What the Hartford Housing Authority does

The Hartford Housing Authority (HHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Hartford, Connecticut, and runs the Section 8 voucher program for the city. If you live in an HHA-managed building, you pay rent to HHA directly. If you hold an HHA Section 8 voucher, you use it to rent from a private landlord, and HHA pays part of your rent to that landlord. HHA also administers public housing for low-income residents and manages waiting lists for both programs.

HHA is not the same as the city government or the state. It is a separate public corporation with its own board and budget. When you have a question about your lease, your rent payment, a maintenance issue, or your voucher, you contact HHA — not the City of Hartford.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hartford Housing Authority manages public housing buildings and runs the Section 8 voucher program; you pay rent to HHA if you live in one of their buildings, or use an HHA voucher to rent privately.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have waiting lists, and HHA prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, disability, and family size.
  • You can contact HHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about waiting lists, report maintenance problems, or dispute a rent charge.
  • If you disagree with an HHA decision about your rent, your lease, or your voucher, you have the right to a hearing before an independent officer.
  • HHA's rules and procedures are set out in its Administrative Plan and Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan, which are public documents you can request.

Public housing managed by HHA

HHA owns and operates apartment buildings throughout Hartford. Residents of these buildings pay rent based on their income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though HHA may set a minimum rent. You sign a lease with HHA and must follow HHA's lease terms, which cover things like occupancy limits, guest policies, and what happens if you damage the unit.

To get on the waiting list for public housing, you must meet HHA's income limits (which vary by family size and change yearly) and pass a background check. HHA does not currently accept new applications for public housing; the waiting list is closed. You can contact HHA to ask when applications will reopen and to get on a notification list.

Once you are in public housing, you have the right to a lease, the right to notice before eviction, and the right to a hearing if HHA tries to evict you or raise your rent. HHA must follow federal rules about how it treats residents, including rules against discrimination.

Section 8 vouchers and private rentals

If you hold an HHA Section 8 voucher, you can rent from any private landlord in Hartford (or in some cases outside Hartford, depending on HHA's portability rules). HHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord; you pay the rest. The amount HHA pays is based on the fair market rent for your area and your income.

To get a Section 8 voucher, you must be on HHA's waiting list. Like public housing, the Section 8 waiting list is currently closed. When it reopens, HHA will announce the dates and how the process works. Income limits explore, and you must pass a background check.

Once you have a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. The landlord's unit must pass an HHA inspection before you can move in. If the landlord refuses to rent to you because you have a voucher, that is illegal discrimination. You can report it to HHA or to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Maintenance and repairs in HHA buildings

If you live in an HHA-managed building and have a maintenance problem — a leak, broken heat, mold, pest infestation, or broken appliance — you must report it to HHA. You can call HHA's maintenance line, submit a work order online, or report it in person. HHA is required by law to make repairs that affect health and safety within a reasonable time, usually within 24 to 72 hours depending on the severity.

If HHA does not make the repair, you have options. You can request a hearing to dispute the charge, withhold rent (in some cases), or contact the Connecticut Department of Housing. Do not straightforward stop paying rent without first documenting the problem and giving HHA written notice; withholding rent without following the legal process can result in eviction.

Rent disputes and lease violations

If HHA charges you a fee, raises your rent, or says you have violated your lease, you have the right to a hearing. You do not have to accept HHA's decision. Request a hearing in writing within the time frame HHA gives you (usually 10 days). At the hearing, you can present your side of the story to an independent hearing officer who does not work for HHA.

Common disputes include disagreements over the income calculation used to set your rent, charges for damage HHA says you caused, or lease violations like unauthorized occupants or pets. Bring documentation: pay stubs, lease terms, photos, or written communication with HHA. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask HHA if it has information about free legal services in Hartford.

Contacting the Hartford Housing Authority

HHA's main office is located at 10 Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. You can reach them by phone at (860) 522-3000 during business hours. HHA also has a website where you can find information about waiting lists, submit maintenance requests, and read forms.

If you need to speak with someone about a specific issue — a maintenance problem, a rent charge, or a voucher question — ask for the department that handles that issue. For public housing maintenance, ask for the Maintenance Department. For Section 8 voucher questions, ask for the Housing Choice Voucher Program office. For lease disputes or violations, ask for the Resident Services or Lease Enforcement office.

Keep records of every conversation with HHA: the date, the person's name, what was discussed, and what you were told. If HHA says something will happen by a certain date, write it down. These records help if you later need to dispute a decision or file a complaint.

Your rights as an HHA resident or voucher holder

Federal law gives you specific rights. You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or sexual orientation. You have the right to privacy in your home; HHA cannot enter without notice except in emergencies. You have the right to a lease that spells out the terms, and the right to know what HHA's rules are.

If you believe HHA has violated your rights, you can file a complaint with HHA's management, request a hearing, or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD investigates complaints of discrimination and lease violations. You can also contact the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities if you believe you have been discriminated against.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for public housing or Section 8 if the waiting list is closed?

No, you cannot explore while the list is closed. Contact HHA to ask when applications will reopen and whether you can get on a notification list. Some people sign up to be notified when the list opens again so they can explore when ready.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

Tell HHA right away. Do not ignore the bill. HHA may be able to adjust your rent based on a change in your income, or you may be able to work out a payment plan. If you fall behind, HHA can start eviction, but you have the right to a hearing first. Ask HHA about emergency rental information programs that may help.

Can my landlord evict me just because I have a Section 8 voucher?

No. It is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to you, refuse to renew your lease, or evict you because you have a Section 8 voucher. If this happens, report it to HHA or to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher?

Wait times depend on how many people are on the list and how many vouchers HHA has available. It can take months or years. When the waiting list is open, HHA will tell you the estimated wait time. You can also ask HHA to estimate your position on the list.

What if I disagree with HHA's decision about my rent or lease?

Request a hearing in writing. You have the right to present your case to an independent hearing officer. Bring documents that support your position: pay stubs, lease terms, photos, emails, or written communication with HHA. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask HHA about free legal services.