A Housing and Redevelopment Authority is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing, administers rental vouchers, and sometimes runs redevelopment projects in your city or county

Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRAs) are not federal agencies — they are created and run by individual cities or counties. Your local HRA owns apartment buildings, manages the Section 8 voucher program in your area, sets waitlist policies, and decides which neighborhoods get housing investment. The specific programs and rules vary significantly depending on where you live, because each HRA answers to its own city council or county board, not to a single national office.

Some HRAs are large and run dozens of properties; others manage only a handful. Some are called Housing Authorities, others are called Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, and a few use different names entirely. The work they do is similar across jurisdictions, but the speed, quality, and availability of programs differ widely. Knowing which HRA covers your area and what it actually operates is the first step to understanding what housing options may be available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local HRA is a city or county agency, not a federal one, and each HRA operates independently with its own rules, waitlists, and programs.
  • HRAs own public housing buildings, administer Section 8 vouchers, and sometimes run redevelopment or affordable housing projects in their jurisdiction.
  • Waitlist policies, rent amounts, and program availability differ by HRA, so you need to contact your specific local agency to learn what programs exist in your area.
  • You can find your local HRA by searching "[your city or county name] housing authority" or by calling your city or county government office.
  • HRAs maintain public records about their properties, waitlists, and policies, and you have the right to request information about how they operate.

How HRAs are structured and who runs them

An HRA is governed by a board of commissioners appointed by the mayor, city council, or county board. The board hires an executive director who oversees staff and day-to-day operations. Because HRAs are public agencies, their board meetings are open to the public, their budgets are public record, and their policies can be reviewed by anyone. This is different from a private landlord or property management company, where operations are private.

The size and scope of an HRA depends on the size of the city or county. A large city HRA might employ hundreds of people and manage thousands of apartments. A small county HRA might have a handful of staff and manage only a few dozen units. Some HRAs have expanded beyond housing to run community development programs, job training, or homeless services. Others focus narrowly on housing only.

What programs and services HRAs typically operate

Public housing is the most visible program. The HRA owns the buildings, collects rent, maintains them, and sets occupancy rules. Public housing is not the same as subsidized private apartments — the HRA is the landlord. Rent is usually set at 30 percent of your household income, though some properties have flat rents. Waitlists for public housing are often years long, and policies about who gets priority vary by HRA.

Section 8 vouchers are administered by the HRA but funded by the federal government. The HRA maintains the waitlist, determines who receives a voucher, and inspects the private apartments where voucher holders live. The voucher pays part of your rent; you pay the rest. Section 8 waitlists are also often very long, and some HRAs have closed their waitlists because demand is so high.

Some HRAs also run project-based vouchers, where the subsidy is attached to a specific building rather than to you as a person. They may operate affordable housing programs that work with developers to create new units. A few HRAs run homeownership programs or down payment information. The programs available depend entirely on your HRA's funding, priorities, and local policy.

How to find your local HRA and contact information

Start by identifying which city or county you live in, then search "[city or county name] housing authority" or "[city or county name] HRA". Most HRAs have websites listing their address, phone number, office hours, and the programs they operate. If you cannot find a website, call your city or county government main line and ask for the housing authority or housing department.

When you call or visit, have your address ready and ask specifically what programs the HRA operates and whether waitlists are open. Many HRAs have separate phone lines for different programs — one for public housing inquiries, another for Section 8, another for maintenance requests. The staff can direct you to the right line or department.

Some HRAs accept applications in person only, others by mail or online. Hours and process methods vary. Do not assume you know the process — ask your HRA directly, because the rules are different in every jurisdiction.

Waitlists, preferences, and how HRAs decide who gets housing

HRAs maintain waitlists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. The length of the waitlist and the time you wait depend on the HRA's size, funding, and local demand. Some waitlists are a few months; others are years. Some HRAs have closed their waitlists entirely because they cannot keep up with demand.

HRAs set their own preference policies within federal guidelines. Common preferences include homelessness, living in the HRA's jurisdiction, working in the jurisdiction, or having a disability. Some HRAs give preference to people with very low incomes or to families with children. The specific preferences are set by the HRA's board and vary by location. You can ask your HRA what preferences it uses and whether you meet any of them.

Waitlist position is not may provide to move. If an HRA has no vacant units, the waitlist does not advance. If funding is cut, the HRA may stop admitting new people. Waitlist policies about how long you stay on the list if you turn down an offer, or what happens if you move, also vary by HRA.

Rent and income limits at HRAs

Public housing rent is typically set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum rent (usually $25 to $50 per month). Some HRAs have moved to flat rents for some properties, meaning everyone pays the same amount regardless of income. The HRA sets its own minimum and maximum rents within federal guidelines.

HRAs have income limits for admission. You must be at or below a certain income to move in. The limit varies by HRA and by family size. Once you are living in public housing, your rent goes up if your income goes up, but you do not lose your housing. If your income rises significantly, the HRA may ask you to move out, but this is rare and the rules vary by HRA.

Section 8 voucher income limits are set by the federal government but administered by your local HRA. The limit is usually 50 percent of the area median income for your county. Once you have a voucher, your income can rise and you keep the voucher, though your rent contribution will increase.

Your rights as a public housing resident or voucher holder

Public housing residents have rights under federal law and under your HRA's lease. You have the right to a safe, habitable apartment; the right to notice before eviction; and the right to a hearing before you are removed. The HRA must follow its own lease terms and cannot evict you without cause or without following proper legal process. If your apartment has a serious maintenance problem, you have the right to request repairs and to withhold rent if the HRA does not make them (rules vary by state).

Section 8 voucher holders have the right to choose any apartment in the private market that meets program standards, as long as the landlord accepts vouchers. The HRA cannot tell you which apartment to rent. You have the right to a lease with your landlord and the same tenant protections as any renter. If your landlord violates the lease or fails to maintain the apartment, you can pursue remedies through your state's tenant laws.

Both public housing residents and voucher holders have the right to request records about their file, to know why they were denied or removed, and to request a hearing to appeal an adverse decision. The process and timeline for appeals vary by HRA.

How to file a complaint or request records from your HRA

If you have a problem with your HRA — a maintenance issue, a dispute over rent, a denial of a program, or a concern about how you were treated — start by contacting the HRA directly. Most HRAs have a maintenance request line, a tenant services line, or a general complaint process. Ask for the name of the person you speak with and follow up in writing (email or letter) to create a record.

If the HRA does not resolve your complaint, you can file a formal grievance. Most HRAs have a grievance procedure outlined in their lease or on their website. You can also file a complaint with your city council member or county commissioner, who can pressure the HRA to respond.

You have the right to request public records from your HRA, including documents about your own file, the HRA's policies, and information about how the agency operates. Submit a public records request in writing to the HRA's main office. The HRA must respond within the timeframe set by your state's public records law (usually 5 to 10 business days). If the HRA denies your request, you can appeal or file a complaint with your state's attorney general.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my city has a housing authority?

Every city and county in the United States has a housing authority or a similar agency that administers federal housing programs. Search "[your city name] housing authority" online or call your city or county government main line and ask for the housing department. If you cannot find a local HRA, ask whether housing programs are run by a different agency with a different name.

What is the difference between a housing authority and a housing and redevelopment authority?

The names are used interchangeably in different states and cities. A Housing Authority typically focuses on public housing and Section 8 vouchers. A Housing and Redevelopment Authority does the same work but may also run redevelopment projects, affordable housing development, or community programs. The core functions are the same; the name just reflects local history and structure.

Can I be on the waitlist for more than one HRA?

Yes. If you live near a city or county border, you may be able to explore to multiple HRAs. Each HRA maintains its own separate waitlist and makes its own decisions. However, some HRAs have residency requirements, meaning you must live or work in their jurisdiction to explore. Ask each HRA about its residency rules before you explore.

What happens if I move while I am on an HRA waitlist?

Policies vary by HRA. Some HRAs remove you from the waitlist if you move out of their jurisdiction. Others allow you to stay on the list if you move within the jurisdiction. Some require you to update your address but keep your place in line. Contact your HRA before you move and ask what will happen to your waitlist status.

Can an HRA evict me without a reason?

No. Public housing residents and Section 8 voucher holders have the right to a lease and the right to due process before eviction. The HRA or landlord must have a legal reason (nonpayment of rent, lease violation, or other cause) and must follow the eviction process required by your state. You have the right to notice and a hearing. If you believe an eviction is illegal, contact a legal aid organization in your area.