How the Denver Housing Authority Works and What It Handles

What the Denver Housing Authority does

The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) is a public agency that runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and affordable housing programs across the Denver metro area. It does not decide who gets housing — it manages properties and rental information on behalf of the city and federal government. If you live in public housing in Denver, pay rent through a Section 8 voucher, or are looking into affordable housing programs, DHA is the organisation you will deal with directly.

DHA owns and operates apartment complexes throughout Denver and surrounding counties. It also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which pays a portion of your rent at a private landlord's property if you meet income limits. The agency also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and manages affordable housing development.

Key Takeaways

The Denver Housing Authority manages public housing properties, Section 8 vouchers, and affordable housing programs across the Denver metro area.
DHA maintains a waitlist for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and waitlist times vary by program and can be years long.
You can contact DHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about current programs and waitlist status.
DHA also runs supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness and manages affordable housing development projects.
Income limits explore to most DHA programs, and you will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and rental history.

How to contact the Denver Housing Authority

DHA's main office is located at 1981 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202. You can reach them by phone at (720) 944-7400 during business hours. The agency also has a website where you can find information about current programs, read forms, and learn about waitlist procedures.

If you are interested in public housing or a Section 8 voucher, call to ask whether the waitlist is currently open. Many housing authorities close their waitlists when they become very long, and reopen them periodically. DHA staff can tell you whether you can add your name now and what documents you will need to bring when you explore.

Public housing through DHA

DHA owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Denver and surrounding areas. Public housing is owned by the government and managed by DHA. Your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — rather than market rate. You must meet income limits to live in public housing, and those limits depend on family size.

Public housing has a waitlist, and wait times vary. Some properties have shorter waits than others. When you call DHA, ask about waitlist length for the specific neighborhoods or properties you are interested in. You will need to provide proof of income, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a rental history or reference from a previous landlord.

Section 8 vouchers in Denver

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program lets you rent from a private landlord while DHA pays a portion of your rent. You pay the difference between your share (usually 30 percent of your income) and what DHA pays the landlord. This gives you more choice in where you live compared to public housing, because you can use your voucher at any property where the landlord agrees to participate.

The Section 8 waitlist in Denver is typically very long — often several years. DHA periodically opens and closes the waitlist depending on funding and demand. Call to find out whether applications are being taken now. If the waitlist is closed, ask when it might reopen and whether you can request to be notified when it does.

Income limits and what you need to bring

DHA programs have income limits based on the area median income for the Denver metro region. Limits are higher for larger families. You can ask DHA staff for the current income limits for your family size when you call or visit.

When you explore, bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or birth certificate), and a rental history or reference from a previous landlord. If you are currently homeless or have no rental history, DHA may have alternative ways to verify your background. Ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Supportive housing and other DHA programs

Beyond public housing and Section 8, DHA runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness. These programs combine affordable housing with services like case management, mental health support, and job training. Supportive housing is not the same as emergency shelter — it is permanent housing with ongoing support.

DHA also develops and manages affordable housing projects throughout the Denver area. Some of these are mixed-income buildings where some units are affordable and others rent at market rate. You can ask DHA about affordable housing development projects and whether any are currently leasing.

What happens after you explore

After you submit an process, DHA will verify your income, check your rental history, and confirm your citizenship or legal residency status. This process typically takes several weeks. DHA will contact you if they need additional documents or have questions about your process.

If you are approved, DHA will place you on the waitlist for available housing or vouchers. The order of the waitlist depends on the program and DHA's policies. Some programs prioritize people with the greatest need or those who have been waiting longest. Ask DHA how their waitlist works and where you stand once you are approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely. Public housing waitlists can be months to several years depending on the property and current demand. Section 8 waitlists in Denver are typically several years long. Call DHA to ask about current wait times for the specific program you are interested in.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher at any apartment in Denver?

No. The landlord must agree to participate in the Section 8 program and accept DHA's payment. Not all private landlords participate. DHA can provide a list of properties and landlords who accept vouchers, or you can search for participating properties on the DHA website.

What if I am currently homeless — can I still explore to DHA?

Yes. DHA has supportive housing programs specifically for people experiencing homelessness. You may also be able to explore for public housing or Section 8 if you meet income requirements. Call DHA and explain your situation — they can direct you to the right program and tell you what documents you can provide instead of a rental history.

Do I have to pay process fees to DHA?

No. DHA does not charge fees to explore for public housing, Section 8 vouchers, or other programs. Be cautious of any organisation claiming to charge you to explore for DHA housing — that is a scam.

What if my income changes after I move into DHA housing?

You must report income changes to DHA. Your rent may increase or decrease depending on your new income. DHA will recalculate your rent based on the new income and let you know what your new payment will be.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.