What the Housing Authority of Nashville actually does

The Housing Authority of Nashville (HAN) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Nashville and Davidson County. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps with — instead, it pays landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it manages public housing complexes that it owns directly. HAN is separate from the city government, though it works with Metro Nashville on housing policy.

HAN's main programs are public housing (apartments HAN owns and operates), Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8, which pays a portion of your rent at a private landlord's property), and Project-Based Vouchers (where the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than to you as a tenant). The agency also administers emergency rental information when federal or state funding becomes available.

Key Takeaways

  • HAN runs public housing it owns directly and Housing Choice Vouchers that let you rent from private landlords with HAN paying part of your rent.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is typically closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers, and you must live or work in Nashville-Davidson to be considered.
  • Public housing has its own waiting list, and HAN prioritizes people experiencing homelessness and those with the longest wait times.
  • You can contact HAN by phone at (615) 252-8400 or visit their office at 700 James Robertson Parkway to ask about current program status and waiting lists.
  • HAN also runs a Family Self-Sufficiency program that pairs housing information with job training and financial counseling for households working toward economic independence.

Housing Choice Vouchers and the waiting list

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that HAN pays directly to your landlord. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HAN pays the difference between what you can afford (usually 30 percent of your income) and the fair market rent for that unit. You pay the rest from your own income.

The waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers in Nashville is almost always closed. When it does open — which happens irregularly and is announced on HAN's website — thousands of people explore within days and the list fills quickly. HAN maintains a single waiting list and does not prioritize based on urgency; instead, it selects names randomly when it needs to issue new vouchers. You must live or work in Nashville-Davidson to be on the list.

If you are selected from the waiting list, HAN will contact you. The process from selection to receiving your voucher typically takes several months. You will need to attend an orientation, pass a background check, and find a landlord willing to accept the voucher before HAN can issue it to you.

Public housing managed by HAN

HAN owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Nashville. These are apartment buildings where HAN is the landlord. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of what you earn — and HAN covers the rest of the operating costs through federal funding.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the voucher list. HAN prioritizes applicants who are currently experiencing homelessness, followed by people with the longest wait times. Like the voucher program, you must live or work in Nashville-Davidson. The wait time for public housing varies depending on the size of unit you need and current vacancies.

To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits (which vary by household size), pass a background check, and provide proof of residency or employment in the area. HAN will contact you if a unit becomes available that matches your household size.

Family Self-Sufficiency and other support programs

HAN runs a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program for households receiving Housing Choice Vouchers or living in public housing. FSS pairs your housing information with job training, financial counseling, and case management. The goal is to help you increase your income and eventually move off housing information entirely.

Participants in FSS work with a case manager to set goals — like completing a GED, getting a job certification, or starting a business. As your income rises, HAN sets aside the increase in rent you would normally owe in an escrow account. When you leave the program or reach your goals, you can access that money. The program typically runs for five years.

HAN also administers emergency rental information when funding is available from federal or state sources. These programs are temporary and open only when money is allocated. You can call HAN to ask whether emergency information is currently available.

How to contact HAN and check waiting list status

The Housing Authority of Nashville is located at 700 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37219. You can reach them by phone at (615) 252-8400 during business hours. Their website is nashvillecha.org, where you can find information about current waiting list status, program requirements, and office hours.

If you want to know whether the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is open, call HAN directly — the status changes and is not always posted when ready online. The same applies to public housing: ask whether there is a current waiting list and what the typical wait time is for your household size.

HAN also has a Family Self-Sufficiency program coordinator who can explain whether you are may be able to access if you already receive a voucher or live in public housing. You do not need to be on a waiting list to ask questions about any of these programs.

Background checks and disqualifying factors

HAN conducts background checks for both public housing and voucher programs. The agency looks at criminal history, eviction history, and whether you owe money to HAN or another housing authority. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly those involving drugs or violence — may.

If you have been evicted, HAN will consider how long ago it happened and the reason. An eviction from five years ago is viewed differently than one from last year. If you owe back rent or damages to a previous landlord or housing authority, you will need to resolve that debt before HAN will issue you a voucher or place you in public housing.

HAN has discretion in these decisions and considers your whole situation, not just one factor. If you have concerns about your background, you can ask HAN what their specific policy is before you formally request to be on a waiting list.

Income limits and rent calculations

HAN sets income limits for both public housing and vouchers based on the area median income for Nashville-Davidson. These limits change yearly. For example, a household of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $55,000 annually, but you should confirm the current year's limits with HAN because they vary.

In both programs, you pay approximately 30 percent of your gross monthly income toward rent. HAN calculates this based on the income you report at the time you move in and during annual recertifications. If your income changes, your rent payment changes — it can go up or down.

For Housing Choice Vouchers, HAN also sets a payment standard (the maximum amount it will pay toward rent) based on the size of unit you need. If the actual rent is higher than the payment standard, you pay the difference. If it is lower, you pay less.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Housing Choice Voucher once I am selected from the waiting list?

From the time HAN contacts you to the time you receive your voucher typically takes three to six months. You must attend orientation, find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and pass a background check. The landlord's unit must also pass HAN's housing quality inspection before the voucher can be issued.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Tennessee or only in Nashville?

You can use a Nashville voucher anywhere in the United States, but you must first establish residency in Nashville-Davidson to be on the waiting list. Once you have the voucher, you can move to another city or state. Some housing authorities in other areas may have restrictions, so contact them before you move.

What happens if my landlord refuses to accept a Housing Choice Voucher?

That is the landlord's choice — they are not required to accept vouchers. If a landlord refuses, you will need to find another property. HAN can provide a list of landlords in the area who have previously accepted vouchers, though this is not a may provide they will accept yours.

Do I have to work to live in HAN public housing?

No, there is no work requirement for public housing. You must meet income limits and pass a background check, but you do not have to be employed. The Family Self-Sufficiency program is optional and only for people who want help moving toward economic independence.

What should I do if I am experiencing homelessness right now?

Contact HAN and ask about emergency housing options and whether public housing prioritization for people experiencing homelessness is currently active. You can also contact the Nashville Homeless Services office or call 211 to be connected to emergency shelter and case management services in your area.