What the Tacoma Housing Authority does

The Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Pierce County, Washington. It administers public housing — apartments it owns and operates — and manages Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8), which let tenants rent from private landlords using a subsidy. THA also runs other programs including supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness and affordable housing development.

THA is not a landlord you call to rent an apartment, and it is not a government benefits office. It is a separate agency that owns some buildings and pays subsidies on others. If you live in a THA building or hold a THA voucher, THA is your landlord or your voucher administrator — the entity you pay rent to or that pays your landlord on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tacoma Housing Authority runs public housing buildings and Housing Choice Vouchers; which program you use depends on whether THA owns the building or you rent privately with a subsidy.
  • To get on a waiting list, you must contact THA directly — there is no online process, and lists can close for months or years depending on demand.
  • THA's main office is at 902 South L Street, Tacoma, WA 98405, and you can reach them by phone at (253) 207-4400 during business hours.
  • Rent in THA housing is based on your income; you typically pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income, and THA covers the rest.
  • If you have a complaint about your lease, maintenance, or a voucher issue, THA has an internal process, but you also have rights under Washington state housing law and federal fair housing law.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

THA owns and operates public housing buildings throughout Tacoma and Pierce County. If you live in one of these buildings, THA is your landlord. You sign a lease with THA, pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of gross monthly income), and THA maintains the building. Public housing is not temporary; you can stay as long as you meet lease terms and income limits.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. THA gives you a voucher worth a set amount of money each month. You find a private apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and THA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Vouchers are portable — if you move, you can take the voucher with you (though you must find a new landlord who will accept it).

Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists and voucher waiting lists are separate. Demand is high; lists often close and reopen depending on funding and turnover. THA publishes whether lists are open on its website and by phone.

How to contact THA and find out about waiting lists

The Tacoma Housing Authority's main office is located at 902 South L Street, Tacoma, WA 98405. You can call (253) 207-4400 during business hours to ask whether waiting lists are open, what documents you need to bring, and how long the wait typically is. THA also has a website where you can find information about programs and current list status.

There is no online process form. You must visit the office in person or call to find out the current process. When you call, ask specifically whether the public housing list and the voucher list are open, because they operate independently. If a list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen; some lists reopen on a set schedule, others reopen when funding becomes available.

Bring proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Pierce County. THA staff can tell you the full list of documents needed when you contact them.

How rent is calculated in THA housing

In public housing, your rent is based on your income. THA calculates 30 percent of your gross monthly income and that is your rent. If your income changes, your rent changes. THA reviews income annually and after major changes (a job loss, a new job, or a significant raise).

If you receive benefits — Social Security, unemployment, TANF, SNAP, or other programs — those count as income. Child support and alimony count. Gifts and one-time payments usually do not. THA will ask you to document your income when you move in and when you renew your lease.

If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or move to a different program. THA has rules about how much your income can increase before you lose housing; ask about these when you explore.

Maintenance and repairs in THA buildings

If you live in a THA public housing building, THA is responsible for maintaining the building and making repairs. You report maintenance issues to THA's maintenance line or office. THA has a timeline for responding to emergency repairs (like no heat or water) and routine repairs (like a leaky faucet or broken appliance).

If THA does not make a repair in a reasonable time, you have rights under Washington state housing law. You can contact the Washington State Department of Commerce or file a complaint with your local housing authority. You can also contact a legal aid organization; many offer free information to low-income tenants about repair issues.

Do not withhold rent or make repairs yourself without written permission from THA first. Doing so can be grounds for eviction, even if the repair is THA's responsibility.

Housing Choice Voucher rules and restrictions

If you hold a Housing Choice Voucher, you find your own apartment and THA pays the landlord. The voucher has a maximum amount — the "payment standard" — that varies by bedroom size and changes yearly. You can rent an apartment that costs more than the voucher amount, but you pay the difference out of pocket. You cannot rent an apartment that costs less than the voucher amount and pocket the difference.

The apartment must pass a THA inspection before you move in. The inspection checks that the unit meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, adequate heat, no lead paint hazards, and safe electrical systems. If the apartment fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in.

You must stay in contact with THA. If you move, you must tell THA and find a new landlord within a set time frame (usually 120 days). If you lose your job or your income changes significantly, you must report it. If you do not, THA can terminate your voucher.

What to do if you have a problem with THA

If you have a complaint about your lease, a maintenance issue, a rent calculation, or a voucher decision, start by contacting THA directly. Ask to speak with a supervisor or the department that handles your issue. Put your complaint in writing and keep a copy. THA has an internal process for handling complaints; ask what the timeline is and who will respond.

If THA does not resolve the issue, you have other options. Washington state law gives tenants rights around habitability, notice periods, and eviction. If THA is violating those rights, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Commerce or contact a legal aid organization. Federal fair housing law protects you from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability; if you believe THA has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Legal aid organizations in Pierce County offer free information to low-income people. Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with an attorney who handles housing law.

Income limits and who can live in THA housing

Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers are for low-income households. THA sets income limits based on family size and area median income. The limits change yearly. A household of one might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually (this varies by year and program); a household of four might have a limit around $55,000 to $60,000. These are examples; ask THA for the current limits.

You must also meet other requirements: you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, you cannot have certain criminal convictions, and you cannot owe money to THA or another housing authority. THA will run a background check and contact previous landlords. Ask THA about specific disqualifying factors when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for THA housing?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and current demand. Public housing lists can have waits of one to five years or longer; voucher lists can be similar. When you call THA at (253) 207-4400, ask for the current average wait time. Some lists close entirely when demand is very high.

Can I explore for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes. The waiting lists are separate, so you can be on both. You would explore to each program independently. If you get offered housing through one program before the other, you can accept it and ask THA to remove you from the other list, or stay on both lists.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

THA will not when ready evict you. Most programs allow your income to exceed the limit for a period (often one year) before you must leave or move to a different program. THA will explain the rules when you move in. Report income changes to THA as soon as they happen.

Can THA evict me without going to court?

No. THA must follow Washington state eviction law, which requires written notice and a court hearing. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. If you receive an eviction notice, contact a legal aid organization when ready; many offer free representation in eviction cases.

Does THA help with utilities?

THA does not pay utilities directly. In some public housing buildings, utilities are included in rent; in others, you pay them separately. Ask THA whether utilities are included in the buildings where you are interested. If you need help paying utility bills, contact your local community action agency or 211 Pierce County for information about utility information programs.