What the Evansville Housing Authority does

The Evansville Housing Authority (EHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Evansville, Indiana, and administers federal housing programs for the area. It operates public housing units, manages the Section 8 voucher program, and handles other federally funded rental information. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and operates under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules.

The EHA does not set local housing policy or enforce tenant rights laws — that falls to the city and state. What it does is run specific programs that provide rental subsidies and manage properties. If you are looking for information about your rights as a tenant, local eviction law, or housing code enforcement, you will need to contact the City of Evansville or a local legal aid office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Evansville Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers, both of which require you to meet income limits and explore through their office.
  • Public housing is owned and managed by EHA; Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord who accepts the program.
  • Wait lists for both programs are often closed, so you will need to contact EHA directly to learn whether you can currently explore.
  • EHA's main office is located in Evansville, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current openings and what documents you need.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The EHA operates two main rental programs, and they work differently. Public housing means EHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. Section 8 vouchers mean you find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the program, and EHA pays a portion of your rent to the landlord while you pay the rest.

Public housing typically has lower out-of-pocket rent — usually 30 percent of your household income — but your choices are limited to EHA properties. Section 8 gives you more freedom to choose where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to participate, and the voucher amount may not cover the full rent in higher-cost areas. Both programs have income limits, and both usually have wait lists.

Which program is right for you depends on your income, family size, and what rental options exist in your area. EHA staff can explain the differences and tell you which programs currently have openings.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Evansville. The limits change each year. For example, a single person might have a different limit than a family of four, and the dollar amount shifts annually based on federal guidelines.

You will also need to pass a background check and meet other program requirements. EHA will ask about your income, household composition, and rental history. If you have an eviction judgment or certain criminal convictions, you may be denied, though EHA has some discretion in how strictly it applies these rules.

The best way to learn the current income limits and what documents you need is to contact EHA directly. They can tell you whether you likely meet the basic requirements before you spend time gathering paperwork.

How to contact the Evansville Housing Authority

The EHA main office is located in Evansville. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about wait list status, current programs, and what you need to bring if you want to explore. You can also visit in person at their office.

When you call or visit, have your household income information ready, know how many people live with you, and ask specifically whether the program you are interested in is currently accepting new applications. Many housing authorities close their wait lists when they become too long, so it is important to confirm before you explore.

If you cannot reach EHA by phone, you can also check the City of Evansville's website, which usually has a link to the Housing Authority's contact information and may have updates about wait list status.

Wait lists and how long approval takes

Both public housing and Section 8 have wait lists in most areas, and Evansville is no exception. Wait list length varies — sometimes it is a few months, sometimes several years. EHA will tell you the current wait time when you call.

If you are accepted off the wait list, the approval process typically takes several weeks to a few months. EHA will verify your income, run a background check, and inspect any property you plan to rent (if you are using Section 8). During this time, stay in touch with EHA and respond quickly to any requests for documents or information, because delays on your end can slow the process.

If you are currently homeless or facing eviction, mention that when you contact EHA. Some programs prioritize people in crisis, though this varies by program and funding.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, EHA will offer you a unit when one becomes available. You will sign a lease with EHA, pay your portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of income), and EHA covers the rest. You are responsible for keeping the unit in good condition and following lease rules.

If you are approved for Section 8, you receive a voucher that you can use to rent from a private landlord. You have a set amount of time to find a place — usually 60 to 120 days, depending on the program. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and EHA must inspect the unit and approve the lease before you move in. Once approved, EHA pays the landlord directly, and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

In both cases, EHA can terminate your lease if you violate program rules or your lease. Common violations include not paying your portion of rent, damaging the unit, or allowing unauthorized people to live there.

If you have a problem with EHA or your housing

If you believe EHA has treated you unfairly — for example, if they denied you without a clear reason or if you have a maintenance issue in a public housing unit — you have options. EHA has an internal grievance process that allows you to formally object to a decision or complaint. Ask EHA staff for their grievance procedure when you contact them.

If the grievance process does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with HUD, the federal agency that oversees housing authorities. You can also contact a local legal aid organization, which may be able to review your situation for free if you meet their income limits.

For issues related to housing code violations, maintenance problems, or tenant rights in private rentals (including Section 8 properties), contact the City of Evansville's code enforcement or housing division, not EHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the wait list is open?

Call the Evansville Housing Authority directly and ask whether they are currently accepting applications for public housing or Section 8. Wait lists open and close based on how many people are waiting and how much funding is available. EHA staff can tell you the current status in one call.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

EHA will consider your background, but they do not automatically deny everyone with a record. They look at how recent the incident was, what it was, and your circumstances. Ask EHA what their policy is before you assume you will be denied. Some programs are stricter than others.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher anywhere in Evansville?

You can rent from any private landlord in the EHA jurisdiction who agrees to accept Section 8, as long as the rent is within the voucher amount and the unit passes inspection. You cannot use it outside the EHA service area. EHA can tell you the exact boundaries of where vouchers are valid.

What if I lose my job or my income changes?

Tell EHA when ready. Your rent portion is based on your income, so if your income drops, your rent may go down. If your income rises, your rent will go up. EHA will ask you to report changes, and failing to do so can result in overpayment or lease violation.

How do I file a complaint about EHA?

Start with EHA's internal grievance process — ask for the procedure when you contact them. If that does not help, you can file a complaint with HUD or contact a local legal aid organization. Keep records of all communications with EHA in case you need them later.