Authority owns the building) and Housing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8 (where you rent from a private landlord and the voucher covers part of your rent). Both programs have waiting lists, and both have income limits. The Authority also manages some project-based vouchers, where information is tied to a specific building rather than to you as a tenant.

Key Takeaways

  • The Clearwater Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, both with income limits and waiting lists that can be years long.
  • You explore directly to CHA, not to HUD or a state office — contact information and current process status are on the Authority's website or by phone.
  • Public housing and vouchers serve different household types; some programs prioritize people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with children.
  • Once you are on a waiting list, your position depends on the date you applied and sometimes on your household type or local preference status.
  • CHA also administers other HUD programs such as Family Self-Sufficiency and homeownership counseling, which may be available even if housing programs are full.

How to contact the Clearwater Housing Authority

The main office is located in Clearwater, and you can reach CHA by phone, mail, or in person. The Authority's website lists current phone numbers, office hours, and the physical address. You can also ask about programs by visiting in person during business hours.

Before you contact CHA, have ready: your household size, current income (or recent pay stubs), and a list of any disabilities or special needs in your household. If you are currently homeless or in an emergency housing situation, mention that when you call — some programs prioritize these cases.

Public housing and waiting lists

CHA owns and manages public housing units throughout Clearwater. These are apartments or townhouses where you pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with CHA covering the rest. To live in public housing, your household income must fall below the area median income limit, which changes each year and varies by household size.

Public housing has a waiting list. How long you wait depends on how many units become available, how many people are ahead of you, and whether your household qualifies for local preference (for example, if you work or live in Clearwater, or if you are experiencing homelessness). CHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit.

Once you are housed, you stay as long as you meet income limits and lease terms. If your income rises above the limit, you may have a grace period before you must leave, but the rules vary — ask CHA about your specific situation.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to rent to you, and the voucher pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

To use a voucher, the apartment must pass a CHA inspection and the rent must fall within the program's payment standard for that area. The landlord must be willing to participate — not all landlords accept vouchers, and some refuse tenants with vouchers even though it is illegal to do so in most cases.

The voucher waiting list is often longer than the public housing list. CHA maintains a single waiting list for both programs, or separate lists depending on current policy. When a voucher becomes available, CHA calls people from the list in order. You must be ready to move quickly — if you do not respond or cannot find a suitable apartment within the timeframe CHA sets, you may lose your place on the list.

Project-based vouchers and other programs

Some of CHA's vouchers are project-based, meaning they are attached to a specific building rather than to you. If you live in a project-based building, the subsidy stays with the unit — if you move, you lose the voucher. Project-based vouchers sometimes have shorter waiting lists than tenant-based vouchers because fewer people know about them.

CHA also runs Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), a program that helps voucher holders and public housing residents increase earnings and savings. FSS includes case management, job training referrals, and an escrow account where a portion of your rent savings accumulates — you can claim it when you leave the program or reach your goals.

The Authority may also offer homeownership counseling, emergency rental information (when funding is available), or other HUD programs. These change based on federal funding and local need, so ask CHA what programs are currently running.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits. For 2024, the limits vary by household size and are set at a percentage of the area median income. A single person in Clearwater has a different limit than a family of four. CHA publishes these limits each year, and you can ask for the current figures when you contact them.

Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though some programs allow deductions for elderly or disabled household members, childcare, or medical expenses. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the program limit, you may have a grace period, but eventually you will need to leave or transition to market-rate rent.

Local preference and priority categories

CHA may give priority to certain households when assigning units or vouchers. Local preference typically means you live or work in Clearwater, or you are being displaced by government action. Other priorities may include people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, families with children, or veterans.

When you explore, CHA will ask whether you meet any priority categories. If you do, say so — it can move you up the waiting list. Proof might include a lease, pay stub, disability letter, or homeless certification. Ask CHA what documents they need before you gather them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary and change frequently. CHA can tell you the current wait when you call or visit. Some programs have waits of months; others have waits of years. If the list is closed, CHA will tell you when it reopens.

Can I explore if my income is above the limit?

No. You must be below the income limit at the time you explore. If your income is currently above the limit but you expect it to drop, contact CHA to ask about their policy — some programs allow you to explore if you will be under the limit soon.

What if I am currently homeless?

Tell CHA when you call or explore. Many programs prioritize people experiencing homelessness. You may need a letter from a shelter or outreach worker confirming your status, but CHA can explain what proof they need.

Can I use my voucher in another city?

Housing Choice Vouchers can usually be used in other cities, but you must request a portability transfer from CHA and the receiving housing authority must accept it. Some areas have long waiting lists for portability, so ask CHA about the timeline before you move.

What happens if my landlord will not accept a voucher?

It is illegal for a landlord to refuse a voucher holder solely because of the voucher, but it happens. Document the refusal in writing and report it to CHA. The Authority can investigate and may take action, though enforcement varies. You can also file a fair housing complaint with HUD.