What the Housing Authority of the City of Erie does

The Housing Authority of the City of Erie (HACERIE) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Erie, Pennsylvania. It administers two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns and operates directly) and Section 8 vouchers (subsidies that let you rent from private landlords). HACERIE does not build new housing or provide emergency information — it manages existing stock and distributes federal rent subsidies to households that meet income limits.

The agency is independent from the city government but receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It answers to a board of commissioners and operates under federal rules that govern how rent is set, who can live in its properties, and how long you can stay.

Key Takeaways

  • HACERIE runs public housing apartments and Section 8 voucher programs, both of which require your household income to fall below a set limit that changes yearly.
  • Public housing rent is based on 30 percent of your household income, while Section 8 vouchers work the same way but let you choose any private rental that meets standards.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long; HACERIE prioritizes households experiencing homelessness and those with the longest wait times.
  • You must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a clean background check to be considered for either program.
  • HACERIE's office is located in Erie and handles all applications, lease signings, and rent payment questions directly.

Public housing through HACERIE

HACERIE owns and manages apartment buildings throughout Erie. When you live in public housing, HACERIE is your landlord. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income — so if your household earns $2,000 per month, your rent is $600. HACERIE covers the rest of the cost through federal subsidies.

Public housing is available to households earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income. For Erie, this limit varies by household size and is adjusted annually. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of citizenship or legal residency. HACERIE can deny housing for serious criminal convictions, drug-related offenses, or a history of lease violations.

Once you are approved and move in, you pay rent monthly to HACERIE. If your income changes, you must report it within 30 days so your rent can be recalculated. HACERIE handles maintenance and repairs — you do not pay separately for utilities or upkeep.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that HACERIE gives you to use at any private rental property in Erie or surrounding areas. You find the apartment yourself, negotiate the lease with the landlord, and HACERIE pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference — typically 30 percent of your household income.

The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and allow HACERIE to inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, safe electrical systems, adequate heat, and no lead paint hazards. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

Like public housing, Section 8 is limited to households earning no more than 80 percent of area median income. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of residency and citizenship. The voucher is usually valid for one year, and HACERIE will recertify your income annually to recalculate your share of the rent.

How to get on the waiting list

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have waiting lists. HACERIE opens its lists periodically — not continuously — so you can only explore when the agency announces that applications are being taken. You can contact HACERIE directly to ask when the next opening date is, or check the agency's website or local news for announcements.

When the list opens, you submit an process in person at HACERIE's office. You will need to bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and a photo ID. If you are currently homeless or fleeing domestic violence, bring documentation of that status — HACERIE prioritizes these households.

After you explore, HACERIE places you on the waiting list in order of process date, with priority given to households experiencing homelessness, those with disabilities, and families with children in some cases. Wait times vary widely depending on demand and available units. In some years, the wait is a few months; in others, it can be several years.

Income limits and rent calculations

HACERIE uses federal income limits to determine who can live in public housing or use a Section 8 voucher. These limits are set at 80 percent of the area median income for Erie and are adjusted each year. A household earning above the limit cannot be approved, even if you are otherwise may have access to.

Rent in both programs is calculated the same way: you pay 30 percent of your gross household income, and the subsidy covers the rest. If your household income is $1,500 per month, you pay $450. If it drops to $1,000, your rent drops to $300. You must report income changes within 30 days so HACERIE can recalculate.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other sources. It does not include food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or certain other benefits. HACERIE will ask for documentation of all income sources when you explore and during annual recertification.

Background checks and disqualifying factors

HACERIE runs a criminal background check and a credit check as part of the approval process. A conviction for drug manufacturing or distribution, violent felonies, or sex offenses will almost certainly disqualify you. Evictions within the past three years, unpaid utility bills, or a pattern of lease violations may also result in denial.

You have the right to see the results of your background check and to dispute any errors. If HACERIE denies you, the agency must provide a written reason. You can request a hearing to challenge the decision if you believe the information is wrong or if you have evidence of rehabilitation.

Some disqualifying factors are not permanent. If you were evicted five years ago but have since maintained stable housing and paid all bills on time, HACERIE may overlook it. The agency has some discretion, especially for applicants with disabilities or those experiencing homelessness.

What happens after you are approved

Once HACERIE approves you, you move to the top of the active list. For public housing, the agency will contact you when a unit becomes available. You will have a set number of days to view the apartment and decide whether to accept it. If you refuse, you may lose your spot or move to the back of the list, depending on HACERIE's policy.

Before you move in, you sign a lease with HACERIE (public housing) or with the private landlord (Section 8). HACERIE will explain your rights and responsibilities, including rules about guests, pets, and maintenance. You will also receive information about how to report repairs and what to do if you have a dispute with HACERIE or your landlord.

You must pay rent on time each month. If you fall behind, HACERIE can start eviction proceedings. You also must allow HACERIE to inspect your unit annually to make sure it is being maintained properly. Failure to keep the unit in good condition or to follow lease rules can result in eviction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for public housing or Section 8?

The approval process itself usually takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your process. However, the real wait is on the waiting list after approval. Depending on demand and available units, you may wait months or years before a unit or voucher becomes available. HACERIE prioritizes certain households, which can shorten the wait.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of Erie?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other areas if you move. However, you must request a transfer from HACERIE and the new housing authority must have available vouchers. Not all areas accept transfers, and the process can take several months. Contact HACERIE before you plan to move.

What happens if my income increases while I am in public housing or using a Section 8 voucher?

Your rent will increase to reflect your new income. You must report income changes within 30 days. HACERIE will recalculate your rent at 30 percent of your new gross income. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may be required to leave the program, though HACERIE usually gives you time to find alternative housing.

Can I be evicted from public housing or lose my Section 8 voucher?

Yes. HACERIE can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations, criminal activity, or damage to the unit. You have the right to a hearing before eviction. For Section 8, HACERIE can terminate your voucher if you fail to recertify income, commit fraud, or violate program rules. You will receive written notice and an opportunity to respond.

How do I contact HACERIE to ask about waiting lists or explore?

Contact the Housing Authority of the City of Erie directly by phone or visit their office in person. You can find their phone number and address on the agency's website or by calling 211 Pennsylvania, which maintains contact information for housing authorities statewide. HACERIE staff can tell you whether the waiting list is open and what documents you need to bring.