What the Kokomo Housing Authority does

The Kokomo Housing Authority is a local public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Kokomo, Indiana. It administers public housing units, Section 8 vouchers (called Housing Choice Vouchers), and sometimes emergency rental information. The Authority does not set prices or decide who lives where based on personal preference — it follows federal rules that govern income limits, rent calculations, and tenant rights.

The Authority's main job is to own and operate housing for low-income households, and to distribute vouchers that let tenants rent from private landlords while the Authority pays part of the rent. It also handles lease enforcement, maintenance requests, and disputes between tenants and the Authority itself.

Kokomo Housing Authority is located at 1524 North Washington Street, Kokomo, IN 46901. You can reach them by phone at (765) 457-8264. Their office hours and current programs are best confirmed by calling directly, since funding and program status change.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kokomo Housing Authority manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income households in Kokomo.
  • Income limits and rent amounts are set by federal rules, not by the Authority, so the same rules explore whether you live in public housing or use a voucher.
  • You must contact the Authority directly to learn whether public housing or vouchers are currently available, since both programs often have waiting lists.
  • Tenants in Authority housing have the same legal protections as other renters, plus additional rights under federal housing law regarding maintenance and lease terms.
  • The Authority can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, but disputes sometimes require a hearing or outside legal help.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

The Kokomo Housing Authority offers two main programs. Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you are the tenant. Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) mean you find your own rental unit from a private landlord, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest.

Public housing has fixed rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the Authority sets the exact formula. You pay utilities unless they are included in the lease. The Authority is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

With a Housing Choice Voucher, you choose the rental unit (within limits), and the landlord must accept the voucher. The Authority pays the landlord directly; you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. You are responsible for utilities unless the lease says otherwise. The landlord is responsible for repairs, just as in any private rental.

Both programs have income limits. Households earning above the limit may lose the voucher or be asked to leave public housing. The income limits change yearly and vary by family size.

How waiting lists work and how long they take

Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers usually have waiting lists in Kokomo. The Authority cannot tell you how long the wait is without knowing your household size and income, because some programs prioritize certain groups — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities.

To get on a waiting list, you must contact the Kokomo Housing Authority directly and ask about current openings. They will tell you whether the list is open, what documents you need to bring, and what the wait time is estimated to be. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen.

Once you are on the list, the Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within the timeframe they give you, usually a few days. If you do not respond, you may be removed from the list and have to reapply.

Income limits and rent calculations

The Kokomo Housing Authority follows federal income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These limits change every year and depend on your household size. For example, the limit for a single person is lower than for a family of four.

In public housing, your rent is usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though some households pay a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month). If your income rises above the limit, you may be asked to leave or move to a different program.

With a Housing Choice Voucher, the Authority calculates a "payment standard" — the maximum rent they will cover for a unit of your size. You can rent a unit that costs more, but you pay the difference. You can also rent a cheaper unit and keep the savings, though some programs require you to share savings with the Authority.

To learn the current income limits and payment standards, call the Kokomo Housing Authority. These figures are public and the Authority must provide them on request.

Tenant rights and responsibilities in Authority housing

Tenants in Kokomo Housing Authority units have rights under the lease, Indiana state law, and federal housing law. The Authority must provide a written lease that explains your rights and the Authority's responsibilities. You have the right to a safe, habitable unit with working heat, water, plumbing, and electrical systems.

If the Authority fails to make repairs, you can request them in writing and give the Authority a reasonable time to respond — usually 14 days for non-emergency repairs. If they do not respond, you may have the right to repair and deduct the cost from rent, though this is rare in public housing and you should contact a legal aid organization before trying it.

You are responsible for keeping the unit clean, paying rent on time, and following the lease terms. The Authority can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. However, the Authority must follow Indiana eviction law and give you notice and a chance to respond before filing in court.

If you believe the Authority has violated your rights, you can request a hearing. The Authority must provide a written explanation of the process and your right to be heard.

How to contact the Kokomo Housing Authority and what to bring

Call the Kokomo Housing Authority at (765) 457-8264 to ask about current programs, waiting lists, and what documents you need. Have your household size, income, and current address ready when you call.

If you visit in person, bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease). If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need to show that you have a valid Social Security number and that no household member has been evicted for non-payment in the past three years or has a criminal record that disqualifies them under federal rules.

The Authority's office is at 1524 North Washington Street, Kokomo, IN 46901. Call ahead to confirm office hours, especially during holidays or if you are traveling from out of town.

What to do if you have a dispute with the Authority

If you disagree with a decision the Authority made — for example, if they say you owe back rent, or if they want to evict you — you have the right to a hearing. The Authority must give you written notice of the decision and explain how to request a hearing. You usually have 10 to 14 days to request one.

At the hearing, you can present your side of the story, bring documents, and ask questions. You can bring a friend, family member, or lawyer. The Authority will present its case. A hearing officer (not the same person who made the original decision) will listen and make a ruling.

If you lose the hearing and still disagree, you may be able to appeal to HUD or file a lawsuit, but this is rare. Before you reach that point, contact a legal aid organization. In Indiana, you can call 211 or search for "legal aid near me" to find free or low-cost legal help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I make too much money for public housing or a voucher?

The Kokomo Housing Authority has income limits that change yearly. Call them at (765) 457-8264 and tell them your household size and monthly income. They will tell you whether you are within the limit. If you are over the limit, ask whether you can stay in your current unit under "over-income" rules, which vary by program.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher to rent anywhere in Kokomo?

No. The landlord must accept the voucher, the unit must pass a housing quality inspection, and the rent cannot exceed the Authority's payment standard for that unit size. The Authority can tell you which neighborhoods and unit types are available under the voucher program.

What happens if I get a job and my income goes up?

If you are in public housing, your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. If you are over the income limit, you may have a grace period (usually one year) before you are asked to leave. With a voucher, the same rules explore. Report income changes to the Authority right away — they will find out anyway when they verify your income.

Can the Authority evict me without a court order?

No. The Authority must follow Indiana eviction law, which requires written notice, a chance for you to respond, and a court filing. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. If you receive an eviction notice, contact a legal aid organization when ready.

What if the Authority is not making repairs to my unit?

Request repairs in writing and keep a copy. Give the Authority 14 days to respond. If they do not, contact the Kokomo Housing Authority's management office and ask to speak to a supervisor. If the problem is serious (no heat in winter, no water), contact a legal aid organization — you may have additional rights under state law.