What the Knoxville Housing Authority does

The Knoxville Housing Authority (KHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Knox County, Tennessee. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing units, and handles waiting lists for both. KHA does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income households, or it owns and operates a smaller number of public housing properties.

If you live in the Knoxville area and need affordable housing, KHA is the body you contact to get on a waiting list or to understand what programs exist. It is not a landlord you can call to complain about repairs at a private address — that is between you and your actual landlord. But if you rent through a KHA voucher or live in a KHA-owned building, KHA handles the subsidy side and enforces lease standards.

Key Takeaways

  • The Knoxville Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Knox County, and you must get on its waiting list to access either program.
  • Waiting lists are often closed and can have years-long waits, so call KHA directly to learn whether the list is open and how long the current wait is.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a signed lease (for vouchers) or a housing unit assignment (for public housing) before KHA pays anything.
  • KHA's main office is at 522 South Gay Street in Knoxville, and you can reach it by phone or in person to ask about current programs and waiting list status.

Section 8 vouchers through KHA

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that KHA pays to your landlord on your behalf. You find a rental unit in the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and KHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord each month. You pay the rest out of pocket — usually 30 percent of your household income, though the exact amount depends on your income and family size.

To get a voucher, you must first get on KHA's waiting list. The list is often closed, which means KHA is not taking new names. When it opens, you can explore in person at KHA's office or sometimes online through their website. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or green card), and identification. KHA will verify your information and place you on the list in the order applications were received.

Wait times vary. In some years the wait is a few months; in others it can be two to three years or longer. Call KHA at their main office number to ask the current wait time and whether the list is open. Do not assume it is closed just because you heard it was closed last year.

Public housing units managed by KHA

KHA owns and operates public housing apartments and townhouses throughout Knox County. These are not subsidized vouchers — they are units KHA owns outright. You pay rent based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn, and KHA owns the building you live in.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the Section 8 list. You explore the same way — in person or online — and provide the same documents. Wait times for public housing can be shorter or longer than Section 8, depending on how many units are available and how many people are on the list. Again, call KHA to ask the current status.

Public housing comes with lease terms set by KHA, including rules about who can live in the unit, how you maintain it, and what happens if you break the lease. These rules are stricter than a typical private lease. KHA can evict you for lease violations, and an eviction from public housing can make it harder to rent privately later.

Income limits and who can get housing through KHA

KHA serves households at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Knox County. The exact income limit depends on your household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. KHA publishes these limits on its website and will tell you over the phone whether your household income falls within the range.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. KHA will ask for proof — a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document. If anyone in your household is not a citizen or legal resident, you may still be able to get a voucher, but KHA will calculate the subsidy based only on the may be able to access household members' income.

KHA also screens for criminal history and prior evictions. A felony conviction or an eviction from public housing in the past does not automatically disqualify you, but KHA will review the details. If you have concerns about your history, ask KHA directly what their policy is before you explore.

How to contact the Knoxville Housing Authority

KHA's main office is located at 522 South Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902. You can visit in person during business hours to ask about waiting lists, current programs, and what documents you need. Bring identification and any income documents you have on hand so staff can answer questions about your situation.

You can also call KHA's main number to ask about waiting list status, program rules, or to request an process. The phone line will tell you the current wait time and whether the list is open. If you cannot reach someone by phone, visiting in person is usually faster.

KHA's website lists current programs, waiting list status, and sometimes allows online applications. Check the website first to see if the list is open before you make the trip or call.

What happens after you get on the waiting list

Once you are on the waiting list, KHA will contact you when a voucher or unit becomes available. This can take months or years. During that time, your circumstances may change — your income might go up, you might move, or your family size might change. Tell KHA when ready if any of these things happen, because it can affect your place on the list or your may be able to access.

When KHA calls you, you will have a limited time to respond — usually a few days. If you do not respond, KHA may remove you from the list or move you to the bottom. Keep your phone number and address current with KHA so you do not miss the call.

Once you are offered a voucher or unit, you will have to complete additional paperwork, including a lease (for Section 8) or a housing assignment (for public housing). KHA will explain the next steps at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary by year and depend on how many vouchers KHA has available. In some periods the wait is under a year; in others it is two to three years or longer. Call KHA to ask the current wait time for your household size. The wait time is not may provide — it can change if KHA receives more or fewer vouchers from the federal government.

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

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and you can be on both. If you get called for one program, you can accept it and stay on the other list, or you can decline and wait for the other. Tell KHA which program you prefer if you have a choice.

What if I already have a landlord and want to use a Section 8 voucher?

You need to get on KHA's waiting list first. Once you receive a voucher, you can use it at your current address if the landlord agrees to accept it and the unit passes KHA's inspection. The landlord is not required to accept a voucher, so ask them before you explore. If they refuse, you will need to find a different unit.

Do I have to live in Knoxville to use KHA housing?

You must live in Knox County. Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be used outside Knox County if you move, but you have to request a transfer from KHA. Public housing is only in Knox County properties. Ask KHA about portability rules if you think you might move.

What if the waiting list is closed when I want to explore?

Call KHA periodically to ask when the list will open again. Lists usually open once or twice a year, but the timing is not fixed. Some people ask to be notified when the list opens; ask KHA if that option is available. Do not pay anyone to put you on a waiting list or to "speed up" the process — that is a scam.