What the Reno Housing Authority actually does

The Reno Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs housing programs for low-income households in Washoe County. It does not build or own most of the housing — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. The main program is Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly Section 8), which covers the difference between what you pay and what the market rent is. The Authority also manages public housing units it owns directly, though the voucher program is larger.

The Reno Housing Authority is separate from the City of Reno and operates as its own agency. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are looking for emergency rental help, eviction prevention, or other information, the Housing Authority is one place to check, but it is not the only one — the City of Reno, Washoe County, and nonprofits also run their own programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Reno Housing Authority runs Housing Choice Vouchers and owns some public housing units; it does not run emergency rental information or most other local programs.
  • The voucher waiting list is typically closed to new applicants, and when it opens, it fills quickly — check the Authority's website or call to learn the current status.
  • To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it, pass a background check, and meet income limits that vary by household size.
  • The Authority's main office is in downtown Reno, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current programs and waiting lists.

Housing Choice Vouchers through the Reno Housing Authority

A Housing Choice Voucher is a monthly payment the Authority sends to your landlord. You pay a portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income), and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by HUD. The landlord receives the difference directly from the Authority. This means you can rent from a private landlord anywhere in Washoe County, as long as the unit meets housing quality standards and the landlord agrees to participate.

The waiting list for vouchers in Reno is almost always closed. When it does open — which happens irregularly, sometimes years apart — applications fill within days or weeks. The Authority prioritizes households experiencing homelessness, those living in substandard housing, and families with very low incomes. You can call the Reno Housing Authority to ask whether the list is currently open and what the timeline might be if you want to be notified when it reopens.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord. The landlord must pass an inspection, agree to the rent amount the Authority will pay, and sign a lease. You then move in and begin making your portion of the rent payment to the landlord each month. The Authority continues paying as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules.

Public housing units managed by the Reno Housing Authority

The Authority owns and operates several hundred public housing units across Reno. These are apartments and townhomes the Authority rents directly to low-income households. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and utilities are usually included. Public housing units tend to have longer waiting lists than vouchers, and they are concentrated in specific neighborhoods.

To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits, pass a background check, and have a valid rental history or references. The Authority conducts a home visit before you move in. If you are interested in public housing, contact the Authority directly to learn which developments have openings and what the current wait time is.

Income limits and who can use these programs

Both vouchers and public housing are limited to households earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Washoe County. The actual income limit depends on your household size. For example, the limit for a single person is lower than for a family of four. HUD updates these limits each year, usually in April.

You must also pass a background check. The Authority looks at criminal history, eviction records, and past rental payment behavior. A prior eviction or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the Authority considers the nature and timing of the offense. If you have questions about your specific situation, ask during the intake process — the Authority can tell you whether your history will be a barrier.

Citizenship or immigration status requirements vary by program. For Housing Choice Vouchers, at least the head of household must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Ask the Authority directly about your situation if you are unsure.

How to contact the Reno Housing Authority

The Reno Housing Authority's main office is located at 1625 East 9th Street, Reno, Nevada 89512. You can reach them by phone at (775) 328-3344 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally.

When you call or visit, ask specifically about the current status of the voucher waiting list and public housing openings. If the voucher list is closed, ask whether you can request notification when it reopens. The Authority can also answer questions about income limits, background check policies, and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to explore.

Other housing programs in Reno and Washoe County

The Reno Housing Authority is one source of housing help, but it is not the only one. The City of Reno runs emergency rental information programs (when funding is available), and Washoe County administers its own programs. Nonprofits like Catholic Charities, the Reno Homeless Services Center, and others offer emergency help, case management, and transitional housing.

If you need help paying rent right now, contact 211 Nevada (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211nevada.org) to find current emergency programs in your area. If you are experiencing homelessness or at when ready risk of it, call the Washoe County Homeless Services Hotline. The Housing Authority's voucher and public housing programs are long-term solutions, but they have waiting lists; other agencies can help with when ready needs while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher from the Reno Housing Authority?

Wait times depend on the size of the waiting list and how many vouchers become available each year. In Reno, the list is typically closed, so the timeline is unknown. When the list opens and you are selected, you usually have 60 to 120 days to find a landlord. Once you find one and pass inspection, you can move in. Call the Authority to ask about current wait times.

Can I use a Reno Housing Authority voucher outside of Washoe County?

Housing Choice Vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other counties and states. However, you must first establish your voucher with the Reno Housing Authority. Once you have it, you can request a transfer to another housing authority if you move. Contact the Reno Housing Authority to learn about the transfer process.

What happens if my landlord refuses to accept a voucher?

Landlords are not required to accept vouchers, and many do not. Your job is to find a landlord willing to participate. The Authority can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program before, though it is not exhaustive. You can also search independently and ask potential landlords whether they accept vouchers before signing a lease.

Do I have to move out if my income goes above the limit?

No. If your income rises above 80 percent of AMI, you may pay a higher portion of rent, but you are not when ready removed from the program. However, the Authority will recalculate your rent annually, and your payment will increase. Eventually, if your income stays high, you may no longer be cost-effective for the program and could be asked to leave. Ask the Authority about income recertification rules and what happens if your income changes.

Is there a fee to explore for a voucher or public housing?

No. The Reno Housing Authority does not charge an process fee. Be cautious of anyone claiming to charge money to help you get on a waiting list or obtain a voucher — that is a scam. Contact the Authority directly to explore.