What the Everett Housing Authority does

The Everett Housing Authority is a public agency that runs housing programs in Everett, Washington. It administers Section 8 vouchers (which help you pay rent in the private market), manages public housing properties, and handles waiting lists for both programs. The Authority does not build or own most of the apartments you rent with a voucher — it pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord on your behalf.

The Authority's main office is located in Everett. You contact them directly to ask about current openings on their waiting lists, to report maintenance issues if you live in Authority-owned housing, or to understand what documents you need to bring to an appointment. They do not take applications by mail or email for most programs — you typically visit in person or call to learn the current process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Everett Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing; both have separate waiting lists that open and close based on funding.
  • You must visit the Authority's office or call them to find out whether the waiting list is currently open, because openings depend on funding and turnover.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord, but the landlord must agree to participate and the unit must pass a housing inspection.
  • Income limits exist for both programs and are based on your household size; the Authority will tell you the current limits when you contact them.
  • Waiting lists can be long; the Authority will give you an estimated wait time when you ask about current openings.

Section 8 vouchers through Everett Housing Authority

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. You find your own apartment in the private rental market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays them a portion of the rent each month. You pay the difference out of pocket — typically 30 percent of your income, though this varies based on your lease and local rules.

To use a Section 8 voucher, the apartment must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection. This means the unit has working plumbing, heat, electricity, and no serious safety hazards. The landlord cannot refuse to rent to you because you have a voucher, but they can refuse if the unit does not pass inspection or if they choose not to participate in the program at all.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Everett opens periodically. When it is closed, you cannot add your name. Call the Everett Housing Authority to ask whether the list is currently open and, if it is, what documents you need to bring to the office. Wait times vary; the Authority will tell you the current estimate.

Public housing managed by Everett Housing Authority

The Authority owns and manages apartment buildings throughout Everett. These are public housing units — apartments owned by the government and rented at below-market rates to low-income households. Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the Section 8 voucher list.

Public housing units are inspected and maintained by the Authority. If something breaks — a water leak, a heating problem, an electrical issue — you report it to the Authority's maintenance line, and they are responsible for repairs. You do not negotiate with a private landlord.

Income limits explore to public housing as well. The Authority will tell you the current limits based on your household size when you contact them. Like the Section 8 list, the public housing waiting list opens and closes; call to find out the current status and wait time.

How to contact Everett Housing Authority and what to bring

The Everett Housing Authority's main office is the place to start. Call them to ask whether either waiting list is currently open. They will tell you the current income limits, the estimated wait time, and what documents to bring to an in-person appointment. Do not assume the waiting list is open — many housing authorities close their lists when funding is exhausted and reopen them later.

When you visit the office, bring proof of identity (a driver's license or state ID), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency or intent to live in Everett. The Authority will also ask about household members and their ages. Bring documentation for anyone living with you.

If you are currently homeless or living in unstable housing, tell the Authority when you call. Some programs prioritize people in crisis, and the Authority can direct you to additional resources while you wait.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both Section 8 vouchers and public housing have income limits based on household size. These limits change yearly and vary by area. The Everett Housing Authority sets its limits based on the area median income — a figure the federal government calculates each year.

For Section 8 vouchers, you typically pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income toward rent. The Authority pays the landlord the rest, up to the voucher amount. If your income increases after you receive a voucher, your rent contribution may increase, but the Authority will recalculate it and notify you.

For public housing, rent is also based on income — usually 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. The Authority will explain the exact calculation when you meet with them. If your income changes, report it to the Authority so they can recalculate your rent.

What happens after you are on the waiting list

Once your name is on the waiting list, the Authority will contact you when a unit becomes available. For Section 8 vouchers, you receive the voucher and then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. You search the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority inspects the unit.

For public housing, the Authority will offer you a specific unit when one opens up. You can decline and stay on the list, but declining too many times may remove you from the list — ask the Authority about their policy on refusals.

If your contact information changes while you are on the waiting list, notify the Authority when ready. If they cannot reach you when a unit is available, they may skip you and move to the next person on the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Everett?

Wait times vary and change based on how many people are on the list and how many vouchers become available. Call the Everett Housing Authority to ask the current estimated wait time. Some people wait months; others wait years. The Authority will give you a realistic timeframe when you ask.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher in a different city?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another area and use your voucher there — but you must contact the new housing authority first to ask whether they accept transfers. Some areas have long waiting lists and do not accept vouchers from outside their jurisdiction. The Everett Housing Authority can tell you which areas accept portable vouchers.

What if I am denied for Section 8 or public housing?

The Authority must tell you why you were denied. Common reasons include income above the limit, a criminal history that disqualifies you under federal rules, or an eviction record. Ask the Authority for a written explanation and whether you can appeal the decision. Some denials can be challenged.

Do I have to pay an process fee?

No. The Everett Housing Authority does not charge a fee to add your name to the waiting list. If anyone asks you for money to put you on a housing authority list, that is a scam.

What if I need help filling out the paperwork?

The Authority's staff can answer questions about the forms when you visit. If you need interpretation in another language, call ahead and ask whether an interpreter is available. Community action agencies and legal aid organizations in Everett also offer free help with housing applications.