What the Little Rock Housing Authority Does

The Little Rock Housing Authority (LRHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Pulaski County, Arkansas. They own and operate apartment complexes for low-income residents, administer the Section 8 voucher program, and handle waitlists for both. LRHA is separate from the state or federal government — it is run by a local board and answers to the city of Little Rock.

If you live in the Little Rock area and need affordable housing, LRHA is usually the first place to contact. They do not run emergency rental information or homelessness programs — those are handled by other local nonprofits and the city — but they do manage the two largest rental subsidy programs available here.

Key Takeaways

  • The Little Rock Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers; contact them directly at 501-371-7777 or visit their office at 1 Riverfront Place, Little Rock, AR 72202.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 have long waitlists; you must be on the list to be considered, and LRHA opens and closes the list based on demand.
  • To be considered, your household income must fall below 80 percent of the area median income, and you must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a Social Security number for each household member.
  • Public housing is owned and operated by LRHA; Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord of your choice, as long as the unit passes inspection.
  • Processing times vary widely depending on waitlist position and the completeness of your documents; contact LRHA directly to learn your current status.

How to Reach the Little Rock Housing Authority

The main office is located at 1 Riverfront Place, Little Rock, AR 72202. You can call them at 501-371-7777 during business hours. Hours and specific department extensions are best confirmed by calling first, as they change seasonally.

You can also visit in person to pick up applications, ask questions about waitlist status, or submit documents. Bring a photo ID and any documents you have ready — income statements, lease, proof of residency. Staff can tell you whether the waitlist is currently open for new applicants and what documents you will need to complete your request.

LRHA does not maintain a robust online portal for applications or status checks. Most communication happens by phone, in person, or by mail. If you call and reach voicemail, leave your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you need; staff typically return calls within one to two business days.

Income Limits and Basic Requirements

To be considered for either public housing or a Section 8 voucher, your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income for Pulaski County. That threshold changes each year. As of 2024, a single person earning roughly $40,000 per year or a family of four earning roughly $57,000 per year would likely fall within the limit, but you should confirm the exact figure with LRHA when you call.

You will also need to provide:

  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements, or a letter from your employer)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or visa)
  • A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each household member
  • Photo identification
  • Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)

LRHA will also run a background check and contact previous landlords or property managers. Criminal history or evictions do not automatically disqualify you, but LRHA uses this information to assess risk.

Public Housing Versus Section 8 Vouchers

Public housing means you rent an apartment owned and managed by LRHA. The rent you pay is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. LRHA handles maintenance, utilities (in most cases), and property management. You sign a lease with LRHA as your landlord.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. LRHA gives you a voucher that covers a portion of the rent at a private apartment of your choice. You find the landlord, negotiate the lease, and the voucher pays the difference between your share (usually 30 percent of income) and the actual rent, up to a limit set by LRHA. You are the tenant of a private landlord, not LRHA, though LRHA inspects the unit and approves the lease.

Both have waitlists. Public housing waitlists are often longer because there are fewer units available. Section 8 waitlists are also long but move faster in some cases because you have more choice in where to live. Ask LRHA which program has a shorter wait in your situation.

Waitlist Status and Processing Times

LRHA maintains separate waitlists for public housing and Section 8. You can be on both at the same time. When you submit your request, you receive a confirmation and a position number on the list. Processing time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly you provide requested documents.

Waitlists are not always open. LRHA closes the list when demand is very high and reopens it periodically. Call 501-371-7777 to ask whether the list is currently open for new applicants. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can be added to a notification list.

Once you are on the waitlist, LRHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years depending on your position and the number of units turning over. You can call to check your status, but staff cannot speed up the process. If your contact information changes, notify LRHA when ready so they can reach you.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If you are approved for public housing, LRHA will offer you a specific unit. You will sign a lease, pay a deposit (usually equal to one month's rent, sometimes waived for very low-income households), and move in. Your rent is recalculated annually based on your income.

If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, you receive the voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a rental unit. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass an LRHA inspection. Once approved, LRHA pays the landlord directly each month. You pay your share of the rent to the landlord.

In both cases, LRHA can terminate your information if you violate the lease, stop meeting income requirements, or fail to recertify your income annually. Recertification is required every 12 months and involves submitting updated income documents.

Other Resources in Little Rock

If LRHA's waitlist is closed or very long, other organizations in Little Rock may have resources. The Pulaski County Office on Aging assists seniors; Community Builders and Heifer International run housing programs for specific populations. The 211 helpline (dial 211 or visit 211.org) can refer you to emergency rental information, transitional housing, or other local programs.

If you are facing eviction or homelessness, contact the Little Rock Housing Authority's Homeless Services or the Homeless Services Coalition of Arkansas for when ready help. These are separate from the rental voucher and public housing programs but can provide emergency support while you wait for LRHA information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing?

There is no set timeline. It depends on your position on the waitlist and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait 6 months; others wait 2 to 3 years. Call LRHA to ask your current position and estimated wait time based on recent turnover.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waitlists at the same time?

Yes. You can request both, and LRHA will place you on both lists. If one becomes available first, you can accept it and ask to be removed from the other, or stay on both and wait for your preference.

What if I have an eviction or criminal record?

LRHA does not automatically reject applicants with evictions or criminal history. They review each case individually. Disclose the information when you explore; hiding it will disqualify you. Ask LRHA what specific incidents might affect your case.

Do I have to recertify my income every year?

Yes. LRHA requires annual recertification to confirm your income still qualifies. You will receive a notice in the mail with instructions and a important date. Missing the important date can result in loss of information, so respond promptly.

What if I move out of the Little Rock area?

If you have a Section 8 voucher, you may be able to transfer it to another housing authority in a different state through the Housing Choice Voucher Portability program. Contact LRHA to ask about portability and which agencies accept transfers. Public housing information ends if you move out of LRHA's jurisdiction.