What the Hialeah Housing Authority does

The Hialeah Housing Authority (HHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs for residents of Hialeah, Florida. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it administers federal funding that helps low-income households pay rent and maintains a waiting list for public housing units when they become available.

The HHA operates under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and uses federal dollars to run two main programs: public housing (apartments the authority owns or leases) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, sometimes called Section 8. Both serve households below certain income limits, which change yearly based on area median income.

The authority is located in Hialeah and serves only Hialeah residents. If you live in a different Florida city, you will need to contact that city's housing authority instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hialeah Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Hialeah residents, using federal HUD funding.
  • Income limits for both programs are set by HUD and based on area median income; you must be below the limit to be considered.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically long, and the authority may close them when demand is high.
  • You can contact the HHA directly by phone or in person to ask about current openings, waiting list status, and what documents you will need.
  • The authority also manages maintenance and tenant issues for people already living in HHA housing.

Public housing through the Hialeah Housing Authority

Public housing means apartments owned or leased by the HHA where you pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. The authority owns or controls a limited number of units scattered throughout Hialeah. These are not temporary housing; they are permanent residences for people who meet income requirements.

To get on the waiting list, you must live in Hialeah, meet the income limit (which varies by household size and changes annually), and provide proof of income, residency, and identity. The waiting list is usually long, and the HHA may close it to new applications when the wait time becomes too extended. You can call the authority to ask whether the list is currently open.

Once you are on the list, the HHA will contact you when a unit becomes available. The time from process to move-in can be months or years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how often units turn over.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8, works differently from public housing. Instead of living in an HHA-owned building, you find a rental property on the private market — a house, apartment, or condo — and the HHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the rest, usually 30 percent of your income.

The landlord must agree to accept a voucher, and the unit must pass an HHA inspection to make sure it meets housing quality standards. Not all landlords participate, so finding a unit can take time. Once you have a voucher and a landlord, the HHA sends the subsidy payment to the landlord each month, and you pay your share.

Like public housing, the voucher waiting list is typically long and may be closed. Income limits explore, and you must be a Hialeah resident. The HHA will tell you the current status of the list and what documents you need to bring when you explore.

Income limits and who can explore

Both programs have income limits set by HUD based on the area median income for the Miami-Dade County area. The limits change each year and vary by household size. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of four. HUD publishes these limits annually, and the HHA uses the current year's figures to determine who is may be able to access.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a valid Social Security number, and be at least 18 years old (or an emancipated minor). The HHA will verify your income through tax returns, pay stubs, or other documents and will check your background and rental history.

If your income rises after you move into HHA housing or receive a voucher, you may be required to pay more rent or may lose your information. The HHA will explain how income changes affect your benefits when you are approved.

How to contact the Hialeah Housing Authority

The Hialeah Housing Authority is located at 300 East 25th Street, Hialeah, Florida 33010. You can reach them by phone at (305) 883-8600. Hours of operation are typically Monday through Friday during business hours, though you should call ahead to confirm current hours and whether the office is open to walk-in visitors.

When you call or visit, ask whether the waiting list for public housing or vouchers is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it may reopen. The staff can also tell you what documents to bring if you decide to explore — usually proof of income, residency, identity, and Social Security number.

If you are already living in HHA housing or have a voucher and need to report a maintenance problem, pay rent, or discuss a lease issue, you can also contact the authority through the same phone number or office address.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both the public housing and voucher waiting lists in Hialeah are typically long. The time from process to receiving information can range from several months to several years, depending on how many people are on the list ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available.

The HHA maintains the lists in order of process date, though some preferences may explore — for example, people experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing may move up the list. When a unit or voucher becomes available, the HHA contacts the next person on the list.

If you are on the waiting list, the HHA may ask you to update your information periodically. If you move out of Hialeah or no longer want information, you should notify the authority so they can remove you from the list and move to the next person.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, the HHA will assign you a unit when one becomes available. You will sign a lease, pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent, though it may be reduced based on income), and move in. Your rent will be recalculated each year based on your current income.

If you are approved for a voucher, you have a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days, depending on HHA policy — to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher. The HHA will provide you with a list of landlords who have participated in the past and will explain the process. Once you find a unit and the landlord agrees, the HHA inspects it. If it passes, the voucher is activated and the HHA begins paying the subsidy.

In both cases, you must follow the lease terms, pay your share of rent on time, and keep the unit in good condition. The HHA can terminate your information if you violate the lease or fail to pay your portion of rent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher from the Hialeah Housing Authority?

There is no set timeline. Waiting lists are typically long, and the time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how often units or vouchers become available. It can range from several months to several years. Call the HHA to ask about the current average wait time.

What if I do not meet the income limit?

If your income is above the HHA limit, you do not meet the requirement for public housing or vouchers. You may want to explore other rental information programs in Miami-Dade County or speak with a local nonprofit about other housing options.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher to rent anywhere in Florida?

No. A voucher issued by the Hialeah Housing Authority is typically valid only in Hialeah and nearby areas covered by the HHA's jurisdiction. If you move out of that area, you may lose the voucher. Ask the HHA about portability if you plan to move.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the HHA will review your rental history. They may deny you if the eviction is recent or if there are other issues with your record. Call the HHA to discuss your specific situation.

Do I have to pay a deposit to explore for public housing or a voucher?

No. There is no fee to explore or to be on the waiting list. If you are approved for public housing, you will pay a security deposit when you move in, but not before.