What the Housing Authority of Racine does

The Housing Authority of Racine (HAR) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Racine, Wisconsin, and administers federal housing vouchers for low-income residents. It does not set policy for all housing in the city — it runs specific properties and programs. If you are looking for public housing or a voucher to use at a private landlord's property, HAR is the body that handles applications and ongoing tenancy.

HAR operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the agency must follow the same income limits, rent calculations, and lease terms across all its programs, though some details vary by program type.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Racine manages public housing units and administers Section 8 vouchers, which are two separate programs with different process processes and wait lists.
  • Income limits and rent you pay depend on your household size and income, calculated according to federal rules that HAR must follow.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have wait lists; the length varies and you can be on both at the same time.
  • You can contact HAR directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office to ask about current wait times and what documents you will need to bring.
  • If you have a dispute with HAR about your lease, rent calculation, or eviction, you have the right to a hearing before the agency makes a final decision.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

HAR owns and manages public housing buildings where you rent a unit directly from the authority. The agency sets the rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income — and you sign a lease with HAR. Public housing is concentrated in specific locations around Racine, and the number of available units is fixed.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. HAR gives you a voucher that you take to a private landlord who agrees to participate in the program. The voucher covers part of the rent; you pay the rest. You sign a lease with the landlord, not HAR, but HAR inspects the unit and enforces housing quality standards. The voucher lets you search for housing anywhere in Racine (and sometimes in nearby areas, depending on HAR's rules), rather than being limited to HAR-owned buildings.

Both programs have separate wait lists. You can be on both at the same time, and being on one does not affect your place on the other.

Income limits and how rent is calculated

To be considered for either program, your household income must fall below the limit set by HUD for Racine. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. HAR uses your gross income before taxes, and counts income from wages, self-employment, Social Security, child support, and other regular sources.

Once you are in a program, the rent you pay is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. HAR deducts certain expenses — such as medical costs for elderly or disabled household members, childcare, and disability-related work expenses — before calculating the 30 percent. This means two households with the same gross income may pay different rent if their circumstances differ.

HAR must recertify your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your housing or voucher. If your income drops, your rent will decrease at the next recertification.

How to contact HAR and what to bring

The Housing Authority of Racine is located in Racine, Wisconsin. You can reach them by phone to ask about wait list status, current process procedures, and what documents you need. The agency accepts applications in person and by mail.

When you contact HAR or visit in person, have ready: proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of residency in Racine or Wisconsin, and a list of all household members with their dates of birth. If you have a disability or are over 62, mention that when you call — it may affect your priority on the wait list.

Wait list length varies. HAR can tell you the current wait time for each program when you call. Some programs have closed wait lists temporarily when demand is very high; the agency will let you know if that is the case.

Your rights as a tenant in HAR housing

If you live in HAR public housing, you have a lease that spells out your obligations and HAR's. HAR must give you written notice before raising your rent or changing lease terms, and the notice period is typically 30 days. You have the right to a hearing before HAR can evict you for lease violations or non-payment of rent.

HAR must maintain the property in decent, safe, and sanitary condition. If there are serious maintenance problems — no heat in winter, broken plumbing, pest infestations — you can request repairs in writing. If HAR does not respond, you may have the right to repair-and-deduct (paying for repairs yourself and deducting the cost from rent), though this varies by Wisconsin law and your lease.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, your landlord is responsible for day-to-day maintenance, but HAR inspects the unit annually to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before the voucher can continue.

What happens if you disagree with HAR

If HAR denies your process, terminates your lease, raises your rent, or makes a decision you believe is wrong, you have the right to a hearing. HAR must give you written notice of the decision and explain how to request a hearing. The hearing is held before an impartial officer (not HAR staff who made the original decision), and you can present evidence and witnesses.

The hearing process is free and you do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one. After the hearing, the officer issues a written decision. If you disagree with that decision, you may be able to appeal to HUD or pursue other legal remedies, depending on the issue.

If you are facing eviction, request a hearing when ready — waiting makes it harder to stop the process. HAR must hold the hearing before the eviction can proceed in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for HAR housing?

Wait list length varies by program and changes as units become available and people move. Call HAR directly to ask the current wait time for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Some programs may have closed wait lists temporarily.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of Racine?

HAR's vouchers are primarily for use within Racine. Some vouchers may be portable to nearby areas under HUD rules, but you must ask HAR before you move. If you move without permission, you may lose the voucher.

What if my rent calculation seems wrong?

Request a written breakdown of how HAR calculated your rent, including what income they counted and what deductions they allowed. If you disagree, ask for a hearing. Bring pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of your actual income and any expenses HAR should have deducted.

Can I be evicted from HAR housing for any reason?

HAR can evict you for lease violations (such as non-payment of rent, unauthorized occupants, or damage to the unit) or if your income exceeds the program limit. HAR must give you written notice and a chance to be heard before eviction. You have the right to a hearing even if you plan to move.

What if the HAR-owned building has maintenance problems?

Report maintenance issues to HAR in writing and keep a copy. If the problem is serious (no heat, no water, pest infestation), contact HAR when ready by phone as well. Under Wisconsin law, you may have the right to repair-and-deduct or to withhold rent if HAR does not respond, but consult the lease and local law first, or contact a legal aid organization.