What the Hagerstown Housing Authority does

The Hagerstown Housing Authority (HHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Hagerstown, Maryland, and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for Washington County. The Authority owns and operates public housing properties and helps low-income residents find private rental units they can afford. It does not build new housing or provide direct financial information outside of these two programs.

The HHA serves as the local connection between residents and federal housing funding. If you live in the Hagerstown area and need affordable housing, the HHA is where you go to learn what programs exist, how to get on a waiting list, and what your responsibilities are as a tenant or voucher holder.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hagerstown Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for low-income residents in Hagerstown and Washington County.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have waiting lists; the length and current status of each list changes and you can contact HHA directly to learn the current wait time.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn; Section 8 vouchers work the same way but let you choose a private landlord.
  • You must meet income limits and citizenship or immigration status requirements to be considered for either program.
  • The HHA office is located in Hagerstown and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and how to request an process.

Public housing managed by the Hagerstown Housing Authority

The HHA owns and operates apartment complexes throughout Hagerstown where rent is set at 30 percent of your household income. This means if your household earns $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. The Authority maintains the buildings, handles repairs, and sets lease terms. You live in an HHA-owned unit and follow the lease agreement with the Authority itself.

Public housing units are in limited supply and have waiting lists. The length of the wait varies depending on the size of unit you need (one-bedroom, two-bedroom, etc.) and current turnover. You can contact the HHA office to find out how long the wait currently is for the unit size you need and to request an process form.

To be considered, you must meet income limits set by the federal government (these change yearly), be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and pass a background check. The HHA will verify your income through tax returns, pay stubs, or other documentation.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Section 8 program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent when you rent from a private landlord. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept Section 8, and the voucher pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between what the voucher covers and the actual rent—typically 30 percent of your income.

The main advantage of Section 8 over public housing is choice: you can live in any neighborhood where a landlord will accept the voucher, rather than in an HHA-owned building. The disadvantage is that not all landlords participate, and you have to search for units yourself. The HHA does not find apartments for you.

Section 8 also has a waiting list, and in many areas the wait is longer than for public housing. The HHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a unit and have it inspected before the voucher expires.

How to contact the Hagerstown Housing Authority

The HHA office is located at 1926 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. You can reach them by phone at 301-797-2626. Office hours and current contact methods may change, so calling ahead is the best way to confirm when staff are available and what documents to bring.

When you call or visit, ask about the current waiting list status for the program you are interested in. Let them know the size of unit you need and your household income range so they can tell you whether you may meet income limits. They will explain what documents you need to provide and how to request an process.

If you are already a tenant in HHA public housing or a Section 8 voucher holder, the same office handles lease issues, rent disputes, maintenance requests, and questions about your lease renewal.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits. These limits are set by the federal government and change each year based on the area median income for Washington County. For example, a family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $55,000 annually, but this varies year to year. The HHA can tell you the current limits when you contact them.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status (such as a green card or certain visa types). The HHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status as part of the process. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for either program.

You also must pass a background check. The HHA looks at criminal history, eviction history, and whether you have unpaid debts to previous landlords or housing authorities. A criminal record or prior eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the HHA will consider the nature and timing of the offense.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, the HHA will contact you when a unit matching your needs becomes available. You will sign a lease with the Authority and move in. Your rent will be recalculated each year based on your current income, so if your earnings change, your rent changes.

If you are approved for Section 8, you receive a voucher and a packet of information about how to search for apartments. You have a set amount of time to find a unit, get the landlord's agreement, and have the HHA inspect the apartment to make sure it meets housing quality standards. Once the inspection passes, the voucher becomes active and the HHA begins paying the landlord.

In both cases, you are responsible for following your lease, paying your portion of rent on time, and maintaining the unit. The HHA can evict you for non-payment, lease violations, or criminal activity on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or Section 8?

Wait times vary by program and unit size. The HHA updates these regularly. Call 301-797-2626 or visit the office to learn the current wait time for the specific program and unit size you need. Some programs may have shorter waits than others.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. You can request an process for both programs. Being on both lists does not hurt your chances for either one. Once you are approved and move into a unit or receive a voucher, you will be removed from the other list.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the HHA will review the details. They consider how long ago it happened, why it occurred, and whether you have since paid any judgment. Contact the HHA directly to discuss your situation; they can tell you whether you may still be considered.

Do I have to stay in Hagerstown with a Section 8 voucher?

No. You can use a Section 8 voucher from the Hagerstown Housing Authority to rent in other areas, though the voucher amount is based on Hagerstown rent levels. If you move to a more expensive area, you may pay more out of pocket. If you move to a less expensive area, you may pay less. You must notify the HHA before you move.

What if my landlord wants to raise the rent or end my lease?

In public housing, the HHA sets the terms of your lease and can only raise rent based on income changes. In Section 8, your landlord can raise rent or end your lease under Maryland law, but the voucher amount does not automatically increase. Contact the HHA if you have questions about your rights as a tenant.