What the Englewood Housing Authority does

The Englewood Housing Authority is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Englewood, Colorado. It operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly called Section 8), which allows tenants to rent from private landlords using a voucher that covers part of the rent. The Authority also manages waiting lists, sets income limits for who can live in its properties, and handles lease enforcement and maintenance.

The Authority is separate from the City of Englewood government, though it receives some public funding. It answers to a Board of Commissioners and must follow federal housing law set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Englewood and want public or subsidized housing, the Housing Authority is the body you contact directly — not the city, not a private company, and not a state office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Englewood Housing Authority manages both public housing units it owns and Housing Choice Vouchers that work with private landlords.
  • Income limits explore to both programs, and they change yearly; you must meet the current limit for your household size to be considered.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are usually closed or have long wait times, so contact the Authority directly to learn the current status.
  • The Authority conducts background checks and reviews rental history, so unpaid debts or evictions can affect your chances of being accepted.
  • Once you have a voucher or a lease with the Authority, you must report changes in income, household size, or employment within 30 days.

Public housing units versus Housing Choice Vouchers

The Englewood Housing Authority owns and operates public housing buildings where you rent directly from the Authority. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, so it changes if your income changes. The Authority owns the building, maintains it, and you sign a lease with them. Public housing is usually older stock and concentrated in specific neighborhoods.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently: the Authority gives you a voucher worth a set dollar amount each month, and you use it to rent from any private landlord who agrees to participate. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The landlord is paid directly by the Authority. Vouchers give you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the landlord must pass the Authority's inspection.

Both programs have income limits. For public housing, the limit is usually 80 percent of the area median income for your household size. For vouchers, it is typically the same, though some programs serve households up to 50 percent of median income. The Englewood Housing Authority publishes its current income limits on its website or by phone.

How to contact the Englewood Housing Authority

The Englewood Housing Authority's main office is located in Englewood, Colorado. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about waiting lists, current income limits, and what documents you will need to provide. The Authority's phone number and office address are listed on its official website and on HUD's directory of housing authorities.

When you call or visit, have your household size, current income, and any special needs (such as a disability requiring accessible housing) ready to discuss. The Authority can tell you whether the waiting list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what the next steps are. Many housing authorities have closed waiting lists for months or years, so it is worth checking the current status before gathering documents.

Income limits and what counts as income

The Englewood Housing Authority sets income limits based on family size and updates them yearly. These limits determine whether you can be considered for public housing or a voucher. Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and some types of information. It does not include food stamps, Medicaid, or certain one-time payments.

The Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to verify income. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide tax returns for the past two years. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter from the agency that pays you. The Authority recalculates your income yearly, so you will need to provide updated documents each year you remain in the program.

Background checks and rental history review

The Englewood Housing Authority conducts a criminal background check and reviews your rental history before accepting you into either program. The Authority looks for evictions, unpaid rent, property damage, or criminal convictions. Having a record does not automatically disqualify you, but the Authority weighs the seriousness of the offense, how long ago it happened, and what you have done since.

If you have an eviction on your record, be prepared to explain it. The Authority may ask for a letter from your previous landlord, proof that you have paid back rent owed, or documentation of circumstances beyond your control (such as a medical emergency or job loss). Some authorities will not accept applicants with evictions within the past three to five years, though this varies. Contact the Englewood Housing Authority directly to learn its specific policy.

What happens after you are accepted

If you are accepted into public housing, you will sign a lease with the Englewood Housing Authority. Your rent will be recalculated each year based on your income. You must report any changes in household size, income, or employment within 30 days. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment of rent or loss of your housing.

If you receive a Housing Choice Voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 120 days) to find a rental property and a landlord willing to accept the voucher. Once you find a place, the Authority inspects it to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The landlord signs a contract with the Authority, and you sign a lease with the landlord. You are responsible for finding the unit; the Authority does not find housing for you.

In both cases, the Authority can terminate your lease if you violate the terms, such as by not paying your share of rent, damaging the property, or engaging in criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before termination in most cases.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Most housing authorities, including Englewood's, maintain waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers. The waiting list for vouchers is often longer and moves more slowly than the list for public housing. Wait times vary widely — some applicants wait months, others wait years. The Authority prioritizes applicants based on the date they applied, though some authorities give priority to people who are homeless or have disabilities.

The Englewood Housing Authority may open and close its waiting lists depending on funding and demand. If the list is closed when you contact them, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does. Some authorities maintain a waiting list even when they are not currently accepting new applicants, so it is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Englewood Housing Authority and the City of Englewood?

The Housing Authority is an independent public agency that manages housing programs. The City of Englewood is the municipal government. They are separate entities, though the city may provide some funding. Contact the Housing Authority directly for housing questions — the city cannot process your process or tell you about waiting lists.

Can I be denied because I have a criminal record?

Not automatically. The Authority considers the nature of the offense, when it occurred, and your circumstances since then. Violent crimes and drug-related convictions are treated more seriously. Contact the Authority to discuss your specific situation; many people with records are accepted into housing programs.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Ask the Authority when it expects to reopen and whether you can request notification. Some authorities reopen their lists seasonally or when funding becomes available. You can also explore other options, such as private rental information programs or nonprofits that help with housing in the Englewood area.

Do I have to stay in Englewood if I get a Housing Choice Voucher?

No. Once you have a voucher from the Englewood Housing Authority, you can use it to rent in other jurisdictions, though you may need permission from the Authority to move. The Authority must approve the new unit and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. Contact the Authority before you move to learn the process.

What happens if my income increases?

You must report the increase within 30 days. In public housing, your rent will go up. With a voucher, your share of the rent may increase, though the Authority may allow you to stay in the program for a limited time even if your income exceeds the limit. Report changes promptly to avoid overpayment or loss of housing.