What the Hialeah Housing Authority does

The Hialeah Housing Authority (HHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Hialeah, Florida. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which subsidizes rent for low-income households, and it owns and operates public housing developments where residents pay rent based on their income. The HHA also handles applications, lease enforcement, and inspections for both programs.

The HHA is not the same as the City of Hialeah government, though it operates under state law and federal oversight. It has its own board of commissioners and its own budget, drawn partly from federal funding and partly from tenant rent payments. If you live in Hialeah and want to rent through a subsidized program, the HHA is the body you contact directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hialeah Housing Authority runs two main programs: Section 8 vouchers (which you use at any landlord who accepts them) and public housing (which HHA owns and manages directly).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes yearly and depends on family size.
  • Section 8 waiting lists in Hialeah are typically closed to new applicants, though the HHA opens them periodically; public housing waiting lists are usually open.
  • Once you receive a voucher or are placed in public housing, you pay a portion of rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and the program covers the rest.
  • The HHA inspects all units annually to may support they meet housing quality standards, and landlords must make repairs if inspections find violations.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work in Hialeah

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that reduces your rent. You find a landlord willing to accept Section 8, sign a lease, and the HHA pays the landlord the difference between your portion of rent (typically 30 percent of your household income) and the fair market rent for that unit. You are responsible for finding the unit and negotiating with the landlord; the HHA does not place you in housing.

The HHA's Section 8 waiting list is currently closed. When it reopens, the agency typically accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks — before closing again. You can contact the HHA directly to ask when the next opening is expected. If you are already on the waiting list from a previous process, you remain on it even if the list is closed to new applicants.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 120 days) to find a unit. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass an HHA inspection. If the rent is higher than the voucher amount allows, you can pay the difference out of pocket, but you are not required to. Many landlords in Hialeah accept Section 8, though some do not.

Public housing managed by the Hialeah Housing Authority

Public housing is rental property owned and operated by the HHA itself. You explore directly to the HHA, and if you are selected, you move into an HHA-owned unit. You pay rent based on 30 percent of your household income, and the HHA covers the rest of the operating costs. Public housing waiting lists in Hialeah are typically open, though wait times vary.

HHA public housing includes several developments across Hialeah. Units range from one-bedroom to four-bedroom apartments, though availability depends on current openings. The HHA maintains the buildings, handles repairs, and enforces lease rules. If you need maintenance, you contact the HHA directly rather than a private landlord.

Income limits for public housing are the same as for Section 8. Your household income must fall below the limit set for your family size in Miami-Dade County. The HHA verifies income through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents. If your income rises above the limit after you move in, you may be required to leave or pay higher rent, depending on HHA policy at the time.

Income limits and how they affect your options

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits based on area median income (AMI) for Miami-Dade County. The limits change yearly and depend on your household size. For example, a household of one might have a limit around 50 percent of AMI, while a household of four might have a higher limit. The exact figures are published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each year.

You can find the current income limits on the HHA website or by calling the agency. Your income is calculated as gross household income — wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular income sources. The HHA will ask for documentation such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. If your income is at or below the limit, you may be considered for either program.

How to contact the Hialeah Housing Authority

The HHA office is located in Hialeah and handles applications, waiting list inquiries, and maintenance requests. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current waiting list status, income limits, or to request an process. The phone number and office address are available on the HHA website and through Miami-Dade County housing resources.

If you are explore for Section 8 or public housing, you will need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, income documentation, and residency. The process process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how quickly you submit documents and how busy the HHA is. Once you are approved and placed on a waiting list, the HHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available.

What happens during an HHA inspection

Whether you have a Section 8 voucher or live in HHA public housing, your unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection before you move in and annually after that. The inspection checks for working plumbing, electrical systems, heating, cooling, and safety features like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The unit must be clean, free of pests, and structurally sound.

If you have a Section 8 voucher, the landlord is responsible for making repairs to pass inspection. If repairs are not made, the landlord cannot lease the unit to you through Section 8. If you live in HHA public housing, the HHA itself makes repairs. If an inspection finds violations, the HHA gives the landlord (or itself, if it is public housing) a important date to fix them. If repairs are not completed, your voucher or lease may be terminated.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Hialeah Housing Authority open the Section 8 waiting list again?

The HHA does not announce opening dates in advance. Call the agency directly to ask when the next opening is expected. Some housing authorities open their lists once a year; others open them less frequently. You can also ask to be notified when the list reopens.

What if I am already on the waiting list but the list is now closed?

If you applied before the list closed, you remain on it. Your position on the list does not change when the list closes to new applicants. The HHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available. Do not reapply unless the HHA tells you to.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher from another housing authority in Hialeah?

Yes, you can transfer a voucher from another housing authority to the Hialeah Housing Authority, but both agencies must agree. Contact the HHA to ask about portability rules and what documents you need. The process typically takes several weeks.

What if my landlord refuses to make repairs after an HQS inspection fails?

If you have a Section 8 voucher, you cannot move into that unit. The HHA will not pay the landlord until repairs are made. If you live in HHA public housing and repairs are not made, contact the HHA maintenance department. If the HHA does not respond, you may have the right to withhold rent or break your lease under Florida law, though you should document the problem first.

Do I have to pay utilities if I live in HHA public housing?

That depends on your lease. Some HHA units include utilities in the rent; others do not. Ask the HHA when you explore or when you are offered a unit. If utilities are not included, you are responsible for paying them directly to the utility company.