What the Housing Authority of New Orleans Does

The Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Orleans Parish. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to house low-income residents, and it manages public housing complexes that it does own. HANO answers to a board of commissioners and receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

HANO administers two main programs: the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly called Section 8) and Public Housing. Both serve households below certain income limits. The agency also handles waiting lists, conducts income verification, and inspects properties to may support they meet housing quality standards. If you live in Orleans Parish and receive housing information from a federal program, HANO is likely the body managing your case.

Key Takeaways

  • HANO administers Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing in Orleans Parish, using federal HUD funding to help low-income households pay rent.
  • Both programs have waiting lists; the voucher program waiting list is typically closed, and reopening dates are announced on HANO's website.
  • To explore for either program, you must meet income limits, provide proof of residency in Orleans Parish, and document your household composition.
  • HANO's main office is located in New Orleans, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current program status.
  • If you already receive information from HANO, you report changes in income or household size to your case manager, not directly to the agency.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is HANO's largest program. Under this program, HANO gives you a voucher that covers a portion of your rent at a private apartment or house. You find the unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HANO pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your household income.

The voucher program waiting list in New Orleans is currently closed. HANO opens the list periodically when funding allows, and the agency announces reopening dates on its website and through local media. When the list does open, it typically closes again within days or weeks. If you want to know when the next opening might occur, contact HANO directly — staff can tell you whether an opening is planned and when to watch for announcements.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time (usually 120 days) to find a unit. The landlord must agree to rent to you, the unit must pass HANO's housing quality inspection, and your income must fall within the program limits. HANO then issues the voucher, and you can use it at any property in the New Orleans area that meets standards.

Public Housing

HANO also owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Orleans Parish. These are apartment buildings or townhouses where HANO is the landlord. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of what your household earns. Public housing waiting lists are also managed by HANO, and they are often closed as well.

Public housing units vary in condition and location. Some complexes have been renovated in recent years; others are older. HANO inspects all units regularly to maintain standards. If you live in public housing, you sign a lease with HANO, pay rent to HANO, and report maintenance issues to HANO's maintenance department.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

Both programs serve households with income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Orleans Parish. The exact income limit depends on household size and changes annually. For a single person, the limit is typically around $40,000 to $45,000 per year; for a family of four, it is usually $55,000 to $65,000. These figures vary, so contact HANO for the current year's limits.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have no outstanding criminal convictions for drug-related felonies, and have a history of paying rent or housing costs. HANO conducts background checks and may deny you if you have a recent eviction or serious criminal history. The agency considers each case individually.

You must live in Orleans Parish or work there full-time. Proof of residency is required at process. If you are explore for public housing, HANO may also prioritize households with urgent housing needs, such as those experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing.

How to Contact HANO and Check Program Status

HANO's main office is located at 4100 Touro Street, New Orleans, LA 70122. You can reach the agency by phone at (504) 671-6500 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The website is www.hano.org, where you can find current information about waiting list status, income limits, and required documents.

If you want to know whether the voucher or public housing waiting list is open, call or visit the website first. Staff can tell you when ready whether you can explore and what documents you need to bring. If the list is closed, ask when it might reopen and whether you can request notification when it does.

HANO also has satellite offices in some neighborhoods. Call the main number to find the office nearest you if you cannot travel to the main location.

What Happens After You explore

Once you submit an process, HANO reviews it for completeness. If documents are missing, the agency will contact you and ask you to provide them. The review process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how many applications are ahead of yours and how quickly you return requested documents.

If you are found to meet the income and background requirements, HANO places you on the active waiting list in the order your process was received. For the voucher program, you wait until a voucher becomes available (when another household leaves the program). For public housing, you wait until a unit matching your household size becomes available.

HANO will contact you when a unit or voucher is available. You then have a set time to accept it. If you refuse, you may lose your place on the list or be moved to the bottom. Once you accept, HANO conducts a final inspection and issues your lease or voucher.

Reporting Changes and Ongoing Requirements

If you receive information from HANO, you must report changes in your household income, household composition, or address to your case manager. Do not wait for HANO to ask — report changes within 30 days. Failing to report can result in overpayment of benefits, which you may be required to repay, or termination of information.

HANO conducts annual recertifications for all participants. You will receive a notice asking you to provide updated income documents, proof of residency, and household information. You must complete this recertification to keep your information active. If you miss the important date, HANO may terminate your voucher or lease.

HANO also inspects voucher units annually and public housing units regularly. If a unit fails inspection, the landlord (or you, if you are in public housing) must make repairs. The unit cannot be used for housing information until it passes reinspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how quickly units become available. Some people wait one to two years; others wait longer. HANO cannot predict your wait time, but staff can tell you approximately how many people are on the list ahead of you when you explore.

Can I use my voucher outside of New Orleans?

No. Housing Choice Vouchers issued by HANO can only be used in Orleans Parish. If you move outside the parish, you lose the voucher. Some other housing authorities may issue you a new voucher if you move to their area, but you must explore separately and meet their requirements.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

HANO considers evictions but does not automatically deny you. The agency looks at how long ago it occurred, why it happened, and whether you have paid rent on time since. A recent eviction (within the last year or two) makes approval less likely, but older evictions may not disqualify you. Ask HANO directly about your specific situation.

Do I have to live in a specific HANO building or neighborhood?

For public housing, HANO assigns you to an available unit based on your household size and any accessibility needs. You cannot choose the building or neighborhood. For vouchers, you choose the unit and neighborhood yourself — HANO only requires that the unit meet housing quality standards and the rent be reasonable for the area.

What if I lose my job while receiving information?

Report the job loss to your case manager when ready. Your rent contribution may decrease because it is based on income. HANO will recalculate your portion once you provide proof of the income change. You keep your information as long as your new income still falls within program limits.