What the Memphis Housing Authority does

The Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Shelby County, Tennessee. It does not build or own most of the homes it helps with — instead, it pays landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it manages public housing developments where it does own the property. The agency also handles waiting lists, inspections, and rent calculations for the people it serves.

MHA is separate from the City of Memphis government, though it works with city officials. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in the Memphis area and need rental help or public housing, MHA is the body you contact — not a city office or a private company.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 voucher programs in Shelby County, and you contact them directly to learn about either one.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that are often closed, so you need to check MHA's website or call to see if you can add your name.
  • Public housing means you rent from MHA itself; Section 8 means MHA pays part of your rent to a private landlord you choose.
  • MHA inspects units before you move in and every year after, and it sets your rent based on your income, not the market price.
  • You can reach MHA by phone, mail, or in person at their main office, and response times vary depending on which program you are asking about.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

MHA runs two different programs, and they work in opposite ways. Public housing means you rent a unit that MHA owns. MHA collects your rent, handles maintenance, and sets the rent based on your income — usually 30 percent of what you earn. Public housing developments are scattered across Memphis and Shelby County; some are well-maintained and some are not, depending on the building and the year it was built.

Section 8 (formally the Housing Choice Voucher Program) means MHA gives you a voucher and you find your own apartment from a private landlord. The landlord must agree to take Section 8, and MHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent — again, usually based on your income. You pay the rest. Section 8 gives you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to participate, and rents in your area have to fall within MHA's payment limits.

Both programs have waiting lists. MHA opens and closes them depending on how many people are already waiting and how much funding it has. Check the MHA website or call before you try to add your name, because a closed list means you cannot join until it reopens.

How to contact Memphis Housing Authority

MHA's main office is located at 700 Adams Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. You can reach them by phone at (901) 523-8000 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, and phone lines are usually busiest in the morning.

You can also visit in person to ask questions, request an intake form, or get information about current waiting list status. If you prefer to write, you can mail questions to the same address, though responses by mail take longer than a phone call.

MHA also maintains a website where you can find information about programs, waiting list status, and how to submit documents. The website is not a place to submit an intake form online — you still need to call, visit, or mail your paperwork — but it does tell you whether the list is open before you make the trip.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits. These limits change every year and depend on the size of your household. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. MHA uses the limits set by HUD for the Memphis area, which are based on the area's median income.

If you are accepted into either program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If your income is very low, some programs set a minimum rent (usually around $50 to $100 per month), so you pay that instead. If your income changes, you report it to MHA, and your rent is recalculated. MHA will ask for proof — pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer — so keep those documents ready.

MHA also counts certain income sources and excludes others. For example, Social Security counts, but some types of temporary information do not. When you explore, ask MHA which income sources they count for your situation.

Inspections and lease requirements

Before you move into a public housing unit or before a Section 8 landlord can accept your voucher, MHA sends an inspector to the apartment. The inspector checks that the unit meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, electricity, no mold, no pests, and safe stairs and railings. If the unit fails, the landlord has to fix the problems before you can move in.

Once you are living there, MHA inspects again every year. If problems come up, the landlord has a set time to fix them. If they do not, MHA can stop paying the landlord or end your lease. For public housing, MHA is the landlord, so they handle repairs themselves — though response times vary.

You sign a lease with either MHA (public housing) or the private landlord (Section 8). The lease spells out your rights and responsibilities, including rules about guests, pets, and upkeep. Breaking the lease can result in eviction, so read it carefully before you sign.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists, and both are often closed. When a list is open, you add your name and wait for your turn. How long you wait depends on the program and how many people are ahead of you. Some people wait months; others wait years. MHA prioritizes based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of your income on rent.

Once your name reaches the top of the list, MHA contacts you to complete an intake interview. You bring proof of income, identity, and residency. If you pass the income and background check, you move to the next step. For public housing, MHA offers you a unit when one becomes available. For Section 8, you get your voucher and have a set time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord and a unit.

If you do not respond when MHA calls, or if you turn down an offer, you may lose your place on the list. Keep your contact information current with MHA so they can reach you.

Background checks and criminal history

MHA runs a background check on everyone who applies. They look at criminal history, eviction history, and whether you owe money to a previous landlord or housing program. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — especially drug-related felonies or crimes of violence — can result in denial.

If you have a criminal history, you can still explore, but be honest about it. MHA will find out anyway, and lying on the process is grounds for when ready denial. If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing to explain your situation. Bring documentation showing rehabilitation, stable employment, or other positive changes.

Eviction history also matters. If you were evicted for non-payment, you may still be considered, but if you were evicted for lease violations or criminal activity, denial is more likely. Again, you can request a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the waiting list is open right now?

Call MHA at (901) 523-8000 or check their website before you explore. Lists open and close based on funding and how many people are waiting. A staff member can tell you in one call whether you can add your name today.

What documents do I need to bring to explore?

You need a photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. If you are explore for Section 8, you also need to be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Ask MHA for a full list when you call.

Can I own a car and still get Section 8 or public housing?

Yes. MHA does not restrict car ownership. They care about your income and household size, not what you own. However, if you own a vehicle, some programs may count it as an asset in certain situations — ask MHA how they handle assets in your case.

What happens if my income goes up after I move in?

You must report income changes to MHA within 30 days. Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave the program, though MHA usually gives you time to transition.

Can I transfer to a different public housing unit or neighborhood?

Transfers are possible but depend on availability and your lease terms. Talk to your MHA case manager about whether a transfer is an option. Section 8 gives you more flexibility — you can move to a different unit or neighborhood as long as the new place meets standards and the rent is within limits.