What the DC Housing Authority is and what it runs

The DC Housing Authority (DCHA) is the public housing agency for Washington, DC. It owns and manages public housing buildings, runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (commonly called Section 8), and administers other rental information programs. DCHA is a separate government entity from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development — they work alongside each other but handle different programs.

DCHA directly operates roughly 7,000 public housing units across DC and distributes vouchers that let tenants rent from private landlords. The agency also manages emergency rental information funds when the city receives federal money for that purpose. If you live in a DCHA public housing building or hold a DCHA voucher, DCHA is your landlord or your voucher administrator.

DCHA's main office is at 1133 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. You can reach the agency by phone at 202-535-1000. The website is dcha.dc.gov, where you can find program information, submit maintenance requests if you live in public housing, and check on voucher status.

Key Takeaways

  • DCHA manages public housing buildings and the Section 8 voucher program; it is not the same as the DC Department of Housing and Community Development.
  • Public housing residents pay rent based on 30 percent of their household income, with DCHA covering the rest of the cost.
  • The Section 8 waiting list in DC is typically closed and can have thousands of people on it when it opens; you must live in DC to join.
  • DCHA tenants can report maintenance problems through the online portal, by phone, or in person at the main office.
  • If you have a dispute with DCHA about rent, eviction, or lease terms, you have the right to a hearing before DCHA's administrative law judge.

How rent works in DCHA public housing

In DCHA public housing, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. DCHA covers the remaining cost of operating the building. This means your rent payment changes if your income changes — you must report income changes to DCHA within 30 days.

You pay rent to DCHA directly, usually by automatic bank transfer, check, or money order. If you fall behind on rent, DCHA can begin eviction proceedings. However, DCHA must give you written notice and a chance to pay before filing in court. If you receive an eviction notice, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge to dispute the eviction.

DCHA also charges utility allowances — a deduction from your rent if you pay your own utilities. The allowance varies by unit size and whether you pay for heat, hot water, electricity, or other services. You can ask DCHA what your utility allowance is and whether it has changed.

The Section 8 voucher program and the waiting list

DCHA's Section 8 program gives vouchers to low-income households. A voucher covers part of your rent when you rent from a private landlord who agrees to take Section 8. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

The Section 8 waiting list in DC is usually closed. When it opens — which happens irregularly, sometimes years apart — DCHA accepts new applications for a limited time. To be on the list, you must live in DC, meet income limits (usually 50 percent of area median income or lower), and be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status.

If you are already on the waiting list, you can check your position by calling DCHA at 202-535-1000 or logging into the online portal at dcha.dc.gov. The wait time varies; some people wait several years before receiving a voucher. DCHA prioritizes households with the greatest need, including people experiencing homelessness and those with disabilities.

Maintenance and repairs in public housing

If you live in a DCHA public housing building and need a repair, you can report it online through the DCHA portal, by calling 202-535-1000, or by visiting your building's management office in person. Describe the problem clearly — whether it is a plumbing leak, broken heating, electrical issue, or pest problem — and provide your unit number and phone number.

DCHA aims to respond to emergency repairs (no heat, no water, electrical hazards) within 24 hours. Non-emergency repairs may take longer. You have the right to enter your unit for repairs; DCHA must give you notice before entering, except in genuine emergencies. If DCHA does not make repairs within a reasonable time, you can file a complaint with the DC Department of Housing and Community Development or request a hearing.

If your unit has lead paint, mold, or other serious health hazards, you can report this to the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) or the DC Department of Housing and Community Development. These agencies can inspect and order DCHA to make repairs.

Your rights as a DCHA tenant

DCHA tenants have the same rights as private tenants under DC law, plus additional protections in the DCHA lease. You have the right to a safe, habitable unit with working heat, water, electricity, and plumbing. DCHA cannot evict you without cause or without following the eviction process in court.

You have the right to a lease that clearly states the rent amount, lease term, and house rules. DCHA must give you written notice before changing lease terms. You also have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge if DCHA tries to evict you or if you dispute a rent increase or other lease issue.

DCHA cannot discriminate against you based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or sexual orientation. If you believe DCHA has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with the DC Office of the Ombudsman or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How to request a hearing or file a complaint

If DCHA is trying to evict you, you will receive a notice that tells you how to request a hearing. You must request the hearing within the timeframe stated in the notice — usually 10 days. The hearing is held before an administrative law judge who is not employed by DCHA. You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer.

If you have a complaint about DCHA's actions — such as a failure to make repairs, a wrongful eviction notice, or discrimination — you can file a complaint with the DC Office of the Ombudsman at 202-727-3466 or odc.dc.gov. The Ombudsman can investigate and recommend that DCHA take action. You can also file a complaint with HUD's Office of Inspector General if you believe DCHA has violated federal housing law.

You can also contact a legal aid organization. The DC Bar Lawyer Referral Service (202-737-0905) can connect you with a housing lawyer. Some nonprofits, such as the Tenant Advocate Union or the DC Tenants Union, offer free or low-cost legal help to tenants in public housing.

Emergency rental information and other DCHA programs

When DC receives federal emergency rental information funding, DCHA sometimes administers part of the program. These funds pay back rent or utility bills for households that have fallen behind due to job loss, illness, or other hardship. The program is not permanent — it opens and closes depending on available funding.

To find out whether emergency rental information is currently available, call DCHA at 202-535-1000 or visit dcha.dc.gov. You can also call 211 (a free referral line) to ask about rental information programs in DC. If a program is open, you will need to provide proof of income, a lease, and documentation of the hardship.

DCHA also administers the Family Unification Program, which provides vouchers to families involved in the child welfare system, and the Mainstream Voucher program for people with disabilities. These programs have separate waiting lists and different may be able to access rules. Contact DCHA directly to learn whether you may be on one of these lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am on the Section 8 waiting list?

Call DCHA at 202-535-1000 and provide your name and date of birth. DCHA staff can tell you whether you are on the list and your approximate position. You can also log into the online portal at dcha.dc.gov if you have a username and password. If you applied years ago and have not heard anything, call to confirm you are still on the list — DCHA may have removed you if your contact information was out of date.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

Tell DCHA when ready. If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask whether emergency rental information is available. If you receive an eviction notice, request a hearing — you may be able to work out a payment plan or show that the eviction is improper. Contact a legal aid organization for help before the court date.

Can DCHA raise my rent without notice?

No. DCHA must give you written notice of any rent increase at least 30 days before the increase takes effect. If your income changes, your rent will be recalculated, but DCHA must notify you in writing. If you believe the increase is wrong, you can request a hearing to dispute it.

What should I do if DCHA will not make repairs?

Document the problem with photos and dates. Send DCHA a written request for repair (email or certified mail). If DCHA does not respond within a reasonable time, file a complaint with the DC Department of Housing and Community Development or call the DC Office of the Ombudsman. You can also contact a legal aid organization — in some cases, tenants have the right to withhold rent or repair-and-deduct when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions.

Can I be evicted from public housing for any reason?

No. DCHA can only evict you for cause — such as non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. DCHA must follow the eviction process in court and give you a chance to respond. If you receive an eviction notice, request a hearing to contest it. Many evictions can be stopped or delayed if you can show you have a valid defense or if you pay back rent.