What the Housing Authority of Orange County actually does

The Housing Authority of Orange County (HAOC) is a public agency that runs housing programs in the Orlando area. It does not build or own most of the housing it administers — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. The two largest programs are Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing. HAOC also runs Emergency Rental information when funding is available from the state or federal government.

HAOC is a separate entity from the City of Orlando and from Orange County government, though it receives some direction from both. It has its own board, its own staff, and its own waiting lists. If you live in unincorporated Orange County or in most cities within the county, HAOC is the body you contact. If you live in Winter Park or Eatonville, those cities run their own housing authorities.

The agency's main office is located at 422 South Hughey Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806. You can reach them by phone at 407-894-4751. Most inquiries about waiting lists, voucher status, and rent payment issues go through this number or through their online portal.

Key Takeaways

  • HAOC administers Section 8 vouchers and Public Housing units across Orange County, but maintains separate waiting lists for each program.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed and can remain closed for months or years, so you cannot assume you can join it now.
  • Public Housing waiting lists are also closed most of the time, and wait times when they do open can exceed two years.
  • HAOC processes rent payments, inspections, and lease violations for both programs, so contact them directly if your landlord is not receiving voucher payments or if you have a maintenance issue.
  • Emergency Rental information is separate from the voucher programs and opens and closes based on state funding; you must contact HAOC to learn whether the fund is currently open.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through HAOC

A Section 8 voucher from HAOC pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. The amount depends on your household income and the size of your family. You pay the difference between what the voucher covers and what your landlord charges, up to a maximum of 30 percent of your gross income. You can use the voucher with any landlord in Orange County who agrees to participate, as long as the unit passes a housing inspection.

The Section 8 waiting list at HAOC is almost always closed. When it does open, it typically closes again within days or weeks. You can call 407-894-4751 to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it last opened and whether there is a timeline for the next opening — staff can sometimes tell you this based on funding cycles. You can also check the HAOC website for announcements about waiting list openings.

If you are already on the waiting list, you can check your position by calling the same number or logging into the online portal with your process number. Wait times vary widely depending on household size and whether you have a disability or are over 62. Families with children typically wait longer than elderly or disabled applicants because HAOC prioritizes those groups.

Public Housing units managed by HAOC

HAOC owns and operates approximately 2,500 public housing units across Orange County. These are apartments and townhouses where HAOC is the landlord. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your gross household income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. Public Housing is separate from Section 8 — you explore to each program independently and can be on both waiting lists.

The Public Housing waiting list is also typically closed. When you call HAOC, ask specifically about Public Housing waiting list status, because the Section 8 list and Public Housing list open and close on different schedules. If the list is open, you will need to provide proof of income, household composition, and Social Security numbers for all household members at the time of process.

Public Housing units are inspected annually by HAOC staff. If you live in a Public Housing unit and have a maintenance problem — a leak, broken appliance, heating issue — you report it to HAOC's maintenance department, not to a private landlord. Call 407-894-4751 and ask for maintenance or use the online work order system if you have portal access.

How HAOC processes rent payments and inspections

When you receive a Section 8 voucher from HAOC, the agency pays your landlord directly each month. The payment goes to the address on your lease. If your landlord says they are not receiving payments, contact HAOC when ready with your voucher number and lease address. HAOC will investigate whether the check was mailed, whether it was returned, or whether there is a problem with the landlord's banking information.

Before you can use a Section 8 voucher, the unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. HAOC sends an inspector to verify that the unit has working plumbing, heat, electricity, and no serious safety hazards. The landlord must fix any failed items before the lease can be signed. If you are already living in a unit and it fails inspection, you have a set time to move or the landlord must make repairs — HAOC will tell you the important date.

HAOC also conducts annual inspections of Section 8 units to may support they continue to meet standards. If an inspection fails, the landlord receives a notice to repair. If repairs are not made within the important date, HAOC can stop paying the voucher and you may need to find a new unit.

Emergency Rental information from HAOC

When state or federal funding is available, HAOC opens an Emergency Rental information program to help tenants who have fallen behind on rent due to job loss, illness, or other hardship. The program pays landlords directly for back rent and sometimes for future rent or utilities. This is separate from the Section 8 and Public Housing programs.

Emergency Rental information is not always available. Funding comes from the state or federal government and runs out. You must call HAOC at 407-894-4751 or check their website to learn whether the fund is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it last closed and whether there is expected to be another round of funding.

If the fund is open, you will need to provide proof of income loss, a signed lease, proof of the unpaid rent (usually a letter from the landlord), and proof that the hardship occurred recently. Processing times vary but typically range from two to six weeks. HAOC will contact your landlord directly to verify the debt and arrange payment.

Contacting HAOC and accessing your account online

The main phone line for HAOC is 407-894-4751. You can reach different departments by pressing numbers on the menu — typically option 1 for Section 8, option 2 for Public Housing, and option 3 for maintenance or other services. Wait times are often long during business hours, particularly early in the month when rent payments are processed.

HAOC offers an online portal where you can check your voucher status, view payment history, submit maintenance requests (if you live in Public Housing), and update your contact information. You will need your process number or voucher number to log in. If you do not have a portal account, call HAOC and ask how to set one up.

HAOC's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Some services, such as in-person interviews for new applicants, may require an appointment. If you need to visit in person, call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to schedule a time.

What to do if you have a problem with HAOC

If you believe HAOC has made an error — such as stopping your voucher payment without notice, denying you for a reason you think is wrong, or failing to process a maintenance request — you have the right to request a hearing. This is called an informal hearing or grievance hearing depending on the issue. You must request it in writing within a set timeframe, usually 10 to 30 days depending on the type of problem.

Send your request to HAOC's main office at 422 South Hughey Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806, or ask by phone how to submit it. Include your name, voucher or process number, a description of the problem, and what you believe should happen to fix it. HAOC will schedule a hearing where you can present your side and HAOC will present theirs. A hearing officer will make a decision.

If you are having trouble understanding a notice from HAOC or need help preparing for a hearing, contact a local legal aid organization. Community Legal Services, Inc. (407-841-0820) and other nonprofits in Orange County provide free or low-cost legal help to people with housing problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely based on household size and priority status. Elderly and disabled applicants typically wait one to three years. Families with children often wait three to five years or longer. The waiting list is frequently closed, so you may not be able to join now. Call 407-894-4751 to ask about current wait times and whether the list is open.

Can I use my HAOC Section 8 voucher in a different county?

No. HAOC vouchers are only valid in Orange County. If you move out of the county, you must turn in your voucher. You can request a voucher transfer to another housing authority in a different county, but that authority must have funding available and must accept your transfer. Contact HAOC to start the transfer process.

What happens if my landlord wants to evict me while I have a Section 8 voucher?

Your landlord must still follow Florida eviction law. Having a Section 8 voucher does not prevent eviction, but HAOC may be able to help if the eviction is due to nonpayment of your portion of the rent. If you receive an eviction notice, contact HAOC when ready and ask whether Emergency Rental information is available. You should also contact a legal aid organization for help defending the case.

How do I report a problem with my Section 8 unit to HAOC?

Call HAOC at 407-894-4751 and describe the problem — broken heat, mold, pest infestation, or other safety issues. HAOC will contact your landlord and require them to make repairs within a set timeframe. If the landlord does not repair, HAOC can stop paying the voucher. Do not stop paying your portion of rent while waiting for repairs unless HAOC tells you to do so.

What income limits explore to HAOC programs?

Income limits for Section 8 and Public Housing are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and vary by household size. For a family of four in Orange County, the limit is typically around $60,000 to $65,000 per year, but this changes annually. Call HAOC at 407-894-4751 and provide your household size to learn the current limit for your family.