What King County Housing Authority does

King County Housing Authority (KCHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income households in King County, Washington. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to people who meet income limits, and it administers public housing developments it does own. The two main programs are Section 8 vouchers, which let you rent from any landlord who accepts the program, and public housing, which are buildings KCHA owns or operates directly.

KCHA also runs emergency information programs, manages waiting lists, and handles lease disputes and inspections. If you live in King County and your household income is below the area median income limit, you may be able to use KCHA programs. The agency serves Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Federal Way, and unincorporated King County.

Key Takeaways

  • KCHA runs Section 8 vouchers (rent information you use with any landlord) and public housing (buildings KCHA owns or operates).
  • You must meet income limits based on household size, and most waiting lists are closed or have long wait times measured in years.
  • KCHA's main office is in Seattle, but you can reach them by phone, mail, or online portal to ask about current openings and your status on a waiting list.
  • If you are already in a KCHA program, you report income changes, request repairs, and pay rent through KCHA's online system or by mail.
  • KCHA inspects units regularly and enforces lease rules for both tenants and landlords.

Income limits and who can use KCHA programs

KCHA programs are limited to households earning below a certain percentage of the area median income. The exact limit depends on household size and changes yearly. For example, a single person might have a limit around $45,000 to $55,000 per year, while a family of four might be around $70,000 to $85,000, but these numbers vary. You can contact KCHA directly to learn the current limits for your household size.

When you explore, KCHA will ask for proof of income — usually recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed, disabled, or receiving benefits, you will need documentation of that income source. KCHA also checks immigration status; you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to use most programs.

Section 8 vouchers through KCHA

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly payment KCHA sends directly to your landlord to cover part of your rent. You pay the rest out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your household income. The voucher amount depends on the size of unit you need and the local rent market, but it does not cover the full rent in most King County neighborhoods.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you find a rental unit yourself and convince the landlord to accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate — some refuse because of paperwork, inspections, or past experience. Once you have a landlord willing to rent to you, KCHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing standards, then signs a lease with the landlord. The voucher is portable, meaning you can move to a different unit or landlord while keeping it, as long as the new unit and landlord meet KCHA rules.

KCHA's Section 8 waiting list is currently closed. When it opens, it typically fills within days or weeks. You can contact KCHA to ask when the list might reopen and whether you can get on a notification list.

Public housing operated by KCHA

KCHA owns or operates several public housing developments across King County, including buildings in Seattle, Renton, Kent, and Federal Way. These are apartment complexes where KCHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it adjusts if your income changes. You do not need to find a landlord — you explore directly to KCHA for a unit in one of these developments.

Public housing units are inspected regularly and maintained by KCHA staff. Repairs and maintenance are KCHA's responsibility. The waiting list for public housing is also long; you can ask KCHA which developments have openings or the shortest wait times.

How to contact KCHA and check your status

KCHA's main office is located in Seattle. You can reach them by phone at their customer service line, by mail, or through their online resident portal. The portal lets you view your account, report maintenance issues, and see your lease and payment history if you are already in a program.

If you want to know whether waiting lists are open, how long the wait is, or whether you are currently on a list, call KCHA directly. Phone wait times can be long, especially at the beginning of the month. You can also visit their website to read applications and find information about current programs.

If you are homeless or in crisis, KCHA is not the first place to call — contact your local homeless services provider or 211 King County first. They can tell you about emergency shelter and rapid rehousing programs, which often move faster than KCHA waiting lists.

What happens after you are approved

Once you are approved for a KCHA program, you will receive a lease and move-in instructions. For Section 8, you will have already found your unit and landlord. For public housing, KCHA will assign you to an available unit. You pay your portion of rent to KCHA (usually by automatic bank transfer or check), and KCHA pays the landlord or keeps the payment if KCHA is the landlord.

You must report changes in household income, family size, or employment to KCHA within 30 days. Your rent will be recalculated based on new income. If you move, lose your job, or have other major changes, contact KCHA when ready — failing to report changes can result in overpayment, underpayment, or lease violations.

KCHA inspects units annually and after any maintenance request. Landlords must keep units in safe, habitable condition. If repairs are not made, you can request KCHA to withhold rent or break the lease. Similarly, KCHA enforces lease rules on tenants — if you damage the unit, have unauthorized occupants, or violate lease terms, KCHA can evict you.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Most KCHA waiting lists are closed or have wait times of several years. The wait depends on the program, the size of unit you need, and your priority status. Preferences are given to people who are homeless, have disabilities, or are elderly, but even with preference the wait can be long.

When a waiting list opens, it usually fills within days. KCHA may announce openings on their website or through community partners. If you want to be notified when a list opens, ask KCHA how to join a notification list. Some people explore to multiple programs or wait for different unit sizes to increase their chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I make too much money for KCHA?

KCHA sets income limits each year based on household size. Call their customer service line or visit their website to find the current limit for your household. If you are over the limit now, you can ask KCHA when you might be may be able to access again — limits sometimes change, and your income may decrease.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher at any apartment?

No. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass KCHA's inspection. Many landlords do not participate. You will need to find a unit and landlord yourself, then ask KCHA to inspect it. Some landlords are more willing to accept vouchers than others — community organizations and KCHA staff can sometimes suggest landlords who participate.

What if I need housing right now and cannot wait for KCHA?

Contact 211 King County or your local homeless services provider. They can connect you to emergency shelter, rapid rehousing programs, or emergency rental information that may move faster than KCHA waiting lists. KCHA is a long-term housing solution, not an emergency response.

Do I have to move if my income goes up?

Not when ready. KCHA allows income to rise above the limit for a certain period before you must leave. The exact rules depend on the program. Your rent will increase as your income increases, and eventually you may no longer be able to afford it. Contact KCHA to understand the rules for your specific program.

What if my landlord will not make repairs?

Tell KCHA in writing about the repair needed. KCHA will inspect the unit and can order the landlord to fix it. If the landlord refuses, KCHA may withhold rent, pay for repairs and deduct the cost from rent, or allow you to break the lease without penalty. Document the problem with photos and dates before you report it.