What Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Does

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is the public housing agency for Cuyahoga County, Ohio. It runs public housing developments, manages the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and administers other rental information programs. CMHA serves renters in Cleveland and surrounding areas who meet income limits.

CMHA does not build or own all the housing it helps pay for. Instead, it contracts with private landlords and manages public housing complexes. If you rent from a CMHA landlord or hold a CMHA voucher, CMHA pays part of your rent directly to the property owner. You pay the rest.

The agency is run by a board and a president/CEO. It receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CMHA's main office is in Cleveland, and it has satellite offices in other parts of the county.

Key Takeaways

  • CMHA manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for renters in Cuyahoga County whose income falls below set limits, usually 50 to 80 percent of the county's median income.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed, but you can call CMHA to ask when it reopens and whether you can request notification when it does.
  • Public housing and Section 8 both require a lease, a background check, and proof of income; CMHA pays the landlord directly, and you pay the difference between the rent and CMHA's share.
  • You must report changes in income, household size, or employment to CMHA within 30 days, or your rent share may be recalculated incorrectly.
  • CMHA also runs emergency rental information and other temporary programs, which have different rules and income limits than permanent housing programs.

Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers

CMHA offers two main types of rental help. Public housing means you live in a building that CMHA owns or manages. Section 8 vouchers mean CMHA gives you a voucher to use at any landlord who accepts it; you find the apartment yourself, and CMHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent.

Public housing is usually cheaper for you because CMHA sets your rent share based on your income (typically 30 percent of what you earn). Section 8 works the same way, but you have more choice in where you live. Both require you to pass a background check and meet income limits. Both also require the landlord to pass CMHA's inspection and agree to accept CMHA's payment.

Wait times differ. Public housing in Cuyahoga County can have a wait of several months to several years, depending on the neighborhood and unit size. The Section 8 waiting list is usually closed; when it opens, hundreds or thousands of people explore within days. CMHA will not tell you when the list will open next, but you can call and ask to be notified if it does.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

CMHA sets income limits each year based on the area median income for Cuyahoga County. For public housing, the limit is usually 50 percent of the median income. For Section 8, it is usually 80 percent. A single person's limit is lower than a family's limit.

Income limits change yearly. In recent years, a single person's limit for public housing has been around $25,000 to $28,000 per year, and for Section 8 around $40,000 to $45,000, but these numbers vary. Call CMHA or visit its office to learn the current limits for your household size.

CMHA counts income from wages, self-employment, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other sources. It does not count some income, such as certain student aid or temporary information. You will need to bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to prove your income.

how the process works and What Documents You Need

To explore for public housing or Section 8, you must visit a CMHA office in person or call to request an process. CMHA does not accept online applications for these programs. You can explore at the main office in Cleveland or at a satellite location closer to you.

Bring or be ready to provide: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and Social Security numbers for all household members. If you have a criminal history, bring documentation of what happened and when; CMHA reviews each case individually and does not automatically deny applicants with records.

After you submit your process, CMHA will contact you to schedule an interview. At the interview, a staff member will review your income, household composition, and background. If you are found to meet the rules, CMHA will place you on the waiting list. You will not receive housing or a voucher when ready; you will wait until a unit or voucher becomes available.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once CMHA approves you and a unit or voucher becomes available, CMHA will contact you. If you are on the public housing list, CMHA will offer you a specific apartment. If you have a Section 8 voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord agree to accept the voucher.

Before you move in, CMHA will conduct a background check and a home inspection. The inspection checks that the unit meets housing quality standards: working plumbing, heat, electricity, no lead paint hazards, and no serious safety problems. If the unit fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in.

Once you move in, you will pay CMHA or the landlord your share of the rent each month. Your share is based on your income and household size and is recalculated once a year. If your income changes, you must report it to CMHA within 30 days. If you do not, your rent share may be wrong, and you could owe back rent or overpay.

Reporting Changes and Keeping Your Housing

You must tell CMHA about changes in your household within 30 days. Changes include a new job, a job loss, a change in hours or pay, someone moving in or out, a new baby, or a death in the household. You must also report if you are arrested or convicted of a crime.

CMHA will recalculate your rent share based on new income. If your income goes up, your rent will go up. If it goes down, your rent will go down. If you do not report a change and CMHA finds out later, you may be asked to pay back rent or your housing may be terminated.

You must also follow the lease rules. This means paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean and in good condition, not disturbing neighbors, and not engaging in criminal activity. CMHA can evict you for lease violations. If you have trouble paying rent or following the lease, contact your CMHA case manager as soon as possible; some situations can be resolved without eviction.

Other Programs CMHA Runs

Beyond public housing and Section 8, CMHA administers emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, and other temporary programs. These programs have different income limits, rules, and timelines than permanent housing. Emergency rental information, for example, may cover back rent or utility bills and does not require you to be on a waiting list.

CMHA also partners with nonprofits to offer supportive services such as financial counseling, job training, and case management. These services are often free or low-cost for CMHA residents and voucher holders.

How to Contact Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority

CMHA's main office is located in Cleveland. You can reach it by phone, mail, or in person. The agency's website lists office hours, phone numbers, and addresses for all locations in Cuyahoga County.

When you call, have your name, date of birth, and any process number ready. If you are calling about an existing case, have your lease or voucher information available. CMHA staff can tell you whether the waiting list is open, what documents you need, and what the current income limits are.

If you need an interpreter, tell CMHA when you call or visit. The agency provides interpretation in multiple languages at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a Section 8 voucher?

Public housing wait times range from a few months to several years, depending on the neighborhood and unit size you need. Section 8 wait times are much longer when the list is open—sometimes years—because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the list is closed, you cannot explore at all. Call CMHA to ask about current wait times for your area.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside Cuyahoga County?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other counties and states if the receiving housing authority agrees. However, you must notify CMHA before you move and get written permission. The new housing authority must have available vouchers to absorb yours. Contact CMHA before you plan a move.

What if I fail the background check?

CMHA does not automatically deny applicants with criminal records. The agency reviews each case based on the type of crime, how long ago it occurred, and other factors. If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing to explain your situation. Contact CMHA to learn about the appeal process.

Do I have to work to get public housing or Section 8?

No. CMHA does not require you to be employed. You can receive housing information if your income comes from Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, or other sources. You must still meet the income limit for your household size.

What happens if I lose my job while I have a voucher?

Report the job loss to CMHA within 30 days. Your rent share will be recalculated based on your new (lower) income. You will likely pay less rent. If you receive unemployment benefits, those count as income. Continue to report any changes in your benefits or employment status.