What the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh does

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Pittsburgh and runs the Section 8 voucher program for the city. It does not set housing policy for the whole city — that is the city government's role — but it directly houses thousands of people through public housing developments and helps thousands more pay rent through vouchers. If you live in a HACP building or hold a HACP voucher, HACP is your landlord or your voucher administrator.

HACP operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the way it sets rent, who it houses, and how it handles complaints follows a national framework, though HACP applies those rules to Pittsburgh's specific housing stock and waiting lists. Understanding which HACP program you are dealing with — public housing, Section 8, or neither — changes what rights you have and who to contact when something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • HACP runs two separate programs: public housing (where HACP owns the building) and Section 8 vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and HACP pays part of your rent).
  • HACP sets rent based on your income, not market rates, and you pay 30 percent of your adjusted gross income toward rent in public housing.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists; the Section 8 list is typically closed and reopens only when HACP has funding for new vouchers.
  • If you live in HACP housing or hold a voucher, you can file a complaint with HACP directly, and you have the right to a hearing before eviction in most cases.
  • HACP's main office is located in Pittsburgh, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current programs and waiting list status.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

HACP public housing means HACP owns the building you live in. You sign a lease with HACP, pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of your adjusted gross income), and HACP is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Public housing developments in Pittsburgh include Allegheny Dwellings, Bedford Dwellings, Chateau, Homewood, and others. If you live in one of these, your lease is with HACP and your rent is set by HACP policy, not by the market.

A Section 8 voucher means HACP gives you money to help pay rent to a private landlord of your choice. You find the apartment, negotiate the lease with the landlord, and HACP pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month — typically the difference between what you can afford (30 percent of your income) and the fair market rent for that unit. You are the tenant of the private landlord, not HACP, but HACP inspects the unit and enforces housing quality standards. The landlord must accept the voucher and follow HACP rules about rent increases and lease terms.

The two programs have different waiting lists, different rules, and different complaint processes. Knowing which one you are in matters for understanding your rights and where to go when you have a problem.

How rent is calculated in HACP public housing

In HACP public housing, your rent is based on your income, not on the size or condition of the unit. HACP calculates your adjusted gross income by taking your total household income and subtracting certain deductions — such as $480 per dependent, $400 per elderly or disabled household member, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled people that exceed 3 percent of income. After deductions, you pay 30 percent of what remains as rent.

You must report income changes to HACP within 30 days. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. HACP conducts an annual income recertification, usually around your lease anniversary, to confirm your current income and adjust rent accordingly. If you do not report a change or do not show up for recertification, HACP can charge you a higher rent or begin eviction proceedings.

Your rent covers your unit only. Utilities are your responsibility unless your lease states otherwise. Some HACP buildings include water and trash in rent; others do not. Check your lease or ask your building manager which utilities you pay.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

HACP maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. The public housing waiting list is typically open, meaning you can explore at any time. The Section 8 waiting list is usually closed — HACP opens it only when it has funding to issue new vouchers, which can be months or years apart. When the list opens, it fills quickly and closes again.

To get on the public housing waiting list, you must visit HACP's main office or call to request an process. You will need to provide proof of income, proof of residency in Pittsburgh, and identification. HACP will tell you the current wait time for your family size. Wait times vary by unit type and neighborhood; some units have shorter waits than others.

For Section 8, you must wait for the list to open. HACP announces openings on its website and through local social service agencies. Once you are on the waiting list, you stay on it until HACP reaches your name and you are offered a voucher, or until you ask to be removed. Being on the list does not mean you will get a voucher — it means you are in line when funding becomes available.

Your rights as a HACP tenant or voucher holder

If you live in HACP public housing, you have the right to a lease that follows HUD rules. HACP cannot evict you without cause, and it must give you written notice and a chance to respond before filing for eviction in court. Causes for eviction include non-payment of rent, lease violations (such as unauthorized occupants or criminal activity), or failure to recertify income. You have the right to request a hearing before HACP before it files the eviction case.

If you hold a Section 8 voucher, your rights come from two sources: your lease with the private landlord and HACP rules. The landlord cannot evict you without cause under state law, and HACP can terminate your voucher only for cause — such as non-payment of your portion of rent, lease violations, or fraud. If HACP wants to terminate your voucher, it must give you written notice and a chance to request a hearing.

Both public housing and Section 8 tenants have the right to a safe, habitable unit. In public housing, HACP must make repairs within a reasonable time. In Section 8, the landlord must make repairs, but HACP can inspect the unit and withhold payment if it fails inspection. You can file a complaint with HACP about maintenance or safety issues in either program.

How to file a complaint or request a hearing

If you have a problem with HACP — such as a maintenance issue, a rent calculation error, or a notice of eviction — you can file a complaint with HACP directly. For public housing tenants, ask your building manager for a complaint form or contact HACP's main office. For Section 8 voucher holders, contact your HACP caseworker or the Section 8 office.

If HACP has issued you a notice of lease violation or non-payment, you have the right to request a hearing before an impartial officer. The notice will tell you how to request the hearing and the important date — usually within 10 days. Request the hearing in writing and keep a copy. The hearing officer will listen to both sides and decide whether HACP can proceed with eviction. This hearing is separate from any court case; it happens before HACP files in court.

If you disagree with HACP's decision after a hearing, you may have the right to appeal to HUD or to file a complaint with HUD's Office of Inspector General. HACP must tell you about these rights in writing. You can also contact a legal aid organization in Pittsburgh for help understanding your options.

Contact information and how to reach HACP

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh's main office is located at 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. You can reach them by phone at (412) 456-5000 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The office handles applications for public housing, Section 8 inquiries, rent disputes, maintenance requests, and complaints.

If you are a current tenant or voucher holder, you may also have a building manager (for public housing) or a caseworker (for Section 8) assigned to you. Start with them for routine questions or maintenance requests. For formal complaints or disputes, contact the main office or ask for the complaint procedure.

HACP also has a website where you can find information about current programs, waiting list status, and how the process works. If the Section 8 waiting list is open, the website will say so and explain how the process works. Check the website or call before visiting to confirm office hours and what documents you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not report an income change to HACP?

HACP can charge you back rent at the higher rate once it discovers the unreported income, and it can begin eviction for non-payment. You are required to report changes within 30 days. If you miss the important date, contact HACP when ready to report the change and ask about a payment plan for any back rent owed.

Can a Section 8 landlord refuse to renew my lease?

A landlord can choose not to renew your lease when it expires, as long as they do so without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. However, they cannot evict you before the lease ends without cause. If your lease is ending, HACP can help you search for another unit that accepts vouchers.

How long does it take to get a public housing unit?

Wait times vary by unit size and location. HACP will tell you the current wait time when you explore. Some units have waits of a few months; others may take a year or longer. You stay on the list until HACP offers you a unit, and you can turn down one or two offers without losing your place on the list.

What if HACP says I owe back rent I do not think I owe?

Request a hearing to dispute the amount. Bring documentation of all rent payments you have made — cancelled checks, money order receipts, or bank statements. At the hearing, you can explain why you believe the amount is wrong. If you win, HACP must correct the amount. If you lose, ask about a payment plan.

Can I move to a different HACP building if I am unhappy with mine?

You can request a transfer to another HACP building, but HACP does not have to approve it. Transfers are usually approved only for safety reasons, medical needs, or if you have been a good tenant for a certain period. Contact your building manager or the main office to ask about the transfer process and current availability.