What the Huntington Housing Authority does

The Huntington Housing Authority is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs in Huntington, West Virginia. It manages public housing units, administers voucher programs that help tenants pay rent in private apartments, and handles applications for people seeking affordable housing. The Authority is not a landlord you call for repairs or lease questions — it is the organization that either owns your building or pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord.

The Authority operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the programs it runs, the income limits that determine who can participate, and the rent you pay are all governed by federal policy, not local decisions alone. Understanding which program fits your situation — and what to expect from the process process — depends on knowing what each one actually does.

Key Takeaways

  • The Huntington Housing Authority manages public housing units and voucher programs that help low-income households afford rent in Huntington, West Virginia.
  • Public housing means the Authority owns the building; voucher programs mean you rent from a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent directly to them.
  • Income limits determine whether you can participate, and these limits change yearly based on the area median income for Huntington.
  • The process process requires proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check, and waiting lists are often long.
  • Once you are in a program, your rent is calculated as a percentage of your income, usually around 30 percent of what you earn.

Public housing versus voucher programs

The Huntington Housing Authority runs two main types of programs, and they work very differently. Public housing means the Authority owns the building where you live. You sign a lease with the Authority, pay rent to the Authority, and call the Authority for maintenance problems. The Authority is responsible for repairs, utilities (sometimes), and building upkeep. Public housing units are scattered throughout Huntington — some are older apartment complexes, some are townhouses or single-family homes.

Voucher programs (often called Section 8) work the opposite way. You find an apartment in the private rental market, the landlord agrees to participate in the program, and the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the rest. The landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs, just as in any private rental. The Authority's role is to inspect the unit, verify the landlord is following program rules, and send the payment each month.

Which program you end up in depends partly on availability and partly on what you prefer. Public housing has a waiting list. Voucher programs also have waiting lists, and in many areas they are longer than public housing lists. Some people prefer vouchers because they have more choice in where to live; others prefer public housing because the rent calculation is more predictable and the Authority handles the building.

Income limits and how rent is calculated

To participate in either program, your household income must fall below a limit set by HUD each year. For Huntington, that limit depends on your household size — a single person has a different limit than a family of four. These limits are recalculated annually and published by HUD; the Huntington Housing Authority uses the current year's limits when reviewing applications.

Once you are accepted into a program, your rent is calculated as a percentage of your gross monthly income. The standard is 30 percent, though some programs allow the Authority to set it lower. If you earn $1,200 a month, your rent would typically be $360. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above a certain threshold, you may be asked to leave the program or your rent may increase.

The Authority reviews your income annually. You will be asked to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of earnings. If your circumstances change — you lose a job, start working, or have a change in household size — you should report it to the Authority, because it affects your rent and your continued participation.

The process process and waiting lists

To explore for either public housing or a voucher, you contact the Huntington Housing Authority directly. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and consent for a background check. The Authority will also verify your rental history and may contact previous landlords.

After you submit your process, you are placed on a waiting list. The length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Waiting lists can be months or years long. Some programs close their waiting lists when they become too long, meaning you cannot explore until they reopen.

The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. If you are offered housing and you refuse it, you may be removed from the list or moved to the back. If you accept, you will sign a lease and move in. For voucher programs, you have a limited time to find an apartment and have it approved before your voucher expires.

What happens after you move in

In public housing, the Authority is your landlord. You pay rent on time, follow the lease terms, and report maintenance problems through the Authority's work order system. The Authority can evict you for non-payment, lease violations, or criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before eviction.

In a voucher program, you rent from a private landlord, but the Authority still has rules you must follow. You cannot damage the unit beyond normal wear and tear, you cannot have unauthorized occupants, and you must allow the Authority to inspect the unit annually. The landlord can evict you for lease violations, and the Authority can terminate your voucher for program violations.

Both programs require you to report changes in your household — new family members, job loss, income changes — within a set time frame, usually 30 days. Failure to report can result in overpayment of rent, which you may be required to repay, or termination from the program.

How to contact the Huntington Housing Authority

The Huntington Housing Authority's main office is located in Huntington, West Virginia. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current waiting lists, process requirements, and program details. The Authority's website also lists contact information and may have process forms available.

When you contact them, have your household information ready: the number of people in your household, your current income, and your current housing situation. They can tell you whether waiting lists are open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you will need to bring when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher?

It depends on the waiting list length and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. The Huntington Housing Authority can tell you the current average wait time when you explore. Some programs close their waiting lists temporarily when they become too long.

What if my income is too high for the program?

If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be able to participate. Income limits are set by HUD and change yearly. If you are close to the limit, you can ask the Authority what the current limit is and whether your income might fall below it in the coming year.

Can I own a car or have savings and still participate?

Yes. Most housing programs look at income, not assets. You can own a car, have a bank account, and still may have access to. The Authority is concerned with what you earn each month, not what you own.

What happens if I get a job and my income goes up?

Your rent will increase, because it is calculated as a percentage of your income. You will not be removed from the program when ready, but your rent will be recalculated at your next annual review. Some programs have income limits where you must leave if you earn too much; others allow you to stay but charge market-rate rent.

Can I be evicted from public housing?

Yes, for non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before eviction, where you can present your side of the situation. If you are facing eviction, contact the Authority when ready to discuss your options.