What the Housing Authority of New Orleans does

The Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) is a public agency that manages rental housing programs for low-income residents in Orleans Parish. It operates public housing developments, administers the Section 8 voucher program (which helps tenants pay rent in privately owned units), and runs other affordable housing initiatives. HANO does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — it funds tenants and property owners to make housing work for people who cannot afford market rent.

The agency is separate from the city government, though it receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HANO's main job is connecting low-income households with stable housing and managing the money that makes that possible. If you live in New Orleans and are looking for affordable rental housing, HANO is usually the first place to learn what programs exist and how to move forward.

Key Takeaways

  • HANO administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and other affordable housing programs funded by the federal government.
  • The Section 8 waiting list in New Orleans is typically closed to new applicants, but you can check HANO's website or call to learn when it reopens.
  • Public housing developments managed by HANO have their own waiting lists, which may be open when the Section 8 list is closed.
  • HANO's main office is located in New Orleans, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current programs and how to join a waiting list.
  • If you are already receiving Section 8 or living in HANO public housing, you work with HANO staff for lease issues, rent calculations, and maintenance requests.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work in New Orleans

The Section 8 program is HANO's largest initiative. A Section 8 voucher is a document that tells a landlord the government will pay a portion of your rent directly to them each month. You pay the rest from your own income. The voucher is only good in Orleans Parish and a few surrounding areas, and you can use it at any rental property where the landlord agrees to participate.

HANO calculates how much of your rent the voucher covers based on your household income and family size. Most households pay 30 percent of their gross monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest (up to a limit set by HUD). The waiting list for Section 8 in New Orleans is frequently closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the list is open, HANO accepts applications for a limited time, then closes it again. You can call HANO or check their website to find out whether applications are being taken right now.

Public housing developments managed by HANO

HANO owns and operates public housing developments throughout New Orleans — these are apartment complexes where the government is the landlord. Living in public housing works similarly to Section 8: your rent is based on your income, and you typically pay 30 percent of what you earn. The difference is that HANO owns the building, so you are renting directly from the agency rather than from a private landlord.

Public housing developments have their own waiting lists, separate from the Section 8 list. These lists may be open when Section 8 is closed, or they may close and reopen on different schedules. The length of the wait and the availability of units varies by development. HANO can tell you which developments currently have openings and how long the wait is for each one.

How to contact HANO and find out what is available now

HANO's main office is located at 4641 Toledano Street in New Orleans. You can reach them by phone at (504) 671-5000 to ask about current waiting lists, programs, and how the process works. The agency also maintains a website where you can find information about programs, check whether lists are open, and read process forms.

When you call or visit, have your household income information ready and be prepared to provide details about your family size and any special needs (such as disability accommodations). HANO staff can tell you which programs you may be able to join and what the current wait time is. If a waiting list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen — some lists reopen on a regular schedule, while others open when funding becomes available.

What happens after you are on a HANO waiting list

Once your name is on a waiting list, HANO will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you. HANO keeps your contact information on file, so it is important to update them if you move or change your phone number.

When HANO calls you, they will explain the next steps: for Section 8, you will receive your voucher and learn how to find a landlord who accepts it. For public housing, you will be offered a specific unit and given a move-in date. You will need to sign a lease and may be required to pass a background check and credit review. HANO staff can walk you through what to expect before you are called.

If you already receive Section 8 or live in HANO housing

If you are already a HANO tenant or Section 8 participant, you work with HANO for ongoing issues like rent disputes, lease questions, maintenance requests, and changes to your household income. HANO recertifies your income annually to make sure your rent calculation is correct. If your income changes during the year, you can report it to HANO and your rent may be adjusted.

For maintenance emergencies in public housing, HANO has a maintenance request system — you can call or submit a request online. For Section 8, maintenance is the landlord's responsibility, but HANO can help if there is a dispute about whether a repair is required. If you have questions about your lease, your rent amount, or your rights as a tenant, HANO's office can provide information or direct you to a legal aid organization.

Other housing programs HANO administers

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, HANO manages other programs that may be available depending on your situation. These can include housing for people with disabilities, elderly residents, and families experiencing homelessness. HANO also works with local nonprofits to provide supportive housing — rental information combined with services like job training or mental health support.

The programs available and their waiting lists change based on funding and community need. When you contact HANO, ask about all programs you might be may be able to access for, not just Section 8. Staff can explain the differences and help you understand which option might work best for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Section 8 waiting list open in New Orleans right now?

The Section 8 waiting list in New Orleans is frequently closed. To find out the current status, call HANO at (504) 671-5000 or check their website. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen so you can plan to explore when it becomes available.

How long does it usually take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and how many people are on the list. Some people wait months; others wait years. HANO can give you an estimate based on the current list length when you ask about joining. Public housing developments may have shorter waits than Section 8 in some cases.

What if I need housing right away and cannot wait?

If you are facing homelessness or an emergency, contact HANO and ask about rapid rehousing or emergency information programs. You can also reach out to local nonprofits like the New Orleans Housing Authority's homeless services partners. Call 211 to be connected to emergency housing resources in your area.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of New Orleans?

Section 8 vouchers issued by HANO are valid in Orleans Parish and a few surrounding areas. If you want to move outside this region, you may be able to transfer your voucher to another housing authority, but this requires approval and depends on availability in the new area. Contact HANO to discuss portability options.

What if my rent is too high even with Section 8?

If you cannot find a unit within the voucher amount HANO allows, talk to HANO about a rent increase request. In some cases, HANO can approve a higher payment limit if the local market supports it. You can also ask HANO staff for help finding landlords who participate in the program and have units in your price range.