What the Indianapolis Housing Authority does

The Indianapolis Housing Authority (IHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Marion County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it owns and manages a smaller portfolio of public housing properties. IHA is separate from the city government, though it receives some city funding and coordination.

IHA's main job is to hold federal money and distribute it to landlords on behalf of tenants who cannot afford market rent. It also sets income limits, verifies household information, and manages waiting lists. If you live in Indianapolis or Marion County and need affordable housing, IHA is usually the first place to contact because it controls which programs are open and how long the wait is.

Key Takeaways

  • IHA runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Marion County; you explore directly to IHA, not to individual landlords.
  • Section 8 waiting lists are typically closed, and when they open, they fill within days or weeks — check the IHA website or call to learn the current status.
  • Public housing has its own waiting list separate from Section 8, and wait times vary by property type and bedroom size.
  • You must meet income limits (usually 50 to 80 percent of area median income) and pass a background check to be considered.
  • IHA's main office is at 1901 Tibbs Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings.

Section 8 vouchers through IHA

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent to a private landlord. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and IHA pays the landlord the difference between what you can afford and the actual rent. You pay the rest from your own income, usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income.

IHA's Section 8 waiting list is almost always closed. When it does open — which happens irregularly and is announced on the IHA website — it fills within a few days to a few weeks. To find out whether the list is open now, visit indy.gov/activity/indianapolis-housing-authority or call IHA at 317-261-8000. Do not wait for a letter; check the website or call directly, because the opening window is short.

If the list is open, you will need to submit a paper or online process with proof of income, identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members. IHA will verify your income and run a background check. The process from process to receiving a voucher typically takes several months, and you will be placed on a waiting list even after you are found to meet the basic requirements.

Public housing managed by IHA

IHA owns and operates public housing apartments and townhouses throughout Marion County. These are different from Section 8 vouchers — you rent directly from IHA, not from a private landlord, and you live in an IHA-owned building. Rent is set at 30 percent of your gross income, with a minimum rent (usually around $50 to $100 per month, depending on the property).

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. Wait times vary widely depending on the property and the number of bedrooms you need. Some properties have shorter waits; others may be several years. You can ask IHA about wait times for specific properties when you call or visit.

To explore for public housing, you submit an process to IHA with proof of income, identification, and household information. You must meet income limits and pass a background check. Unlike Section 8, you do not choose the landlord — IHA assigns you to an available unit based on your needs and the waiting list.

Income limits and who can explore

IHA programs have income limits based on family size and area median income (AMI). For public housing, the limit is usually 50 percent of AMI. For Section 8, it is typically 50 to 80 percent of AMI, depending on the program year. These limits change annually, so you should confirm the current year's limits when you contact IHA.

Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other regular sources. IHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to verify. If your income is above the limit, you will not be considered. If it is below the limit, you still must pass a background check and meet other requirements.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. IHA will ask for proof of citizenship or a valid work permit. Household members with no immigration status may be counted as dependents, but the head of household must have may be able to access status.

Background checks and criminal history

IHA runs a background check on all applicants. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly drug-related felonies, violent crimes, or sex offenses — may result in denial. IHA has specific policies about which offenses bar you from housing and for how long.

If you have a criminal history, you can contact IHA before explore to ask whether you are likely to be denied. This is not a formal review, but staff can give you a sense of whether your record will be a barrier. You can also request a copy of your background check results if you are denied, and you have the right to dispute inaccurate information.

Eviction history is also reviewed. If you were evicted for non-payment of rent, IHA may require proof that you have paid the debt or entered a payment plan. If you were evicted for lease violations or criminal activity, you may be denied or required to wait a certain period before reapplying.

How to contact IHA and explore

The Indianapolis Housing Authority's main office is located at 1901 Tibbs Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203. You can reach them by phone at 317-261-8000 during business hours (usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The website is indy.gov/activity/indianapolis-housing-authority.

You can explore in person at the main office or online if an process is currently open. When you call or visit, ask about the current status of waiting lists for both Section 8 and public housing. Staff can tell you whether lists are open, what the wait time is for your household size, and what documents you will need to bring.

Bring or have ready: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and a list of all household members and their ages. If you have been evicted or have a criminal record, bring documentation of what happened and any steps you have taken to resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from IHA?

From the time you submit an process until you receive a voucher typically takes several months to over a year, depending on how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list. After you receive the voucher, you then have a set period (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord sign up with IHA. The entire process from process to moving in can take a year or more.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate applications, so you can be on both lists at once. If you are offered public housing first, you can accept it and remain on the Section 8 list, or you can decline and wait for Section 8. There is no penalty for being on both lists.

What happens if my income increases after I get a voucher?

If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher or be required to pay a higher share of the rent. IHA will recertify your income annually, and you are required to report significant income changes within 30 days. Contact IHA to understand how an income increase will affect your benefits.

Can I use my IHA voucher at any apartment in Indianapolis?

No. The landlord must be willing to accept Section 8 vouchers, and the apartment must pass an IHA inspection for safety and quality standards. Many landlords do not accept vouchers, so finding an apartment can take time. IHA can provide a list of landlords who have previously accepted vouchers, though there is no may provide they have units available.

What should I do if I am denied by IHA?

You have the right to request a written explanation of why you were denied. You can also request a hearing to dispute the decision if you believe the information IHA used was wrong. Contact IHA's main office to ask about the appeals process and how to request a hearing.