What the Kennewick Housing Authority does

The Kennewick Housing Authority (KHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Kennewick, Washington. It does not set policy for all housing authorities — each one operates independently — so what KHA offers and how it works is specific to this agency and Benton County.

KHA manages public housing units (apartments it owns and rents directly) and administers voucher programs that help low-income households pay rent to private landlords. The agency also handles some emergency and temporary information programs. To find out what programs KHA currently has open, what the wait lists look like, and whether you meet the income limits for any of them, you contact KHA directly.

KHA's main office is located in Kennewick. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs, request an process, or get information about wait times. The agency's website also lists programs and contact information.

Key Takeaways

  • Kennewick Housing Authority runs public housing units and rental voucher programs, but does not serve all of Washington — only Kennewick and surrounding areas.
  • Most KHA programs have income limits and wait lists, so you need to contact the agency directly to learn whether a program is currently open and what the wait time is.
  • Public housing and voucher programs are separate — you may be on a wait list for one, the other, or both.
  • KHA requires proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and a background check for most programs.

Public housing versus rental vouchers

KHA owns and manages public housing apartments. When you live in public housing, KHA is your landlord. Your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and KHA covers the rest of the cost to maintain the building. Public housing is permanent, not temporary, and you can stay as long as you meet program rules.

Rental vouchers (also called Section 8 vouchers in some places) work differently. KHA gives you a voucher that you take to a private landlord. The landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and KHA pays part of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income. You choose where to live, as long as the landlord accepts vouchers and the rent is within the program's payment standard for your area.

Wait lists for public housing and vouchers are separate. You may be on one, both, or neither depending on when you applied and how many openings exist. KHA can tell you your position on each list and when it is likely to reach your name.

Income limits and who can explore

KHA programs have income limits based on family size and area median income. The limits change each year. For example, a single person's income limit might be 50 or 60 percent of the area median income, depending on the program, but you need to check with KHA for the current year's numbers.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to live in KHA housing. KHA will ask for proof — a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other immigration document. If you are not sure whether your status qualifies, ask KHA before you explore.

KHA also runs a background check, which includes criminal history and eviction history. Having a record does not automatically disqualify you, but KHA has rules about what types of convictions or evictions prevent someone from being housed. Ask the agency about their specific policies if you have concerns.

How to contact Kennewick Housing Authority

The fastest way to learn what programs KHA has open right now is to call or visit in person. Phone calls let you ask about wait times, current income limits, and whether a program is accepting new applications. You can also ask what documents you need to bring if you decide to explore.

KHA's main office is in Kennewick. You can find the phone number, mailing address, and office hours on the agency's website or by searching "Kennewick Housing Authority contact." Some housing authorities also have satellite offices or partner agencies where you can pick up applications.

If you are explore, bring proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or immigration status, and identification. KHA will tell you what else they need when you call or visit.

Wait lists and how long they take

Most KHA programs have wait lists because demand is higher than the number of available units or vouchers. Wait times vary widely depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you. Some wait lists are a few months; others are years. KHA can tell you the current wait time when you call.

While you are on a wait list, your position does not change unless you update your information or the agency removes you for not responding to contact. If KHA reaches your name and you are no longer interested, you can decline and stay on the list for future openings, or you can ask to be removed.

Some people are prioritized on wait lists — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities may move up faster. Ask KHA whether you may have access to for any priority categories.

Rules for living in KHA housing

If you are housed through KHA, you must follow the lease agreement and program rules. These include paying your portion of rent on time, keeping the unit in good condition, and not engaging in illegal activity. KHA can evict you for breaking these rules, just as a private landlord can.

Your income is reviewed periodically — usually once a year. If your income goes up, your rent may increase. If it goes down, your rent may decrease. You must report changes in household size, income, or employment to KHA.

If you have a voucher, you must find a landlord who accepts vouchers and whose rent is within KHA's payment standard. You cannot force a landlord to accept a voucher, but KHA can help you understand your rights and may have resources to help you search.

What to do if you are denied or removed from a program

If KHA denies your process or removes you from a program, the agency must give you a reason in writing. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision. The hearing process lets you present your side of the story and ask questions about why the decision was made.

Request a hearing within the time frame KHA gives you — usually 10 to 30 days. KHA will tell you how to request one when they send the denial letter. You can represent yourself or bring someone to help you.

If you believe KHA violated fair housing law — for example, by discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability — you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD investigates fair housing complaints and can order remedies if discrimination occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get housed after my name comes up on the wait list?

Once KHA reaches your name, the timeline depends on whether a unit or voucher is when ready available. If one is available, you may move within weeks. If not, you may wait longer. KHA will tell you the expected timeline when they contact you. You typically have a set number of days to accept or decline the offer.

Can I have a pet in KHA housing?

KHA's pet policy varies by building and program. Some allow cats and dogs with a deposit or fee; others do not allow pets at all. Ask KHA about the specific building or program you are interested in before you explore.

What happens if my income goes above the limit after I am housed?

You can stay in KHA housing even if your income rises above the program limit, but your rent will increase. Eventually, if your income stays high, KHA may ask you to leave so the unit can go to someone with lower income. The exact rules depend on the program, so ask KHA about their income recertification policy.

Can I transfer to a different KHA unit or neighborhood?

Transfer policies vary. Some housing authorities allow transfers after you have lived in a unit for a certain time; others do not. Contact KHA to ask about their transfer policy and whether you are may be able to access.

What if I think KHA made a mistake on my income calculation or rent amount?

Ask KHA to review the calculation in writing. If you disagree with the result, you can request a hearing. Bring documentation of your actual income — pay stubs, tax returns, or letters from employers — to show the correct amount.