What the Easton Housing Authority does

The Easton Housing Authority is a local public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Easton, Pennsylvania. It administers public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, and other rental information programs for low-income residents in the city. The Authority is independent from the federal government but operates under HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) rules and funding.

The Authority owns and maintains public housing buildings directly, and also distributes Section 8 vouchers that tenants can use to rent from private landlords. Both programs require income verification and have waiting lists. The Authority's main office is located in Easton and handles applications, lease signings, inspections, and ongoing tenant support.

Key Takeaways

  • The Easton Housing Authority runs public housing units it owns directly and Section 8 voucher programs that work with private landlords.
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes yearly and depends on family size.
  • Waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers are typically long, and you must explore in person or by mail at the Authority's office.
  • Once you receive a voucher or lease, the Authority inspects the unit to may support it meets housing standards before you can move in.
  • The Authority collects rent based on your income, usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, and the program covers the rest.

Public housing units managed by the Authority

The Easton Housing Authority owns and operates apartment buildings throughout the city. These are traditional public housing units where the Authority is your landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, so it adjusts if your income changes. The Authority handles maintenance, repairs, and building management.

To live in public housing, your household income must fall below the limit set by HUD for your family size. Income limits change each year. You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. The Authority also conducts a background check and may deny housing based on criminal history or prior lease violations.

Public housing waiting lists in Easton are typically several months to over a year long, depending on the type of unit you need. You can explore at the Authority's office in person or request an process by mail. Once your name reaches the top of the list and a unit becomes available, the Authority will contact you to schedule a lease signing and unit inspection.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher gives you money to rent from a private landlord of your choice, rather than living in a building the Authority owns. The voucher covers a portion of the rent—typically the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your area. You pay your share directly to the landlord each month, and the Authority pays the landlord the rest.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept the program. Not all landlords participate. Once you locate a unit, the landlord must sign a lease with you and the Authority, and the Authority must inspect the unit to confirm it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, and the absence of lead paint hazards.

Section 8 waiting lists in Easton are typically very long—often several years. The Authority may open the list periodically when funding allows. You can contact the Authority to ask whether the Section 8 list is currently open and how to add your name.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both public housing and Section 8 require your household income to be at or below the limit for your family size. HUD sets these limits, and they vary by area and change each year. For Easton, a single person's limit is typically lower than a family of four, but you should contact the Authority directly for the current year's limits.

Rent in both programs is calculated the same way: you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, and the program covers the rest. If your income increases, your rent increases. If your income decreases, your rent decreases. You must report income changes to the Authority within 30 days, and the Authority will recalculate your rent at your next lease renewal or when you request a recertification.

The Authority counts most income sources: wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and others. Some income is excluded, such as certain student financial aid and temporary information payments. Ask the Authority which types of income they count when you explore.

how the process works and what documents you need

You must explore in person at the Easton Housing Authority's office or request an process by mail. The office is located at 1 South 4th Street, Easton, PA 18042. You can call ahead to confirm office hours and ask whether waiting lists are currently open.

When you explore, bring proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), and proof of residency in Easton (utility bill or lease). If you are explore for public housing or Section 8, you will also need to provide information about any prior evictions, criminal convictions, or lease violations. The Authority will conduct a background check as part of the process.

After you submit your process, the Authority will place your name on the waiting list. You will receive a letter confirming your process and your position on the list. The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. Do not assume you are on the list unless you receive written confirmation.

Inspections and move-in requirements

Before you can move into a public housing unit or use a Section 8 voucher, the Authority must inspect the unit. The inspection ensures the unit meets HUD housing quality standards. Common issues that cause units to fail inspection include broken windows, non-working heat or plumbing, pest infestations, mold, and lead paint hazards.

For public housing, the Authority owns the unit and is responsible for repairs. If an inspection finds problems, the Authority must fix them before you move in. For Section 8, the landlord is responsible for repairs. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs and request a re-inspection before you can move in.

Once the unit passes inspection, you will sign a lease and receive keys. For Section 8, you sign a lease with the landlord and a Housing information Payments contract with the Authority. For public housing, you sign a lease with the Authority. Keep a copy of your lease and all inspection reports for your records.

Ongoing responsibilities and recertification

Once you are in public housing or using a Section 8 voucher, you must follow the lease terms and report changes to the Authority. You must pay your portion of rent on time each month. You must allow the Authority to inspect your unit annually to confirm it still meets housing standards. You must report any changes in household income, family size, or household composition within 30 days.

The Authority will recertify your income and recalculate your rent at least once per year, usually on your lease anniversary. You will receive a notice asking you to provide updated income documentation. If you do not recertify, your voucher or lease may be terminated. If your income increases significantly, your rent will increase at recertification. If your income decreases, your rent will decrease.

If you violate the lease—such as by not paying rent, causing damage, or allowing unauthorized occupants—the Authority can evict you. Eviction from public housing or loss of a Section 8 voucher makes it much harder to find housing elsewhere. Pay rent on time and follow all lease rules to avoid this outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Easton?

Waiting lists vary depending on the type and size of unit you need. Contact the Easton Housing Authority directly at their office or by phone to ask about current wait times. Lists can range from several months to over a year.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of Easton?

Section 8 vouchers are typically tied to the local housing authority that issued them. If you want to move to another city, you may be able to transfer your voucher through a process called "portability," but this depends on the receiving authority's policies. Contact the Easton Housing Authority to ask about portability options.

What happens if my income increases while I am on the waiting list?

Being on the waiting list does not lock in your income. If your income exceeds the limit before a unit or voucher becomes available, you may no longer be may be able to access when the Authority contacts you. Report income changes to the Authority so they can update your file.

Can I be denied public housing or Section 8 because of my criminal record?

Yes. The Authority can deny housing based on criminal history, but the decision depends on the type of crime, how long ago it occurred, and other factors. Violent crimes and drug-related convictions are more likely to result in denial. You can ask the Authority to explain their decision if you are denied.

What should I do if my landlord is not making repairs in my Section 8 unit?

Contact the Easton Housing Authority and report the problem. The Authority can pressure the landlord to make repairs or, in some cases, remove the unit from the program. Do not withhold rent without the Authority's guidance, as this can result in eviction.