What the Crossville Housing Authority does

The Crossville Housing Authority is a local public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Crossville, Tennessee. It operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly called Section 8) for Cumberland County residents. The Authority does not build or finance housing itself — it manages properties and vouchers funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Authority's main role is to keep rents affordable for people whose income falls below area median. It sets rent based on 30 percent of your household income, meaning you pay what you can afford rather than market rate. The Authority handles lease agreements, maintenance, and tenant services for both its public housing and voucher holders.

Key Takeaways

  • The Crossville Housing Authority manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers for Cumberland County residents whose income meets HUD limits.
  • Rent in Authority housing is set at 30 percent of your household income, not the full market price.
  • You can contact the Authority directly at their Crossville office to ask about current openings, waitlist status, and what documents you will need.
  • Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent from private landlords instead of Authority-owned buildings, but the Authority still sets your rent share.
  • Waitlists for both public housing and vouchers often have long delays, and some close when demand is very high.

Public housing units managed by Crossville Housing Authority

The Authority owns and operates apartment buildings and single-family homes throughout Crossville. These are not temporary housing — they are permanent residences where you can live as long as you follow your lease and remain income-may be able to access. The Authority maintains the buildings, handles repairs, and provides on-site management.

To live in Authority housing, your household income must fall below the HUD income limit for Cumberland County. These limits change each year and vary by household size. A family of four, for example, has a different limit than a single person. You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer, when you explore.

Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. If your income is $1,500 per month, you would pay $450 in rent. If your income drops, your rent drops with it. The Authority also charges a utility allowance if you pay your own heat, water, or electric — this amount is subtracted from your rent calculation so you are not paying twice.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

A Housing Choice Voucher is a certificate that lets you rent from any private landlord in the area, rather than living in an Authority-owned building. The voucher covers part of your rent; you pay the difference based on your income. The landlord receives the Authority's portion directly.

To use a voucher, you must find a rental property that the landlord is willing to rent to you with a voucher. Not all landlords accept them — some refuse voucher holders or charge higher rents to offset the voucher payment. Once you find a place, the Authority inspects it to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, the Authority signs a contract with the landlord and you sign a lease.

Like public housing, your rent share is 30 percent of your adjusted income. The Authority pays the landlord the rest, up to the voucher amount for your area. If the rent is higher than the voucher covers, you pay the difference out of pocket. If the rent is lower, you pay less.

Income limits and who can explore

The Crossville Housing Authority serves households at or below 80 percent of the area median income. HUD sets these limits each year for Cumberland County. A single person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $56,000 to $64,000, though these figures vary year to year.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to explore, but you must have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The Authority will ask for proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport. If you are not a citizen, you may be asked to show your immigration status documentation.

The Authority also conducts a background check. A criminal history or eviction record does not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or recent evictions may. The Authority weighs each case individually. You can ask them what their specific policies are before you explore.

How to contact Crossville Housing Authority and what to expect

The Crossville Housing Authority office is located in Crossville, Tennessee. You can reach them by phone to ask about current openings, waitlist status, and what documents to bring. Their staff can tell you whether the waitlist is open, how long the wait typically is, and what the next steps are.

When you contact them, have your household income information ready, including recent pay stubs or tax returns. Ask specifically whether they are taking new applications for public housing, vouchers, or both. Some programs close their waitlists when demand is very high and reopen later as units become available.

If you are explore, the Authority will give you an process form and a list of required documents. Bring proof of income, proof of identity, proof of residency (such as a utility bill), and Social Security numbers for all household members. The process typically takes several weeks to several months from process to approval.

Waitlists and how long it takes to get housing

Both public housing and vouchers have waitlists in most areas. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Some waitlists are a few months; others are several years. The Crossville Housing Authority can tell you the current wait time when you call.

Some authorities close their waitlists temporarily when they are too long. This does not mean you can never get on the list — it means they are not taking new applications right now. You can ask the Authority when they expect to reopen the waitlist and whether you can call back to check.

While you wait, your income and household size may change. The Authority will ask you to report changes, such as a new job, a household member moving in or out, or a change in benefits. These changes can affect your rent or your place on the waitlist.

Tenant rights and responsibilities in Authority housing

As a tenant in Crossville Housing Authority housing, you have rights and responsibilities under your lease and federal law. You have the right to a safe, habitable home. The Authority must make repairs within a reasonable time and maintain common areas. You have the right to privacy — the Authority cannot enter your unit without notice except in emergencies.

You are responsible for keeping your unit clean and undamaged beyond normal wear and tear. You must follow all lease rules, pay rent on time, and report maintenance problems promptly. You cannot engage in criminal activity or allow others to do so in your unit. Violating lease terms can result in eviction.

If the Authority wants to evict you, they must follow Tennessee eviction law and give you notice. You have the right to a hearing before eviction. If you believe the Authority is treating you unfairly, you can file a complaint with HUD or contact a local legal aid organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I make too much money to live in Authority housing?

Call the Crossville Housing Authority and give them your household size and monthly income. They will tell you whether you are within the income limit. Income limits change each year, so even if you were over the limit last year, you might be under it now. The Authority can also explain how they calculate income — some types of money, like child support or certain benefits, may not count.

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

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. You will not be evicted, but you will pay more each month. If your income rises above the limit and stays there for a certain period (usually one year), the Authority may ask you to move out. However, you will be given notice and time to find other housing.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher to move to another city?

Yes, but you must request a transfer from the Crossville Housing Authority first. They will contact the housing authority in the city where you want to move. That authority must have vouchers available and must accept your transfer. The process can take several months. Not all areas accept transfers, so ask the Crossville Authority whether your destination is an option.

What if I have a criminal record or an eviction on my record?

The Authority will review your background as part of the process process. A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The Authority considers how long ago it happened, what the offense was, and your circumstances now. Call and ask about their specific policies, or ask for a pre-screening conversation before you formally explore.

How often does the Crossville Housing Authority update its waitlist?

The Authority typically processes applications and updates the waitlist on a rolling basis as units become available. You can call to ask how often they move through the list and whether you can check your position. Some authorities send annual letters to confirm waitlist status; others require you to call to verify you still want to be on the list.