What the Key West Housing Authority Does
The Key West Housing Authority (KWHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in the city of Key West, Florida. It does not provide emergency information or one-time grants — it manages long-term housing for low-income residents through two main programs: public housing units that KWHA owns directly, and vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the authority pays part of your rent.
KWHA is separate from the state or federal government, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal rules. You contact KWHA directly, not through a state office or 211. The authority maintains its own waiting list, sets its own income limits within federal guidelines, and processes its own paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- KWHA runs two programs: public housing (units it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies you use with private landlords).
- Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long; you must contact KWHA directly to get on a list, and KWHA will tell you the current wait time.
- Income limits vary by program and household size, and KWHA verifies income through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents before approval.
- You pay a portion of your rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and KWHA or the voucher covers the rest, but only if your income stays below the limit.
- KWHA's office is in Key West; you can call or visit in person to ask about current openings and what documents you need to bring.
Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers
KWHA owns and manages public housing units scattered throughout Key West. When you live in public housing, KWHA is your landlord. You sign a lease with KWHA, pay rent based on your income (typically 30 percent of what you earn), and KWHA covers the rest from federal funds. The units are maintained by KWHA staff, and rent stays the same as long as your income does not change.
Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. KWHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to a private landlord who agrees to accept it. You find the apartment yourself, negotiate with the landlord, and KWHA pays the landlord directly for the subsidy portion. You pay the tenant share (usually 30 percent of income) to the landlord each month. This gives you more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to participate, and the unit must pass a KWHA inspection.
Both programs require your income to stay below KWHA's limits. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the subsidy or have to pay more. KWHA conducts income recertification annually, usually by mail or phone.
Income Limits and Rent Calculations
KWHA sets income limits based on the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted for household size. The exact limits change each year and depend on whether you are explore for public housing or a voucher. You must contact KWHA directly to learn the current limits for your household size, because they vary and are updated annually.
Once you are in a program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If you earn $1,500 per month, you pay $450 in rent; KWHA or your voucher covers the rest. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above KWHA's limit, you will be notified and may have to leave the program or pay market rent.
KWHA verifies income using recent tax returns, current pay stubs, Social Security statements, or letters from your employer. If you are self-employed, unemployed, or receive benefits, bring documentation for those sources as well. Bring originals or certified copies; KWHA will not accept photocopies for initial verification.
How to Get on the Waiting List
Both KWHA public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers have waiting lists. The wait time varies — it can be months or several years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. KWHA will tell you the current wait time when you call or visit.
To get on the list, contact KWHA directly by phone or in person. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, household composition (names and ages of everyone living with you), and current income. KWHA may ask you to come in to complete an process form. Some housing authorities accept online applications; call KWHA to ask whether it does.
Once you are on the list, KWHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. If you do not respond within the timeframe KWHA gives you (usually a few days), you may be skipped and have to reapply. Keep your contact information current with KWHA — if you move or change your phone number, tell them when ready.
Documents You Will Need
KWHA requires specific documents at the time of process and again at annual recertification. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted for the initial process. The list below covers the most common documents, but KWHA may ask for additional proof depending on your situation.
| Document Type | What KWHA Uses It For |
|---|---|
| Photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID) | Verify your identity |
| Social Security card or number verification | Verify Social Security numbers for all household members |
| Recent tax returns (last 2 years) | Verify income and employment |
| Recent pay stubs (last 30 days) | Verify current employment and wages |
| Proof of benefits (Social Security, unemployment, TANF, SNAP) | Verify non-wage income |
| Lease or rental agreement | Verify current housing (if you are already renting) |
| Proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status | Verify legal residency in the United States |
If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your last employer stating the end date of employment, or documentation of job search activities. If you receive child support or alimony, bring the court order and proof of recent payments. KWHA will ask for whatever documents prove your current situation.
What Happens After You Are Approved
Once KWHA approves you, the next steps depend on which program you entered. If you are approved for public housing, KWHA will offer you a unit when one becomes available. You will have a short window (usually 3 to 5 days) to accept or decline. If you accept, you sign a lease and move in. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your income, and KWHA handles all maintenance and repairs.
If you are approved for a Housing Choice Voucher, KWHA will give you a voucher and a list of landlords who participate in the program, or you can search for your own landlord. You have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a unit and have it inspected by KWHA. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must meet KWHA's housing quality standards. Once the inspection passes, you sign a lease and move in.
In both cases, KWHA will conduct an annual recertification. You will receive a form in the mail asking you to report any changes in income, household composition, or employment. Return it by the important date with updated documents. If your income has changed, your rent will be recalculated. If you do not recertify, you may lose your housing or voucher.
Contact Information and Next Steps
The Key West Housing Authority office is located in Key West, Florida. Call them directly to ask about current waiting list times, income limits for your household size, and what documents to bring. You can also visit the office in person to pick up an process or ask questions.
When you call or visit, have your household information ready: the names and ages of everyone in your household, your current income, and your current address. Ask specifically whether KWHA is currently accepting applications for public housing, vouchers, or both — some programs may have closed lists while others are open.
If you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, tell KWHA when you contact them. Some housing authorities prioritize people in crisis, though KWHA's policies may differ. You can also contact the Monroe County homeless services coordinator or call 211 to learn about emergency shelter or rapid rehousing while you wait for KWHA's long-term programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waiting list for KWHA housing?
Wait times vary and change frequently. Call KWHA directly to ask the current wait time for public housing and for Housing Choice Vouchers — they may be different. Some people wait months; others wait years. KWHA will give you a realistic estimate when you call.
What if my income is above KWHA's limit?
You will not be accepted into the program if your income exceeds the limit at the time of process. If your income rises after you are approved, KWHA will recalculate your rent at annual recertification. If it exceeds the limit, you may be asked to leave the program or transition to market-rate rent. Ask KWHA what the income limit is for your household size before you explore.
Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Florida?
No. A KWHA voucher is only valid in Key West and the surrounding area covered by KWHA's jurisdiction. If you move outside that area, you lose the voucher. Some other housing authorities may accept a "portable" voucher, but you must contact them first and get approval before you move.
What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?
KWHA has policies about criminal history and evictions, but they do not automatically disqualify you. Contact KWHA directly to ask about their specific policies. Some convictions or recent evictions may prevent approval, but older records or circumstances may not. Be honest when you explore — KWHA will conduct a background check anyway.
Do I have to pay a deposit or process fee?
KWHA does not charge an process fee to get on the waiting list. If you are approved and move into public housing, you may be required to pay a security deposit, though the amount is usually small. Ask KWHA about deposits and any other move-in costs when you are offered a unit.