What the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority does

The Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is the public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Cleveland and surrounding areas. It owns and manages apartment buildings where residents pay rent based on their income, and it also distributes federal vouchers that let people rent from private landlords while CMHA covers part of the cost. CMHA does not decide who gets housing in the city overall — it runs specific programs with their own rules and waiting lists.

CMHA serves Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland and nearby suburbs. The agency is separate from the city government, though it receives public funding. If you are looking for housing in Cleveland, CMHA programs are one option among several; they are not the only path to affordable housing in the area.

Key Takeaways

  • CMHA runs public housing (apartments it owns) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (rental information for private apartments), each with separate waiting lists and income limits.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn, with a minimum rent that varies by property.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is often closed and can have years-long waits when it opens, so checking the CMHA website regularly is necessary to know when to explore.
  • You must meet income limits, provide proof of residency in the service area, and pass a background check to be considered for either program.
  • CMHA has a website and a main office where you can get information about current programs and waiting list status.

CMHA public housing: how rent and income work

CMHA owns apartment buildings throughout Cleveland and rents units to people whose income falls below a certain threshold. The income limit changes each year and depends on family size. For example, a single person's limit might be around $35,000 annually, but this figure varies — you need to check CMHA's current limits on their website or by calling their office.

Rent in CMHA public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that depends on which building you live in. If you earn $1,500 a month, your rent would be $450, assuming that meets the minimum. If the 30 percent calculation falls below the minimum, you pay the minimum instead. This means your rent goes up if your income goes up, and down if your income drops.

CMHA public housing includes both traditional apartment buildings and scattered-site homes throughout the county. The condition and amenities vary by property. Some buildings are newer; others are older. You do not get to choose which building you move into — CMHA assigns you based on availability and family size.

Housing Choice Vouchers: how the program works

The Housing Choice Voucher program (sometimes called Section 8) lets you rent an apartment from a private landlord while CMHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference, which is typically 30 percent of your income. The voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by the federal government for your area.

With a voucher, you find your own apartment and landlord — CMHA does not assign you one. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and meet CMHA's housing quality standards. CMHA inspects the unit before you move in and periodically after. If the landlord refuses to make required repairs, CMHA can stop paying them.

The voucher amount is fixed based on your family size and the local market. If you find an apartment that costs more than the voucher covers, you pay the extra out of pocket. If you find one that costs less, you pay less. You can use a voucher to rent anywhere in the Cleveland area, and in some cases in other parts of Ohio or the country, depending on CMHA's portability rules.

Income limits and who can explore

Both CMHA public housing and vouchers have income limits based on family size. These limits are set by the federal government and adjusted annually. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four. CMHA counts gross income — what you earn before taxes — and includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular income sources.

You must also live in the CMHA service area (Cuyahoga County) and provide proof of residency. You will need a government-issued ID and documentation of your current address. CMHA will run a background check and review your rental history. Criminal convictions and evictions can disqualify you, though CMHA considers the nature and timing of the offense — not all past issues are automatic bars.

If your income is above the limit, you cannot get into either program. If your income drops below the limit after you are already in the program, you can stay, but your rent may change based on the new income calculation.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both CMHA public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program have waiting lists. The voucher waiting list is often closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When it does open, it fills quickly and then closes again. CMHA posts the status on its website and may announce openings through local media or community organizations.

Wait times vary. Public housing waiting lists can range from months to several years depending on the building and family size. The voucher waiting list, when it opens, can have thousands of people explore within days. Once you are on a waiting list, CMHA contacts you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within the timeframe they give you, or you lose your spot.

You can be on both waiting lists at the same time. Some people get into public housing first; others get a voucher first. There is no advantage to waiting for one over the other — explore to both if you meet the requirements and both are open.

Required documents and the process process

When you explore to CMHA, you will need to bring or submit several documents. These typically include a government-issued photo ID, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Cuyahoga County (utility bill or lease). If you receive benefits, bring documentation from the agency providing them.

You will also need to provide information about your rental history, including previous landlords' contact information. CMHA will call them to verify you paid rent on time and left the unit in good condition. If you have been evicted, you will need to explain the circumstances. CMHA considers each case individually rather than automatically rejecting people with eviction history.

The process itself is completed at CMHA's office or online, depending on current procedures. Call ahead or check the website to find out what method they are using and what documents to bring. Processing takes several weeks to several months, depending on how busy CMHA is and how quickly you provide requested information.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, CMHA will contact you when a unit matching your family size becomes available. You will have a limited time to accept or decline. If you accept, you sign a lease and move in. Your rent is calculated based on your income at that time. You must report income changes to CMHA, as your rent will adjust accordingly.

If you are approved for a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. You search on your own, negotiate with the landlord, and once you have a lease, you bring it to CMHA. CMHA inspects the unit and approves the lease terms. Then the voucher begins, and you start paying your portion of rent while CMHA pays the landlord.

In both cases, you must follow lease rules and keep the unit in good condition. CMHA can evict you for lease violations, non-payment of your portion of rent, or criminal activity. If your circumstances change — you move, your income changes, or your family size changes — you must notify CMHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I learn about CMHA's waiting list is open?

Check the CMHA website at cuyahogamha.org or call their main office at 216-514-3000. They post waiting list status there and update it regularly. You can also visit their office in person to ask about current openings and get an process.

Can I use a CMHA voucher to move to a different city?

CMHA vouchers can be used in other areas under a program called portability, but you must request it and CMHA must approve the move. The voucher amount may change based on the rental market in the new location. Contact CMHA before you move to understand how portability works and whether your new area participates.

What if my income goes up after I move into CMHA housing?

Your rent will increase to reflect the new income. CMHA will recalculate it as 30 percent of your new gross income. You stay in the unit, but you pay more. If your income drops, your rent goes down. You must report income changes within 30 days.

Can I be denied for a criminal record?

CMHA can deny you based on criminal history, but it is not automatic. They consider the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and your circumstances since then. Drug-related convictions and violent crimes are more likely to result in denial than other offenses. You can ask CMHA to explain a denial and may be able to appeal.

What is the difference between public housing and a voucher?

Public housing means CMHA owns the building and you rent from them directly. A voucher means you find your own apartment from a private landlord and CMHA helps pay the rent. With public housing, CMHA assigns your unit. With a voucher, you choose. Public housing rent is based on income; voucher rent is also based on income but you may pay extra if the apartment costs more than the voucher covers.