What Fayette County Housing Authority does

Fayette County Housing Authority (FCHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Fayette County, Kentucky. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which subsidizes rent for low-income households, and operates public housing properties directly. The authority does not set policy for the entire county — it runs its own portfolio of units and its own waiting lists.

FCHA is separate from the county government, though it receives some public funding. It answers to a board of commissioners and must follow federal housing rules because it receives federal money. If you are looking for housing in Fayette County, FCHA is one option among several; it is not the only source of affordable housing, and not every landlord participates in its programs.

Key Takeaways

  • FCHA operates Section 8 vouchers and public housing units in Fayette County, Kentucky, and maintains separate waiting lists for each program.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from any landlord who agrees to participate, while public housing means renting directly from FCHA in one of its properties.
  • Both programs have income limits and long waiting lists; you must contact FCHA directly to learn current wait times and whether lists are open.
  • FCHA's main office is in Lexington, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current openings and what documents you need.
  • If you are denied housing or have a complaint about how FCHA treated you, you have the right to request a hearing under federal rules.

Section 8 vouchers through FCHA

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. FCHA administers these vouchers in Fayette County. When you hold a voucher, you can rent from any landlord willing to accept it — you are not limited to FCHA properties. The landlord must agree to the terms, and the unit must pass a housing inspection.

You pay a portion of the rent yourself, usually 30 percent of your household income or the minimum rent set by FCHA, whichever is higher. FCHA pays the rest to the landlord. The voucher is not cash; it is a promise from FCHA to the landlord. If your income changes, your rent contribution changes too.

To get on the Section 8 waiting list, you must contact FCHA directly. The waiting list is often closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When it opens, FCHA announces it publicly. You will need proof of income, identification, and information about your household size and composition.

Public housing properties managed by FCHA

FCHA also owns and operates public housing units — apartment buildings and townhouses it rents directly to tenants. These are separate from Section 8 vouchers. When you rent public housing, your landlord is FCHA itself. The rent is set based on your income, typically 30 percent of what your household earns.

Public housing has its own waiting list, which is also often closed. Units vary in size and location across Fayette County. FCHA maintains these properties and handles repairs and maintenance as the landlord. Tenants in public housing must follow FCHA's lease terms and house rules.

The process process for public housing is similar to Section 8: you contact FCHA, provide income and household information, and wait for an opening. Wait times depend on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you on the list.

Income limits and who can rent

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits. These limits vary by household size and change each year. FCHA uses the federal definition of "low-income" and "very low-income" households. If your household income exceeds the limit for your family size, you will not be able to rent through FCHA.

FCHA also screens applicants for criminal history, eviction history, and other factors. The authority has the right to deny housing based on these factors, though federal law requires that the decision be based on a reasonable policy and that you have a chance to respond if you are denied.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to rent through FCHA. You will need to provide documentation of your status. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, contact FCHA and ask — they can tell you what documents to bring.

How to contact FCHA and what to bring

Fayette County Housing Authority's main office is located in Lexington. You can reach them by phone, mail, or by visiting in person during business hours. The office address and phone number are available on the FCHA website and through the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government website.

When you contact FCHA, ask whether the waiting list for the program you want (Section 8 or public housing) is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. If it is open, ask what documents you need to bring to explore. Typical documents include:

  • Photo identification (driver's license or state ID)
  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status
  • Information about any current housing or evictions

Bring originals or certified copies; FCHA will not accept photocopies of some documents. Ask the office what they prefer before you visit.

What happens after you explore

After you submit an process, FCHA will verify your income and household information. This can take several weeks. The authority will contact you if it needs more documents or has questions. You are responsible for keeping your contact information current — if FCHA cannot reach you, your process may be delayed or closed.

If you are approved, FCHA will place you on the waiting list in the order applications were received (or by priority if you may have access to for a preference). For Section 8, when a voucher becomes available, FCHA will contact you and explain how to use it. For public housing, when a unit matching your family size opens, FCHA will offer it to you.

If you are denied housing, FCHA must tell you why in writing. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision. The hearing is conducted by an independent officer, not by FCHA staff. You can bring documents and witnesses to support your case.

Tenant rights and complaint procedures

If you are renting through FCHA — whether in public housing or with a Section 8 voucher — you have rights under federal housing law and Kentucky state law. FCHA must maintain properties in safe, habitable condition. Repairs must be made within a reasonable time. You have the right to privacy and cannot be evicted without cause and proper notice.

If you have a complaint about FCHA's service, maintenance, or treatment, you can file a grievance. FCHA has a formal grievance procedure that includes a hearing before a neutral officer. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which oversees all housing authorities.

If FCHA tries to evict you, you have the right to a court hearing. You can bring a lawyer or representative. If the eviction is related to a lease violation, FCHA must give you a chance to fix the problem (called "cure") before filing in court, unless the violation is serious.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for FCHA housing?

Wait times vary depending on the program and how many units are available. Some waiting lists are several years long; others may be shorter. The only way to know the current wait time is to contact FCHA directly. They can tell you how many people are ahead of you and give you an estimate based on how quickly units turn over.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher from FCHA to rent anywhere in Kentucky?

No. A Section 8 voucher issued by FCHA is valid in Fayette County and some surrounding areas that FCHA has agreements with. If you move outside that area, you may lose the voucher or have to transfer it to a different housing authority. Ask FCHA which counties your voucher covers before you move.

What if I am denied housing by FCHA?

FCHA must give you a written reason for the denial. You have the right to request a hearing within a set time frame (usually 10 days). At the hearing, you can present evidence and witnesses to challenge the decision. If you disagree with the hearing result, you can file a complaint with HUD.

Do I have to stay in the same unit if I rent public housing from FCHA?

No. If your family size changes or you need to move, you can request a transfer to a different unit. FCHA will move you to the next available unit that fits your household size. Transfers may take time depending on availability.

What happens to my Section 8 voucher if my income increases?

Your rent contribution will increase, but you keep the voucher. FCHA recalculates your rent each year based on your current income. If your income rises above the program limit, FCHA may terminate your voucher, but this does not happen when ready — you will receive notice and a chance to respond.