What the Housing Authority of Columbus does

The Housing Authority of Columbus (HAC) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Franklin County, Ohio. It owns and operates public housing units, administers the Section 8 voucher program (which helps low-income renters pay for private apartments), and runs other affordable housing initiatives. HAC does not decide who is poor or rich — it manages properties and vouchers for people whose income falls below certain thresholds set by federal law.

HAC is separate from the City of Columbus government, though it works with the city on housing policy. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), not from local tax revenue. This matters because it means HAC's rules, wait lists, and rent calculations follow federal guidelines, not city ordinances.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Columbus manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for renters whose income meets federal limits, which vary by household size.
  • HAC maintains separate wait lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and both lists are typically closed or have long waits of several years.
  • Rent in HAC housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, not a fixed dollar amount, so it changes if your income changes.
  • You can contact HAC directly to ask about wait list status, income limits, or required documents, but you cannot check your position online.
  • HAC also runs other programs such as Family Self-Sufficiency and homeownership counseling, which may be available even if the main wait lists are closed.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

HAC operates two main programs, and they work differently. Public housing means HAC owns the building and you rent directly from HAC. You pay 30 percent of your gross income as rent, and HAC covers maintenance, utilities (in most cases), and property management. Public housing units are scattered throughout Franklin County — some are in apartment complexes, others are single-family homes.

Section 8 vouchers mean HAC gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you use to rent from a private landlord. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HAC pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference — again, typically 30 percent of your income. The landlord is not employed by HAC; HAC straightforward subsidizes part of the rent. This gives you more choice in where you live, but not all landlords accept vouchers.

Both programs have income limits. For public housing, the limit is usually 80 percent of the area median income. For Section 8, it is typically 50 percent of area median income, though some vouchers go to people earning up to 80 percent. Income limits change yearly and depend on household size. HAC's website lists current limits, or you can call their main office to confirm whether your household income qualifies.

How wait lists work and current status

Both public housing and Section 8 have separate wait lists. You must explore to each program independently; being on one list does not put you on the other. Wait lists are managed by lottery or by date of process, depending on the program and whether the list is open.

As of recent years, both wait lists have been closed to new applications for extended periods. When a list is closed, HAC is not taking new names. When it reopens, it typically stays open for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a few months — before closing again. If the list is open when you explore, your position is determined by the date you submit your process or by a lottery drawing.

Wait times vary widely. Some people wait one to two years; others wait five years or longer. HAC cannot predict when a unit or voucher will become available for you specifically. You can contact HAC to ask whether the list is currently open and to learn the approximate wait time based on recent history, but HAC does not publish individual position numbers online.

Income, rent, and recertification

Your rent in HAC housing is not a fixed monthly payment. Instead, it is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. This is called income-based rent.

You must report changes in income, household size, employment, and other circumstances to HAC. HAC will recertify your income annually (usually once per year) and may ask you to recertify if your situation changes significantly. If you do not report a change and HAC discovers it during recertification, you may owe back rent or face other penalties.

Some expenses — such as medical costs, childcare, or disability-related costs — can reduce your countable income, which lowers your rent. You will need to provide documentation (receipts, bills, or letters from providers) to claim these deductions. Ask HAC which expenses may have access to and what proof you need to bring.

How to contact HAC and what documents you need

The Housing Authority of Columbus main office is located in Columbus, Ohio. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about wait list status, income limits, or the process process. HAC's website lists phone numbers, office hours, and the address. Some HAC offices offer in-person appointments; others handle inquiries by phone or mail.

When you explore, you will need to bring or submit documents that prove your identity, income, and household composition. Typical documents include a photo ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, proof of Social Security numbers for all household members, and a birth certificate or proof of citizenship. If you receive benefits (SNAP, TANF, SSI, or others), bring documentation of those as well. HAC will tell you the complete list when you call or visit.

If you are currently homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can still explore. Tell HAC your situation when you contact them, and they will explain how to provide an address for mail and how the process process works for people without stable housing.

Other HAC programs beyond public housing and vouchers

HAC runs programs beyond its main public housing and Section 8 operations. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program helps participants increase earnings and reduce dependence on housing information. If you are in public housing or have a Section 8 voucher, you may be able to join FSS, which pairs you with a case manager who helps you set goals, find employment or training, and build savings. As your income rises, a portion of your rent increase is set aside in an escrow account that you receive when you leave the program.

HAC also offers homeownership counseling and may have programs to help renters transition to buying a home. These programs are sometimes available even when the main wait lists are closed. If you are interested in homeownership or in services beyond housing, ask HAC what programs are currently running.

What happens after you are selected from the wait list

When your name comes up on the wait list, HAC will contact you (usually by phone or mail) to schedule an appointment. At that appointment, a HAC staff member will review your process, verify your income and household information, and explain the lease and house rules. You will sign a lease and receive keys or move-in instructions.

Before you move in, the unit will be inspected to make sure it meets housing quality standards. You may be asked to pay a security deposit (the amount varies) and to sign a lease that includes HAC's rules about maintenance, guests, and conduct. If you are moving into public housing, HAC will explain your responsibilities as a tenant and what HAC will maintain.

If you are receiving a Section 8 voucher, you will search for an apartment on your own, negotiate the lease with the landlord, and then HAC will inspect the unit and sign a contract with the landlord. This process typically takes a few weeks from the time you receive your voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The wait lists are separate, and explore to one does not affect your position on the other. You submit separate applications and maintain separate places on each list. If you are selected from one list before the other, you can accept the offer and remain on the second list, or you can decline and stay on both lists.

What if my income goes above the limit after I move in?

You can stay in HAC housing even if your income exceeds the limit, but your rent will increase. HAC will recalculate your rent based on your new income. If your income rises significantly and stays high, HAC may eventually ask you to leave, but this process takes time and HAC will give you notice. The goal is to help people transition out as they become self-sufficient, not to evict them when ready.

How do I check my position on the wait list?

You cannot check your position online. Contact HAC directly by phone or in person. HAC staff can tell you whether your process is still active, approximately how many people are ahead of you, and the typical wait time based on recent selections. Wait times change as people move in or leave the program.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability?

Tell HAC about your disability and what accommodation you need when you explore or at any time while you are a resident. HAC is required by federal law to provide reasonable accommodations, such as accessible units, modified appliances, or flexibility with lease rules. Bring medical documentation if HAC asks for it, and work with HAC's disability coordinator to arrange the accommodation.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different city or state?

Section 8 vouchers are issued by a specific housing authority and are generally used within that authority's jurisdiction. Some vouchers can be transferred to another housing authority through a process called "portability," but this requires approval from both authorities and depends on the receiving area's rules. Ask HAC whether your voucher can be ported and what the process involves.