What the Racine Housing Authority does

The Racine Housing Authority (RHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Racine, Wisconsin. It operates public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (commonly called Section 8), and runs other rental information initiatives. The RHA answers to a board of commissioners and is funded through federal housing dollars passed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

If you live in Racine and need affordable rental housing or have questions about your current lease in an RHA-managed property, the RHA is the body you contact directly. They handle tenant issues, maintenance requests, lease violations, and questions about program rules. They also maintain waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers, though those lists are often closed to new applicants.

Key Takeaways

  • The Racine Housing Authority manages public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher program in Racine.
  • You can reach RHA by phone, mail, or in person at their main office; their contact information is available through the City of Racine website.
  • Waiting lists for public housing and vouchers are frequently closed, and you should confirm current status before attempting to join.
  • If you are a current tenant in an RHA property, you report maintenance issues and lease concerns directly to your property manager or the RHA office.
  • The RHA enforces lease terms, collects rent, and can begin eviction proceedings if rent is not paid or lease violations occur.

How to reach the Racine Housing Authority

The RHA's main office is located in Racine and can be reached by phone during business hours. The most current phone number and mailing address are listed on the City of Racine's official website under housing or community development. You can also visit the office in person to speak with staff about your situation.

When you call or visit, have your lease number or tenant ID ready if you are already a resident. If you are inquiring about housing programs, be prepared to describe your household size, income range, and what type of information you are looking for. Staff can tell you whether waiting lists are open and what documents you would need to provide.

Public housing and the waiting list

The RHA owns and operates public housing units throughout Racine. These are apartments and homes rented to low-income households at below-market rates. To live in public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD, which vary by household size. Rent is typically calculated as 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income.

The waiting list for public housing is often closed. When it is open, the RHA accepts applications on a first-come, first-served basis or by lottery, depending on the program. Once you are on the list, wait times can range from months to years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. The RHA will contact you when a unit matching your household size is ready.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, also called Section 8, allows you to rent from a private landlord while the RHA pays a portion of your rent. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it, and the unit must pass an RHA inspection and meet rent limits for your area.

The voucher waiting list is also frequently closed in Racine. When it opens, the RHA announces it through local media and its website. If you are on the waiting list and your name is called, you will have a limited time to return paperwork and begin searching for a rental unit. The RHA will provide you with a list of participating landlords and explain how the program works.

Maintenance requests and tenant responsibilities

If you are renting from the RHA and have a maintenance problem—a broken heater, leaking roof, broken appliance, or pest issue—contact your property manager or the RHA maintenance line. Most RHA properties have an on-site manager or office where you can submit a work order. Emergency repairs (no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazard) should be reported when ready by phone.

The RHA is responsible for maintaining the unit in habitable condition. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean, not damaging it beyond normal wear, paying rent on time, and following lease rules. If you do not report maintenance issues promptly, the RHA may hold you responsible for damage that results from neglect.

Lease violations and eviction

RHA leases include rules about noise, guests, criminal activity, drug use, and property damage. If you violate your lease, the RHA can issue a notice to cure (fix the problem) or quit (move out). The timeframe to cure varies by violation type but is usually 14 days for minor issues. If you do not cure the violation, the RHA can file for eviction in Racine County Court.

Non-payment of rent is grounds for when ready eviction proceedings. If your rent is late, the RHA will typically send a notice and give you a short window (often 3 to 5 days) to pay before filing in court. Once a case is filed, you have the right to appear in court and present your side. If you lose, a judgment is entered against you and you can be removed from the unit.

Rent payment and lease terms

Rent is due on the date specified in your lease, usually the first of the month. You can pay by mail, automatic bank transfer, or in person at the RHA office or a designated payment location. If you are struggling to pay rent, contact the RHA office before the due date to discuss your situation. Some residents may be referred to emergency rental information programs run by the city or county.

Your lease spells out all the rules you must follow, including occupancy limits, pet policies, and guest policies. Read your lease carefully when you sign it. If you have questions about a lease term, ask the property manager or RHA office before you sign. Once you sign, you are bound by those terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get off the waiting list?

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many units are available. Some people wait months; others wait years. The RHA can give you an estimate based on your household size and the current list length when you explore. You can also call periodically to ask about your position on the list.

What if I cannot afford my rent?

Contact the RHA office or your property manager when ready. Do not ignore the bill. You may be referred to emergency rental information through the City of Racine or Racine County. Some programs can pay back rent you already owe. The RHA may also work with you on a payment plan if you have a temporary hardship.

Can I break my lease early?

Your lease terms control whether you can break it. Some RHA leases allow early termination under specific circumstances (job loss, domestic violence, medical hardship). Others do not. If you need to leave early, contact your property manager or the RHA office to discuss your situation and learn what your options are.

What happens if I do not report a maintenance problem?

If you do not report a problem and it gets worse, the RHA may charge you for the damage or hold you responsible for the cost of repair. For example, if a small leak goes unreported and causes mold or structural damage, you could be liable. Always report maintenance issues in writing or by phone as soon as you notice them.

Is there emergency housing if I am about to be evicted?

The RHA does not provide emergency housing, but the City of Racine and Racine County have emergency information programs. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) or the Racine County Department of Human Services to learn what emergency shelter or rental information may be available. Some programs can intervene before an eviction is filed.