What the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh does

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs for low-income residents in Pittsburgh and some surrounding areas. It does not set housing policy for the city — that is the city government's role. Instead, HACP owns and manages apartment buildings, administers vouchers that help tenants pay rent in privately owned units, and handles applications for people seeking housing support.

HACP is separate from the city's Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections, which handles code enforcement and landlord licensing. If you have a complaint about a landlord or unsafe conditions, you may need both agencies depending on what the problem is.

The agency serves Pittsburgh proper and a few surrounding municipalities. If you live outside that area, you would contact your own local housing authority instead — each county or region typically has one.

Key Takeaways

  • HACP manages public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers; you explore directly to HACP, not through the city government.
  • Wait lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are typically closed, meaning HACP is not currently taking new applications, though this changes periodically.
  • You can call HACP's main line or visit their office in person to ask whether a wait list is open and what documents you will need to bring.
  • If you need emergency rental help now, contact 211 Pittsburgh or your local city council office, as HACP does not run emergency information programs.
  • HACP also runs a Family Self-Sufficiency program that pairs housing support with job training and financial counseling for households working toward independence.

How to contact HACP and find current wait list status

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh is located at 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. You can reach them by phone at 412-456-5000 during business hours. The main line can tell you whether wait lists are currently open for public housing or Section 8 vouchers.

Wait lists are frequently closed because demand far exceeds available units. When a list is closed, HACP is not taking new applications. The agency reopens lists periodically — sometimes annually, sometimes less often — so calling ahead saves a trip. You can also ask whether there is a waitlist to get on a future wait list, which some housing authorities maintain.

If you visit in person, bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait. HACP's office hours and any changes to services are posted on their website, which you can find by searching "Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh" online.

Public housing apartments and how they work

HACP owns and operates apartment buildings throughout Pittsburgh. Residents pay rent based on their income — typically 30 percent of gross monthly income, though HACP sets the exact formula. The agency covers the rest of the cost to maintain the building.

Public housing is not temporary. Once you are approved and move in, you can stay as long as you follow the lease terms and your income remains within limits. However, if your income rises significantly, your rent will increase, and eventually you may earn too much to remain in the program.

To explore for public housing, you must be on the wait list. When a unit becomes available, HACP contacts people on the list in order. The process process includes a background check, income verification, and a home visit inspection. Felony convictions and certain other factors can disqualify you, though HACP considers each case individually.

Section 8 vouchers and renting in the private market

The Section 8 program, formally called the Housing Choice Voucher program, gives may be able to access households a voucher they can use to rent from a private landlord. HACP pays the landlord a portion of the rent directly; the tenant pays the rest, usually 30 percent of their income.

The advantage of Section 8 over public housing is choice — you can rent any unit in Pittsburgh (or in some cases nearby areas) as long as the landlord accepts the voucher and the unit passes a housing quality inspection. The disadvantage is that not all landlords participate, and some refuse Section 8 tenants even though it is illegal to do so in Pennsylvania.

Like public housing, Section 8 has a wait list that is often closed. When you are approved and receive a voucher, you have a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a unit and have it inspected. If you do not find one in that window, you may lose the voucher.

Income limits and who can explore

HACP programs are for households earning below a certain income threshold. The limit depends on household size and changes yearly based on federal guidelines. A single person's limit is different from a family of four's limit.

You can ask HACP directly what the current income limit is for your household size. They will also ask about citizenship or immigration status — federal law requires that at least the head of household be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Having mixed-status family members does not automatically disqualify you, but HACP will explain what applies to your situation.

Other factors that may affect your standing include criminal history, prior evictions, and whether you owe money to a housing authority in another state. None of these automatically disqualifies you; HACP reviews each process individually.

Family Self-Sufficiency and other HACP programs

Beyond public housing and Section 8 vouchers, HACP runs the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, which pairs housing support with job training, financial counseling, and case management. Participants commit to working toward economic independence over a set period, usually five years. As your income rises, HACP sets aside a portion of the rent increase you would normally pay; at the end of the program, you receive that money as a lump sum to help you transition out of the program.

HACP also administers Moving to Work (MTW) authority, which gives the agency flexibility to design programs differently than the standard federal model. This means some HACP policies may differ from other housing authorities. Ask HACP directly what programs they currently offer, as offerings can change.

What to do if you need help now and cannot wait for a list to open

If you are behind on rent, facing eviction, or homeless now, HACP's wait lists will not help you when ready. Instead, contact 211 Pittsburgh by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website. They can direct you to emergency rental information, homeless services, and other when ready support in your area.

You can also reach out to your city council representative's office. Council members often have staff who know about emergency funds and can sometimes expedite referrals. The city's Department of Human Services also runs or coordinates some emergency programs.

If you are facing eviction, contact a legal aid organization like Community Legal Services or Neighborhood Legal Services in Pittsburgh. They can review your lease, explain your rights, and sometimes represent you in court at no cost if you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Once you are on an open wait list, the time varies widely — it can be months to years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units become available. HACP can tell you roughly where you stand on the list when you explore. After you are selected, the approval process itself (background check, inspection, lease signing) usually takes a few weeks.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both wait lists simultaneously. If you are approved for one before the other, you can accept it and stay on the second list, or decline and wait for the other option. Ask HACP how their system handles this when you explore.

What happens if I get a job and my income goes above the limit?

In public housing, your rent increases as your income rises, but you do not when ready lose your housing. HACP has income limits for continued occupancy, and you will eventually earn too much to stay. The agency will notify you when that happens and give you time to move. In Section 8, the same principle applies — you can stay temporarily above the limit, but HACP will eventually terminate your voucher.

Do I need a lawyer to explore to HACP?

No. The process itself is free and does not require legal help. However, if you have a criminal record or prior eviction and are worried about disqualification, speaking with a legal aid attorney beforehand can help you understand your chances and prepare your process.

What if I was denied by HACP — can I appeal?

Yes. HACP must provide you with a written reason for denial and information about how to request a hearing. The process and timeline vary, so ask HACP for their appeal procedures when you receive a denial letter.