What the Kingsport Housing Authority does

The Kingsport Housing Authority (KHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Kingsport, Tennessee. It administers public housing — apartments where rent is set at 30 percent of your household income — and the Housing Choice Voucher program, which lets you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays part of your rent directly to them. The Authority also runs supportive services for residents, including job training and youth programs.

KHA is not a loan program, a grant program, or a way to buy a home. It is a landlord that owns properties and a subsidy program that works with private landlords. Both routes require you to meet income limits and pass a background check. The Authority's main office is at 1630 Clinch Street in Kingsport, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings.

Key Takeaways

  • Kingsport Housing Authority runs public housing (where they own the building) and Housing Choice Vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and the Authority subsidizes part of your rent).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes yearly and depends on family size.
  • Public housing rent is capped at 30 percent of your gross household income, and you pay the difference between that and the market rate.
  • Housing Choice Vouchers have a waiting list that can be years long; you can call KHA to ask whether they are currently taking new names.
  • You will need proof of income, a Social Security number for each household member, and a clean background check to move forward with either program.

Public housing: how rent works

In KHA public housing, you rent an apartment that the Authority owns. Your rent is always 30 percent of your gross household income — not 30 percent of what you think you can afford, but 30 percent of what you actually earn before taxes. If your household makes $1,500 a month, your rent is $450. If it rises to $2,000, your rent rises to $600. The Authority collects the difference between your rent and the actual cost to run the building from federal subsidies.

This means your rent moves with your income. If you get a raise or a new job, your rent will go up at your next lease renewal. If your income drops, your rent drops too. You report income changes to KHA, and they recalculate your rent annually or when a major change happens — a job loss, a household member moving out, a new person moving in.

Public housing units in Kingsport include family apartments, senior housing, and housing for people with disabilities. The specific buildings and unit sizes available change as units turn over. Call the Authority to ask what is currently available and what the wait time is.

Housing Choice Vouchers: how the subsidy works

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that follows you to a rental home you choose yourself. You find an apartment on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and KHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest — typically 30 percent of your income, though the exact split depends on the voucher amount and the rent.

The voucher has a dollar limit called the payment standard. If you find an apartment that rents for $800 and the payment standard is $700, KHA pays $700 and you pay $100 (plus your 30 percent share of utilities if they are not included). If the apartment rents for $600, KHA pays $600 and you pay nothing in rent, though you still cover utilities. You cannot force a landlord to accept a voucher, and many do not.

Vouchers are portable within the Kingsport Housing Authority's jurisdiction. If you move to a different city, you may be able to transfer your voucher to that area's housing authority, though rules vary. Ask KHA about portability before you move.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and change each year. They also vary by family size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. Kingsport's limits are published on the KHA website and at the main office.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Each household member needs a Social Security number. You cannot have an eviction judgment on your record in the past three years, though KHA may make exceptions in some cases. You also cannot have been evicted for non-payment in the past three years.

If you have a criminal record, KHA will review it. Violent felonies, drug manufacturing, and sex offenses typically disqualify you. Other convictions are reviewed case by case. Ask KHA directly about your specific situation before you spend time on an process.

How to get on the waiting list

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists. You cannot move into a KHA apartment or receive a voucher until your name is called. The wait time varies — public housing may be months to a few years, and vouchers can be several years or longer. KHA sometimes closes the waiting list when it is too long, then reopens it later.

To get on the list, visit the KHA office at 1630 Clinch Street or call to ask how the process works. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a photo ID, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. You may also need to show proof of residency in Kingsport or the surrounding area, depending on KHA's current policy.

Once you are on the list, KHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. If you do not respond within the timeframe they give you (usually a few days), you may be skipped and have to reapply. Keep your contact information current with KHA.

What happens after you are selected

If you are selected for public housing, KHA will show you available units and you choose one. You sign a lease, pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent), and move in. Your rent is calculated based on your income at that time. You will have a lease inspection, and the unit must meet housing quality standards before you move in.

If you are selected for a voucher, KHA gives you a packet of information and a voucher document. You then search for an apartment on your own. Once you find one and the landlord agrees, KHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection can take a few weeks. Only after inspection passes does the voucher become active and the landlord starts receiving payments.

In both cases, you are responsible for following the lease and paying your portion of rent on time. KHA can evict you for non-payment, lease violations, or criminal activity. If you fall behind on rent, contact KHA when ready — they may be able to work with you, but waiting makes it worse.

Services and support programs

KHA offers programs beyond just housing. These include job training, youth mentoring, after-school programs, and financial literacy classes. Some programs are for residents only; others are open to the broader Kingsport community. Call the main office or visit the website to ask what is currently running and whether you are may be able to access.

If you are a KHA resident and have a maintenance issue — a leak, broken heat, pest problem — report it to the maintenance office. KHA is responsible for keeping the building in livable condition. Non-emergency repairs usually take a few days to a week. Emergency repairs (no heat in winter, no water) should be reported when ready and treated as urgent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a public housing apartment after my name is called?

Once you are selected, the process usually takes two to four weeks. KHA will show you available units, you choose one, the unit is inspected, and you sign a lease. You pay a security deposit and move in. The exact timeline depends on how quickly you respond and whether the unit needs repairs before you move in.

Can I own a car or have savings and still get a voucher?

Yes. KHA looks at your income, not your assets. You can own a car, have a bank account, or own property and still be within the income limit. The only limit is how much money your household makes per month or year.

What if I get a job and my income goes over the limit?

KHA has rules about income increases. Usually you can stay in public housing for a period of time even if your income exceeds the limit, though your rent will be recalculated. Voucher rules vary. Ask KHA about their specific income limit policy when your situation changes.

Can I transfer my voucher if I move out of Kingsport?

Possibly. Vouchers can be portable, meaning you can move to another city and use your voucher there if that housing authority accepts it. Not all authorities accept portable vouchers, and the process takes time. Contact KHA before you move to ask whether your voucher can transfer and what steps you need to take.

How do I report a maintenance problem in my KHA apartment?

Call the KHA maintenance office or visit the main office in person. Describe the problem and when it started. For emergencies like no heat or no water, call when ready and say it is an emergency. Non-emergency repairs usually take a few days to a week. Follow up if the repair does not happen within a reasonable time.