What the East Hartford Housing Authority Does

The East Hartford Housing Authority (EHHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in East Hartford, Connecticut. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the town and maintains public housing units. The Authority does not build new housing or provide cash information — it either owns the buildings where you live or gives you a voucher to rent from a private landlord.

The EHHA serves East Hartford residents whose income falls below certain limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The specific income limits change each year and depend on family size. You can contact the Authority directly to learn the current limits for your household.

The Authority's main office is located in East Hartford. You can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about programs, get on a waiting list, or submit documents. The office hours and phone number are available on the town of East Hartford's website under housing or social services.

Key Takeaways

  • The East Hartford Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing it owns directly, and Section 8 vouchers you use to rent from private landlords.
  • Both programs require your household income to be below HUD limits, which vary by family size and change yearly.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed or have long delays, so contact the Authority to learn the current status before preparing documents.
  • You must live or work in East Hartford to be considered for EHHA housing or vouchers.
  • The Authority collects rent from you based on your income, usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, and the program covers the rest.

Public Housing Owned by the Authority

The EHHA owns and operates apartment buildings throughout East Hartford. These are called public housing units. When you live in an EHHA building, you pay rent directly to the Authority based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. The Authority maintains the building and handles repairs.

To get on the waiting list for public housing, you must meet income limits and live or work in East Hartford. The waiting list is often closed due to the number of people waiting. Contact the Authority to ask whether the list is currently open and, if so, what documents you need to bring or mail in.

Once you are on the list, the wait time varies. Some applicants wait months; others wait years. The Authority prioritizes based on factors like homelessness, living in unsafe conditions, or paying more than half your income toward rent. Ask the Authority where you fall in the priority order when you explore.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a document that lets you rent from any private landlord in the EHHA's jurisdiction (East Hartford and sometimes nearby towns). You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest, usually 30 percent of your income.

The voucher is portable within limits — if you move to another town, you may be able to transfer it, but you must ask the Authority first. The Authority has rules about which landlords and buildings may have access to, and the landlord must pass a housing inspection before you can move in.

The Section 8 waiting list is also typically closed. When it opens, the Authority usually accepts applications for a short window — sometimes just a few weeks. Contact the EHHA to ask when the list might reopen and whether you can get on a notification list to be told when applications are accepted again.

Income Limits and Rent Calculations

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits. These are set by HUD and change each year. A family of four might have a limit of around $60,000 to $70,000 gross annual income, but the exact number depends on the year and family size. The Authority uses your most recent tax return or pay stubs to verify income.

When you are accepted into either program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If your income is $2,000 per month, you pay $600. If it drops to $1,500, your rent drops to $450. The Authority reviews your income each year and adjusts your rent accordingly.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include food stamps or some other means-tested benefits. If your income changes, you must report it to the Authority within a certain timeframe — usually 30 days.

Documents You Will Need

When you explore for public housing or a Section 8 voucher, the Authority will ask for proof of identity, income, and residency. Bring or mail copies of documents like a driver's license or state ID, your most recent tax return or pay stubs, and a utility bill or lease showing you live or work in East Hartford.

If you receive benefits, bring award letters from Social Security, disability, or unemployment. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and profit-and-loss statements. If you have a child, bring a birth certificate. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring immigration documents showing you are authorized to work.

The Authority will give you a checklist when you call or visit. Do not guess — ask them exactly what they need before you gather documents. Some offices accept documents by mail; others require you to bring them in person. Ask about their process when you first contact them.

How to Contact the East Hartford Housing Authority

The EHHA office is in East Hartford. You can find the phone number and address on the town of East Hartford's official website under housing, social services, or community development. Some towns also list the Authority's hours and whether you can explore by mail, phone, or in person only.

When you call, ask whether the waiting list is open for public housing, for Section 8, or for both. Ask what documents you need and whether you can explore by mail or must visit in person. If the list is closed, ask whether you can get on a notification list or when it might reopen.

If you cannot reach the Authority by phone, try visiting the office in person during business hours. Bring a list of questions and any documents you have ready. Staff can tell you on the spot whether you meet basic income and residency requirements.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, the Authority will review it to make sure you meet income and residency requirements. This usually takes a few weeks. They may call or mail you to ask for more documents or to clarify information.

If you meet the requirements, you go on the waiting list. The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This may take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers open up.

If you do not meet the requirements, the Authority will tell you why — usually because your income is too high or you do not live or work in East Hartford. You can reapply later if your situation changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I work in East Hartford but do not live there?

Yes. The EHHA serves people who live or work in East Hartford. When you explore, bring proof of employment such as a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer showing your job title and start date.

What if my income is above the limit?

You cannot be accepted into the program if your income exceeds the HUD limit for your family size. The limit is set each year and varies by town. If your income drops later, you can reapply. Contact the Authority to learn the current limit for your household size.

How long does it take to get a voucher or apartment after I explore?

That depends on the waiting list. Some people wait six months; others wait several years. The Authority will tell you the current average wait time when you explore. You can also ask where you rank on the list and whether you have priority status.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of East Hartford?

Possibly. Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be used in other towns, but you must get permission from the EHHA first. The Authority has agreements with some neighboring housing authorities. Call and ask whether your voucher can be used where you want to move.

What if I lose my job or my income drops?

Tell the Authority within 30 days. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income. If you are in public housing or have a voucher, your rent will go down. If your income drops to zero, you may still owe a minimum rent — ask the Authority what that is.