What the Housing Authority of Shreveport does

The Housing Authority of Shreveport (HAS) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Caddo Parish. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income residents, and it manages public housing complexes that it does own. The agency is separate from the city government and operates under its own board.

HAS administers two main programs: public housing (where the authority owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8. Both programs require residents to pay a portion of rent based on income, with HAS covering the rest. The authority also handles lease enforcement, maintenance requests, and income recertification for both programs.

If you live in Shreveport and need rental information or public housing, HAS is the agency that determines whether you meet the income and background requirements, maintains your file, and processes your rent payments. You cannot bypass HAS to go directly to a landlord or to the federal government — all communication about these programs flows through the local authority.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Shreveport runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers for Caddo Parish residents, and you must go through HAS to enter either program.
  • Both programs require you to pay a percentage of your income toward rent; HAS pays the landlord the remainder directly.
  • HAS verifies your income annually and can terminate your information if you fail to report changes or if your income exceeds program limits.
  • The agency has a physical office in Shreveport where you can submit documents, request maintenance, and speak to a caseworker in person.
  • Wait lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have long delays; you must contact HAS directly to learn the current status.

How to contact the Housing Authority of Shreveport

The main office is located at 1444 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101. You can reach them by phone at (318) 673-7010 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday; call to confirm current hours before you visit, as schedules can change.

When you call or visit, have your case number ready if you are already a resident. If you are inquiring about public housing or vouchers for the first time, be prepared to provide your name, current address, and household size. Staff can tell you whether the wait list is open and what documents you will need to bring.

You can also ask HAS about maintenance requests, rent payment questions, or lease violations through the same office. If you have a dispute with your landlord or with HAS itself, the office can direct you to the grievance process.

Public housing managed by HAS

HAS owns and operates several public housing complexes in Shreveport. These are apartment buildings where HAS is the landlord. Residents pay rent based on 30 percent of their adjusted gross income, and HAS covers the rest from federal funding. The authority is responsible for maintenance, utilities (in most cases), and lease enforcement.

To enter public housing, you must meet income limits set by the federal government. These limits change annually and depend on household size. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of income and residency. HAS maintains a wait list for public housing; the current status and estimated wait time are available by calling the main office.

Once you are housed, you must report any change in income, household composition, or employment within 30 days. Failure to report can result in overpayment of rent or termination of your lease. HAS will recertify your income once per year and adjust your rent accordingly.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers administered by HAS

The Section 8 program gives you a voucher that you can use to rent from a private landlord anywhere in Caddo Parish (and sometimes beyond, depending on portability rules). HAS pays the landlord directly; you pay your portion based on income. The voucher covers the difference between what you pay and the fair market rent for your area.

To receive a voucher, you must meet the same income and background requirements as public housing residents. HAS maintains a separate wait list for vouchers. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 90 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. Not all landlords participate, so you may need to contact several before you find one.

After you lease a unit, HAS inspects it to may support it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like plumbing, electrical systems, heat, and safety. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before HAS will pay. You cannot move in until the inspection passes.

Income limits and rent calculations

HAS uses federal income limits to determine who can enter public housing or receive a voucher. These limits are based on the area median income for Shreveport and change each year. A household of one might have a limit of around $28,000 to $32,000 annually (the exact figure varies by year), while a household of four might be around $45,000 to $50,000. Contact HAS to learn the current limits for your household size.

Once you are in a program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. "Adjusted" means HAS subtracts certain expenses — such as medical costs for elderly or disabled residents, childcare, and disability-related work expenses — before calculating the percentage. Your rent can go down if your income drops, but it will go up if your income rises.

If your income exceeds the program limit for two consecutive years, HAS can terminate your information. This is called "over-income." You will receive notice and a chance to appeal, but the agency is required by federal law to remove you from the program eventually.

Required documents and the verification process

When you first explore to HAS, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Proof of income can be recent pay stubs, tax returns, a letter from your employer, or benefit statements (Social Security, unemployment, TANF). Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency.

HAS will also conduct a background check, which includes a criminal history search and a check of the national sex offender registry. Certain convictions or offenses can disqualify you. The agency will inform you of the results and give you a chance to dispute inaccurate information.

After you are admitted, HAS recertifies your income once per year. You must provide updated pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters. If your household composition changes (someone moves in or out, a child is born), you must report it within 30 days and provide documentation. Failure to recertify or report changes can result in overpayment of rent or termination.

Maintenance requests and lease violations

If you live in public housing and need a repair, contact HAS maintenance through the main office or your building manager. Describe the problem clearly — for example, "the kitchen faucet is leaking" rather than "something is wrong with the sink." HAS aims to respond to urgent issues (no heat, no water, safety hazards) within 24 to 48 hours, though response times can vary.

If you are a voucher holder, your landlord is responsible for repairs, not HAS. You must contact your landlord first. If the landlord does not make repairs, you can file a complaint with HAS, which may inspect the unit and withhold payment to the landlord until repairs are made.

Lease violations — such as late rent payment, unauthorized occupants, or damage to the unit — can result in a warning, a fine, or eviction. HAS follows a formal process: you receive written notice of the violation, you have a chance to respond or cure the problem, and then HAS decides whether to proceed with eviction. You have the right to a hearing before HAS terminates your lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary and change frequently. Some lists are closed entirely. Call HAS at (318) 673-7010 to learn whether the list is open and what the current wait time is. The agency can also tell you whether you meet the basic requirements before you spend time waiting.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in the program?

Your rent will increase to reflect the higher income. HAS recalculates your rent each year during recertification. If your income exceeds the program limit for two consecutive years, HAS will terminate your information and you will need to find housing on your own.

Can I use my voucher to rent anywhere in Louisiana?

No. Your voucher is valid in Caddo Parish and possibly in neighboring areas, depending on HAS's portability agreement. If you want to move to a different parish, you must contact HAS first to see whether your voucher can be transferred. Many vouchers are not portable.

What if I disagree with HAS's decision to terminate my information?

You have the right to a hearing before an independent hearing officer. HAS must give you written notice of the termination and the reason for it, along with information about how to request a hearing. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing.

Do I have to report if someone moves into my apartment?

Yes. Any change in household composition must be reported to HAS within 30 days. This includes a new roommate, a partner, or a child. Unauthorized occupants can be grounds for lease termination, and failing to report can result in overpayment of rent that you will owe back to HAS.