What the Las Vegas Housing Authority does

The Las Vegas Housing Authority (LVHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Clark County, Nevada. It does not build or own most of the housing it manages — instead, it distributes federal money to landlords and property owners who agree to rent to low-income households at reduced rates. The Authority also manages public housing developments where it owns the buildings directly.

LVHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs, income limits, and rent calculations follow a national framework, but LVHA makes decisions about how much money goes to each program and how quickly it processes requests. The Authority's main office is in Las Vegas, and it serves residents across Clark County.

Key Takeaways

  • LVHA runs public housing developments and distributes rental information vouchers, but does not own most of the apartments it helps pay for.
  • Income limits and rent rules are set by federal law, but LVHA controls its own waiting lists and how fast it processes requests.
  • The Authority's main office is located in Las Vegas, and you can reach it by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs.
  • Waiting lists for LVHA programs are often long and may be closed to new names, so contacting the Authority directly is the only way to know your options right now.
  • LVHA also runs emergency information programs that may have different rules and shorter wait times than its main rental information programs.

Public housing versus rental information vouchers

LVHA manages two different types of housing support. Public housing means LVHA owns the building and you pay rent directly to the Authority. The rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum amount. Public housing developments in Clark County include older apartment complexes and townhomes in Las Vegas and surrounding areas.

Rental information vouchers (also called Section 8) work differently. You find an apartment on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and LVHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest. The voucher amount depends on the size of the unit and the neighborhood, not on your income. Both programs have long waiting lists, and both require your household income to fall below a certain level set by HUD each year.

Public housing and vouchers are separate programs with separate waiting lists. Being on one list does not put you on the other. If you are interested in both, you need to contact LVHA about each one separately.

How to contact the Las Vegas Housing Authority

The main LVHA office is located at 1001 South Valley View Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102. You can reach the Authority by phone at (702) 671-3500. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours may vary by department.

When you call, be ready to explain what type of housing support you are looking for — public housing, a rental voucher, or emergency information. LVHA staff can tell you whether the waiting list for that program is open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to explore. Some programs may be closed to new names, in which case LVHA can tell you when the list may reopen or suggest alternatives.

You can also visit the LVHA office in person to ask questions and pick up process materials. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait, as the office can be busy during peak hours.

Waiting lists and how long they take

LVHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and rental vouchers. Both lists are typically long — in some cases, the wait is several years. The Authority prioritizes households based on when they applied and sometimes based on factors like homelessness or medical need, depending on the program.

Waiting lists can be closed when the Authority has more names than it can serve in a reasonable time. When a list is closed, LVHA stops accepting new applications. The list reopens when the Authority has processed enough names to make room. There is no way to know when a list will reopen — you have to contact LVHA directly to find out the current status.

Even if you are on the waiting list, your circumstances can change. LVHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, but you must respond within a set time frame (usually a few days). If you do not respond, you may lose your place on the list.

Income limits and rent calculations

To be considered for LVHA programs, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Clark County. HUD sets the AMI each year, and LVHA uses that figure to determine who can be served. The exact income limit depends on your household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four.

In public housing, you pay 30 percent of your gross household income as rent, with a minimum amount set by LVHA. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or move to market-rate housing.

With a rental voucher, the rent calculation is more complex. LVHA pays the difference between what the landlord charges and what you can afford based on your income. The voucher amount is capped at the "fair market rent" for that unit size and neighborhood, set by HUD. You always pay at least 30 percent of your income, even if the voucher covers the rest.

What documents you will need

When you contact LVHA or visit the office, ask for a complete list of required documents for the program you are interested in. Generally, LVHA will ask for proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a driver's license or state ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and a utility bill or lease in your name.

If you are unemployed, LVHA may ask for proof that you are looking for work or receiving unemployment benefits. If you receive Social Security, disability, or other benefits, bring documentation from that agency. If you have a criminal record or eviction history, bring any court documents related to those events — LVHA will review them but they do not automatically disqualify you.

Bring originals or certified copies if possible. LVHA staff can tell you which documents they can accept as photocopies and which they need in original form.

Emergency information and other programs

Beyond its main public housing and voucher programs, LVHA may administer emergency rental information funded by the state or federal government. These programs have different rules, shorter waiting periods, and may cover back rent or utility bills in addition to current rent. Emergency funds typically require proof of a recent hardship like job loss or illness.

LVHA also works with local nonprofits and community organizations that offer housing counseling, financial literacy, and help preparing applications. Ask LVHA staff whether any of these services are available and whether they can refer you to an organization near you.

Clark County and the City of Las Vegas also run their own housing programs separate from LVHA. If LVHA's waiting list is closed or the wait is very long, ask whether you might be served by a different program in the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a rental voucher from LVHA?

The wait depends on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many vouchers LVHA has available each year. In some cases, the wait is several years. The only way to know the current wait time is to contact LVHA directly — they can tell you approximately where you would fall on the list if you applied today.

Can I be denied because of an eviction or criminal record?

LVHA can consider your history, but it does not automatically deny you. The Authority looks at the details — when the eviction or conviction happened, what led to it, and what you have done since. Bring any relevant documents and be honest about your past. LVHA staff can explain what factors they consider.

What if my income goes above the limit after I move in?

LVHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. If your income stays above the program limit for a set period (usually one year), you may be asked to leave or transition to market-rate rent. LVHA will give you notice and time to plan. Report income changes as soon as they happen — hiding them can result in owing back rent.

Is there a fee to explore or to be on the waiting list?

No. LVHA does not charge a fee to explore or to be on a waiting list. If anyone claims to charge you money to put you on an LVHA list or to speed up your process, that is a scam. Contact LVHA directly to report it.

Can I explore for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate applications. You can be on both lists at once. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and ask LVHA to remove you from the other list, or stay on both lists in case circumstances change.