What the Huntsville Housing Authority does

The Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Madison County, Alabama. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it administers federal programs that help low-income households pay rent in privately owned apartments and houses, and it operates a smaller number of public housing units directly.

The two main programs are public housing, where HHA owns the building and you pay rent based on your income, and the Housing Choice Voucher program (also called Section 8), where you find your own apartment and HHA pays part of the rent to the landlord. Both have waiting lists, and both require your household income to fall below a set limit.

HHA also handles inspections, lease enforcement, and tenant complaints for the properties it manages. If you live in HHA public housing or use an HHA voucher, HHA is the agency you contact about maintenance, rent disputes, or lease violations.

Key Takeaways

  • HHA runs two separate programs — public housing units it owns directly, and Housing Choice Vouchers that let you rent from private landlords — and both have waiting lists.
  • To use either program, your household income must be below the limit set by HHA each year, which varies by family size.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is typically closed, so you will need to check HHA's website or call to find out when it reopens.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you search for your own apartment and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher before you can move in.
  • HHA's main office is located in Huntsville, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current program status.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

In public housing, HHA owns the building. You sign a lease with HHA, pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of what your household earns), and HHA is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Public housing units are scattered throughout Huntsville and Madison County. The waiting list for public housing moves more slowly than for vouchers because there are fewer units available.

With a Housing Choice Voucher, you find an apartment or house on the private market, and HHA pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the rental market in your area. You have more choice about where to live, but you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the apartment must pass an HHA inspection before you move in.

Both programs require your income to stay below the limit. If your income rises above that threshold, you may lose your voucher or be required to pay higher rent in public housing. Both also require a background check and rental history review.

Income limits and household size

HHA sets income limits each year based on the area median income for Madison County. A household's gross income — before taxes — must fall below the limit for your family size to be considered. The limits change annually, usually in April.

Income limits are higher for larger households. For example, the limit for a single person is lower than the limit for a family of four. HHA counts income from employment, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other regular sources. Some types of income are excluded or partially excluded, such as certain disability payments.

You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to prove your income when you explore. HHA staff can tell you the current year's limits when you contact them — do not rely on old information, as limits shift year to year.

How to find out about waiting lists and current openings

Both the public housing and Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists are managed by HHA directly. The voucher list is frequently closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When it opens, it may stay open for only a few weeks or days before closing again.

To learn whether the lists are open, contact HHA by phone at their main office or visit their website. You can also visit in person at their office in Huntsville. Staff can tell you when ready whether you can explore and what documents you will need to bring.

If the waiting list is closed, ask HHA when it is expected to reopen. Some people check back monthly or sign up for notifications if HHA offers them. There is no way to may provide a spot once the list opens, but knowing the timeline helps you prepare your documents in advance.

What documents you need to explore

HHA requires proof of identity, income, household composition, and rental history. Bring a government-issued photo ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and letters from your current and previous landlords. If you receive benefits, bring the benefit award letter. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of your job search or a letter from a job training program.

You will also need to provide the names and birthdates of everyone in your household, including children. HHA will run a background check, so be prepared to discuss any criminal history or evictions. Honesty at this stage is important — misrepresenting your household or income can result in denial or removal from the program later.

Bring originals or certified copies if possible. HHA staff can tell you which documents are acceptable when you call or visit. Having everything ready before you explore speeds up the process.

How rent is calculated in public housing

In HHA public housing, your rent is typically 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. If your household earns $1,500 per month, your rent would be approximately $450. This is called income-based rent. Some households pay a minimum rent set by HHA, even if 30 percent of their income is lower.

Your rent can change if your income changes. You must report increases in income, and HHA will recalculate your rent. If your income drops, you can request a rent reduction. Utilities are sometimes included in the rent, and sometimes you pay them separately — this varies by building.

If you fall behind on rent, HHA can begin eviction proceedings. Unlike private landlords, HHA follows strict federal rules about notice and process, but eviction is still possible. If you have trouble paying, contact HHA's office when ready to discuss your situation.

Using a Housing Choice Voucher to find an apartment

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days, depending on HHA policy — to find an apartment. You search on your own, using online listings, word of mouth, or a real estate agent. The apartment's rent cannot exceed the voucher amount plus what you can afford to pay from your own income.

Once you find a place, the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. Not all landlords do, so you may need to contact several before finding one willing to participate. After the landlord agrees, HHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, and structural safety.

If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in. Once it passes, HHA signs a contract with the landlord and you sign a lease. Your portion of the rent is due to the landlord each month, and HHA pays their portion directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary and depend on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. Public housing waiting lists in Huntsville can take months to years. The voucher list moves faster when it is open, but it closes frequently. HHA can give you a better estimate when you explore.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

If your income exceeds the limit, you may lose your voucher or be required to pay higher rent in public housing. HHA will notify you and give you time to adjust. Some programs allow a gradual phase-out rather than when ready loss of information, but this depends on HHA's specific rules.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher to move to another city?

Yes, but you must request a portability transfer from HHA. The receiving housing authority must have available vouchers, and the process can take several weeks. Contact HHA before you move to start the paperwork.

What if my landlord is not making repairs?

Contact HHA's maintenance or tenant services department. HHA can inspect the unit and require the landlord to make repairs. If the landlord refuses, HHA may terminate the contract with them, though this takes time. Document all repair requests in writing.

Where is HHA's office and how do I reach them?

HHA's main office is in Huntsville. You can find their phone number and address on their official website or by searching "Huntsville Housing Authority." You can explore by phone, mail, or in person. Hours and contact details may have changed, so verify before you visit.