What the Chattanooga Housing Authority Does

The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Hamilton County, Tennessee. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and handles waiting lists for both programs. CHA does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income households, or it owns and operates a smaller number of public housing apartments directly.

CHA is separate from the City of Chattanooga government, though it receives some city support. It answers to a board of commissioners and follows federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules. If you need to reach CHA about a voucher, a public housing process, or a lease issue, you contact CHA directly — not the city.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chattanooga Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Hamilton County, and you must contact CHA directly to join either waiting list.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and pay roughly 30 percent of your income toward rent; CHA pays the rest to the landlord.
  • Public housing is CHA-owned apartments where rent is also based on your income, usually lower than Section 8 but with longer waiting lists.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are often closed, and you can only join when CHA opens them — check the CHA website or call to learn the current status.
  • Once you receive a voucher or are placed in public housing, you must recertify your income and household composition every year to stay in the program.

Section 8 Vouchers Through CHA

A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy. CHA gives you a voucher, you find a private landlord willing to accept it, and you sign a lease. Your rent is set at roughly 30 percent of your gross household income (the exact percentage depends on your local payment standard). CHA pays the landlord the difference between your share and the full rent, up to a limit called the payment standard.

To use a voucher, the landlord must agree to participate in the Section 8 program and pass a CHA inspection. Not all landlords accept vouchers. You can search for landlords on your own, or CHA may have a list of participating properties. Once you find a unit and the landlord agrees, CHA inspects it, reviews the lease, and issues the voucher payment to the landlord.

The waiting list for Section 8 in Chattanooga is often closed. When it opens, CHA announces it on its website and through local media. You must explore in person or by mail during the open period. The wait from the time you join the list to the time you receive a voucher can be several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers CHA has available.

Public Housing Managed by CHA

CHA owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Hamilton County. Rent in public housing is based on your income, usually 30 percent of gross income, the same as Section 8. The difference is that CHA is your landlord — you rent directly from the authority, not from a private owner.

Public housing waiting lists are also typically closed. When a list opens, you explore directly to CHA. The wait time varies by property and by demand. Some public housing developments have shorter waits than others. CHA will tell you the current wait time for each development when you call or visit.

Living in public housing means CHA sets the lease terms and handles maintenance. If something breaks, you report it to CHA maintenance. If you have a lease violation, CHA can evict you through the court system, just as a private landlord can.

How to Contact CHA and Check Waiting List Status

The Chattanooga Housing Authority office is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. You can reach CHA by phone, mail, or in person. The best first step is to call and ask whether the Section 8 waiting list or the public housing waiting list is currently open. CHA staff can tell you the status when ready and explain what documents you need to bring if you want to explore.

You can also visit the CHA website to look for announcements about waiting list openings. CHA posts notices when lists open and close. Some information about current programs, office hours, and contact details is available online, though you may need to call for specific questions about your situation.

If you are already on a CHA waiting list, you can contact CHA to ask your position or to update your contact information. Do not assume CHA has your current phone number or address — if you move, tell CHA so they can reach you when your name comes up.

Income Limits and Who Can Participate

CHA serves households with income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Hamilton County. The exact income limit depends on your household size and changes each year. A family of four might have a limit around $50,000 to $55,000 gross annual income, but this figure varies. Call CHA to learn the current limit for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. CHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration documents during the process process. You cannot have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years, and you cannot owe money to any housing authority.

CHA may also conduct a background check and review your rental history. If you have an eviction on your record, you may still be able to participate, but CHA will consider the reason and how long ago it occurred. Being denied once does not mean you cannot reapply later.

Annual Recertification and Ongoing Requirements

Once you receive a voucher or move into public housing, you must recertify your household every 12 months. Recertification means you provide updated income documents, proof of household composition, and any other information CHA requests. Your rent may go up or down based on your new income.

You must also report changes to CHA within 30 days — if someone moves in or out of your household, if your income changes significantly, or if you change jobs. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which CHA will ask you to repay, or termination from the program.

If you move to a different unit or a different state, you must notify CHA. Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be transferred to other housing authorities, but you need CHA's permission and the receiving authority must have available vouchers. Moving without permission can result in loss of your voucher.

What Documents You Will Need

When you explore to CHA, bring proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of income. Income proof usually means recent pay stubs, a tax return, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources.

You will also need proof of residency in Hamilton County and proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation, bring documentation from a doctor or medical provider. Bring any documents related to past evictions or criminal history, because CHA will ask about these and you want to explain them yourself rather than have CHA discover them later.

Keep copies of everything you submit. CHA may lose documents or ask you to resubmit them. Having your own copies speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I join the waiting list?

There is no fixed timeline. It depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers CHA receives each year. In Chattanooga, the wait has been several years in the past, but this changes. Call CHA and ask for the current average wait time, or ask your position on the list if you are already on it.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different city or state?

Not automatically. You must ask CHA for permission to move. If you want to move to another city, CHA can request a "portability" transfer to the housing authority in that area. The receiving authority must have available vouchers. Some areas accept portability transfers quickly; others have their own waiting lists. Contact CHA before you move.

What happens if my income goes up while I have a voucher?

Your rent will increase at your next recertification. You will pay a higher percentage of your income toward rent, and CHA will pay less. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may lose your voucher after a phase-out period. CHA will explain this during recertification.

Can I be evicted from public housing?

Yes. CHA can evict you for lease violations, non-payment of rent, or criminal activity. CHA must follow the court eviction process, which means you have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. If you receive an eviction notice, contact CHA or a legal aid organization when ready.

What if I disagree with CHA's decision about my process or my rent amount?

You have the right to request a hearing. CHA must provide you with written notice of any adverse decision and explain how to request a hearing. The hearing is conducted by an impartial officer who reviews your case. Contact CHA to learn the process for your specific situation.