What the Housing Authority of Paterson does

The Housing Authority of Paterson (HAP) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Paterson, New Jersey. It does not create housing policy or set income limits — those come from HUD, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. What HAP does is manage the waiting lists, process paperwork, conduct inspections, and pay landlords on behalf of tenants who hold vouchers.

HAP serves Paterson residents only. If you live outside Paterson city limits, you will need to contact your own local housing authority. The agency operates from a central office and handles both public housing (apartments HAP owns directly) and the Section 8 program (vouchers that work with private landlords).

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Paterson administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers for Paterson residents only; you must explore through your own local authority if you live elsewhere.
  • HAP maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and both lists are typically closed to new applicants because demand far exceeds available units.
  • To reach HAP, contact the main office directly by phone or visit in person; the agency does not process applications through online portals or third-party websites.
  • HAP conducts annual inspections of rental units and verifies tenant income each year; failure to pass inspection or report changes can result in voucher termination.
  • The time from process to receiving a voucher or public housing unit can be several years, depending on list position and unit availability.

How to contact the Housing Authority of Paterson

HAP's main office is located at 80 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505. You can reach the agency by phone at (973) 321-7362. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours and to ask which department handles your question.

Do not use third-party websites or apps that claim to process HAP applications. HAP does not partner with outside services to take applications. You must explore directly with the agency in person or by phone. If you are unsure whether a website is legitimate, call HAP's main number and ask.

Section 8 vouchers through HAP

A Section 8 voucher allows you to rent from a private landlord while HAP pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The voucher amount is based on the size of the unit you need and the fair market rent for Paterson.

HAP maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list is usually closed, meaning HAP is not accepting new applications because the current list is too long. When the list opens, it typically opens for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks or a few months. You can call HAP to ask whether the list is currently open and when it might open next. There is no way to predict the opening date.

Once you are on the waiting list, your position depends on when you applied. HAP works through the list in order, though some applicants may be prioritized — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities. The wait from process to receiving a voucher can be two years or longer.

Public housing through HAP

Public housing means apartments that HAP owns and manages directly. These are separate from Section 8 vouchers. HAP rents public housing units to low-income households at a reduced rate. Like Section 8, public housing has its own waiting list, and that list is also usually closed.

Public housing units in Paterson include family apartments, senior housing, and units for people with disabilities. The rent you pay is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. HAP covers the rest of the cost.

If you are interested in public housing, call HAP and ask whether the public housing waiting list is open. If it is closed, ask when it might open and whether you can request to be notified when it does.

Income limits and annual recertification

To receive public housing or a Section 8 voucher from HAP, your household income must fall below a certain limit. That limit varies by household size and is set by HUD each year. HAP staff can tell you the current limit for your household size when you call or visit.

If you are approved for a voucher or public housing, HAP will ask you to recertify your income every year. Recertification means providing recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income to show that you still meet the income limit. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your voucher or housing. If you fail to recertify on time, HAP can terminate your information.

HAP will send you a notice when recertification is due. Mark the important date on your calendar and gather your documents early. If you miss the important date, contact HAP when ready to ask whether you can still recertify.

Inspections and lease requirements

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, HAP will inspect the rental unit before you move in and again every year. The inspection checks that the unit is safe, clean, and in good repair. Common reasons units fail inspection include broken windows, missing smoke detectors, mold, pest infestations, or broken appliances.

Your landlord is responsible for fixing problems found during inspection. If the landlord does not make repairs, HAP will not pay rent until the unit passes. If the unit fails inspection twice in a row, HAP may terminate your voucher.

You must also have a signed lease with your landlord. The lease must show the rent amount, the lease start date, and the names of all occupants. HAP will not issue a voucher without a lease, and the lease must be in effect before HAP begins paying the landlord.

What happens if you move or your circumstances change

If you receive a Section 8 voucher and want to move to a different rental unit, you must notify HAP before you move. HAP will need to inspect the new unit and approve the new landlord. The process usually takes two to four weeks. Do not move without HAP approval, or your voucher may be terminated.

If your household size changes — for example, a family member moves in or out — you must report it to HAP within 30 days. Changes in income, employment, or family composition can affect your rent payment and your continued receipt of information. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which HAP may ask you to repay, or termination of your voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from HAP?

There is no set timeline. It depends on your position on the waiting list and how many units become available. Some people wait two to three years; others wait longer. Call HAP to ask approximately how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many vouchers the agency typically issues per month.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher from HAP to rent outside of Paterson?

No. Section 8 vouchers issued by the Housing Authority of Paterson can only be used to rent within Paterson city limits. If you move outside Paterson, you will lose your voucher. If you want to move to a different city, you may be able to transfer your voucher to that city's housing authority, but you must request a transfer before you move and the receiving authority must have availability.

What if I cannot afford the rent HAP says I owe?

Contact HAP when ready. If your income has decreased, you can request a recertification outside the annual cycle. HAP may lower your rent payment if your income has dropped. Do not stop paying rent — continue to pay what you can while HAP reviews your situation.

What documents do I need to bring when I explore?

Call HAP and ask for a list of required documents before you visit. Generally, you will need proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency in Paterson, and information about any household members. Requirements vary, so confirm with HAP first.

Can HAP help me if I am behind on rent right now?

HAP does not pay back rent you already owe to a landlord. However, emergency rental information programs run by Paterson or Passaic County may help. Call 211 or contact the City of Paterson's Office of Community Development to ask about emergency rental funds.