What the Housing Authority of Syracuse Does

The Housing Authority of Syracuse (HAS) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Onondaga County. They own and manage apartment buildings where tenants pay rent based on their income, and they issue vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the program pays part of your rent. HAS is not a landlord you call to rent an apartment — it is the government body that decides who gets into these programs and how much they pay.

HAS operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the income limits, rent calculations, and waiting list rules are federal, but HAS staff in Syracuse carry them out. If you want to know whether you can get into public housing or a Section 8 voucher, HAS is the only place that can tell you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Syracuse runs public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers in Onondaga County, and you must contact them directly to learn about either program.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that are often closed; HAS can tell you whether the list is open and how long the wait is if you are added.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a Social Security number to be considered for either program.
  • HAS is located at 500 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, and you can reach them by phone at (315) 473-5006.
  • Section 8 vouchers usually take several months to receive after you are approved, and you must find your own apartment that meets program standards.

How to Contact the Housing Authority of Syracuse

The main office is at 500 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. You can call (315) 473-5006 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on weekends and federal holidays.

When you call, have your name, date of birth, and current address ready. Tell the staff member whether you are asking about public housing or Section 8 vouchers — they are different programs with different waiting lists. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. Some people call back every few months to check.

You can also visit the office in person to ask questions or pick up an intake form. There is no appointment needed for a brief question, but if you want to start the process, staff may ask you to come back with documents or may schedule a follow-up appointment.

Documents You Will Need

HAS will ask for proof of several things before you can be added to a waiting list. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted for the first submission.

You will need proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of income for the last 30 days (recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or bank statements if you are self-employed). If you have no income, bring a letter stating that. You will also need to show proof of citizenship or legal residency — a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a green card.

If you have a criminal history or an eviction record, HAS will ask about it. Bring any court documents related to those events. HAS does not automatically reject people with a record, but they will review the details and the timing.

Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers

Public housing means HAS owns the building and you are their tenant. You pay rent based on your income — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though HAS calculates this and tells you the amount. The rent covers utilities in most HAS buildings. You live in an apartment owned by HAS, and HAS maintains it.

A Section 8 voucher means you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and the program pays the landlord part of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income. You choose where to live (within Onondaga County and nearby areas), and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. The apartment must pass a housing inspection before the voucher can be used.

Both have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists are often years long in Syracuse. Section 8 waiting lists are also closed frequently. Call HAS to find out the current status and how long the wait is if you are added today.

Income Limits and Rent Calculations

HAS uses federal income limits that change each year. For 2024, the income limit for a single person is roughly $35,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on family size and whether you have dependents. These numbers change annually, so ask HAS for the current limit when you call.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement and cannot be added to the waiting list. If your income is below the limit, you can proceed. HAS will verify your income by asking for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer.

Once you are in the program, your rent is recalculated every year based on your current income. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. You report income changes to HAS, and they update your rent at your annual recertification.

The Waiting List and Timeline

When you contact HAS and ask to be added to the waiting list, they will give you an intake appointment. At that appointment, you will fill out an process form and provide the documents listed above. HAS will verify your information — they may contact your employer or your previous landlord.

After verification, HAS will tell you whether you have been added to the waiting list and what your position is. The waiting list is usually ordered by date of process, though HAS gives priority to people who are homeless or living in substandard housing. Ask whether you may have access to for priority.

Wait times vary widely. Public housing in Syracuse has had waiting lists of three to five years or longer. Section 8 waiting lists are sometimes shorter, but they are also frequently closed. Once your name reaches the top of the list and an apartment or voucher becomes available, HAS will contact you. You then have a limited time to accept it or your name goes back on the list.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If you are approved for public housing, HAS will show you available apartments. You choose one that fits your family size and budget. HAS inspects the unit, you sign a lease, and you move in. Your rent is set based on your income at that time.

If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, you receive the voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. You search on your own, negotiate with the landlord, and once you have a lease, you submit it to HAS. HAS inspects the apartment to make sure it meets housing standards. If it passes, the program begins paying the landlord. If it fails, you must find a different apartment.

In both cases, HAS remains your landlord or the voucher administrator. You report maintenance problems to HAS (for public housing) or to your private landlord (for Section 8). You recertify your income every year. If your circumstances change — you lose a job, gain a dependent, or move — you must report it to HAS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Section 8 waiting list open in Syracuse right now?

The waiting list status changes. Call HAS at (315) 473-5006 to ask whether the Section 8 list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. Some people call back every few months to check.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

HAS does not automatically reject people with an eviction. They review the details — when it happened, why, and whether you have paid any judgment. Recent evictions are harder to overcome than older ones. Bring court documents and be prepared to explain what happened.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Syracuse?

Section 8 vouchers issued by HAS can be used in Onondaga County and some nearby areas. You cannot use it in a different state or a county that is not part of HAS's jurisdiction. Ask HAS which counties and cities are included before you search for an apartment.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I am approved?

After you are approved, you may wait weeks or months for a voucher to become available, depending on how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list. Once you receive the voucher, you have 60 to 120 days to find an apartment. The whole process from approval to moving in usually takes several months.

What if my income changes after I move into public housing?

Report the change to HAS as soon as it happens. Your rent will be recalculated at your next annual recertification, or sooner if the change is significant. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. If your income goes up, your rent goes up.