What Franklin County Housing Authority does

Franklin County Housing Authority (FCHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing and administers housing voucher programs in Franklin County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it contracts with private landlords who agree to rent units at below-market rates to low-income residents. FCHA also runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), which gives may have access to residents a voucher they can use to rent from any participating landlord in the county.

FCHA serves residents of Franklin County, Ohio, which includes Columbus and surrounding communities. The agency is governed by a board of commissioners and funded through federal grants, local contributions, and rental income. If you live in Franklin County and need affordable housing information, FCHA is the body that administers the programs available to you — though the specific rules, wait times, and available units change based on funding and demand.

Key Takeaways

  • Franklin County Housing Authority manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income residents across Franklin County, Ohio.
  • You must meet income limits and other requirements set by FCHA to be considered for housing or voucher programs.
  • Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent from private landlords who accept the program, rather than living in a public housing building.
  • Wait lists for both public housing and vouchers are often closed or have long delays, so contacting FCHA directly is the only way to know current status.
  • FCHA's main office in Columbus handles intake, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current programs and requirements.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

FCHA offers two main paths to affordable housing. Public housing means you rent a unit that FCHA owns or manages directly. These are typically apartment buildings or scattered units throughout the county. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or a minimum amount set by FCHA), and FCHA handles maintenance and management.

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

Both programs have income limits. FCHA sets these based on the area median income for Franklin County. If your household income exceeds the limit, you will not be considered. The limits change yearly, so you should contact FCHA directly to learn the current thresholds for your household size.

Income limits and other requirements

To be considered for FCHA housing or vouchers, your household income must fall below a certain percentage of the area median income. FCHA also requires that you be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have no history of serious lease violations or criminal activity that disqualifies you, and pass a background check. You must also provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or documentation of benefits.

FCHA may also conduct a home visit to verify your living situation and check for safety hazards. If you are currently homeless or living in unstable housing, FCHA has specific pathways and may prioritize your case. If you have a disability, you may be may have access to to reasonable accommodations in the process process or in the housing itself.

Requirements and priorities can shift based on FCHA's current funding and policy. The best way to understand whether you meet the criteria is to contact FCHA directly and ask to speak with an intake specialist who can review your situation.

How to contact Franklin County Housing Authority

FCHA's main office is located in Columbus. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current programs, wait list status, and how to move forward. The agency also accepts in-person visits at their office, where staff can walk you through the process and answer questions about your specific circumstances.

When you contact FCHA, have the following information ready: your household size, current income, and any special circumstances (such as disability, homelessness, or an urgent housing need). Staff can tell you whether programs are currently open to new residents, what the wait time is, and what documents you will need to gather.

FCHA also maintains a website with program information, though the most current details about wait lists and availability come directly from the agency by phone or in person. If you are having trouble reaching FCHA or need help understanding your options, you can also contact a local housing counselor or legal aid organization in Franklin County, many of which work closely with FCHA.

Wait lists and how long the process takes

Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers operate on wait lists. How long you wait depends on demand, available funding, and your priority status. Some residents are prioritized — for example, those experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with very low incomes may move up the list faster than others.

Wait times vary widely. In some cases, the wait list is closed entirely because FCHA has more applicants than available resources. When a list is closed, FCHA will reopen it when funding allows. This is why contacting FCHA directly is essential — they can tell you whether you can even be added to a list right now, and if not, when the list might reopen.

Once you are on a wait list and your name comes up, FCHA will contact you to move forward with the next steps. This usually involves a more detailed interview, income verification, and background checks. The entire process from process to move-in can take several months or longer, depending on the program and your circumstances.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, FCHA will offer you a unit when one becomes available that matches your household size and needs. You will sign a lease with FCHA, and your rent will be calculated at 30 percent of your income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher). FCHA is responsible for repairs and maintenance, and you are responsible for keeping the unit clean and following lease rules.

If you are approved for a Housing Choice Voucher, FCHA will issue the voucher and give you a important date to find a rental unit. You then search for a private landlord in Franklin County who accepts vouchers. Once you find a unit and a landlord agrees, FCHA inspects the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, FCHA and the landlord sign an agreement, and you move in. Your rent is split between the voucher and your own payment.

In both cases, FCHA will conduct periodic inspections and may recalculate your rent if your income changes. You must report changes in household size, income, or employment to FCHA, as these affect your rent and voucher amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the wait list is open?

The only reliable way is to contact FCHA directly by phone or visit their office in person. Wait lists open and close based on funding and demand, and this information changes. FCHA staff can tell you when ready whether you can be added to a list for public housing, vouchers, or both.

What if my income is above the limit?

You will not be considered for FCHA programs if your income exceeds the limit. However, limits are set annually and may change. You can also explore other affordable housing options in Franklin County through nonprofits, private landlords, or other local programs. A housing counselor can help you find alternatives.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher outside Franklin County?

No. Housing Choice Vouchers issued by FCHA are valid only within Franklin County. If you move outside the county, your voucher ends. Some other housing authorities may accept a "portability" request if you move to their area, but this requires approval and is not may provide.

What if I have a criminal record?

FCHA conducts background checks and may deny housing based on criminal history. However, not all convictions automatically disqualify you. FCHA considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and other factors. You can ask FCHA directly about your specific situation, and they will explain what they found and whether you have options.

Do I need a lease to explore?

No. You do not need a lease to explore for FCHA programs. You explore first, and if approved, FCHA helps you find housing (for vouchers) or assigns you a unit (for public housing). Only after approval do you sign a lease with a landlord or with FCHA.