What the Lafayette Housing Authority does

The Lafayette Housing Authority (LHA) is a local government agency that manages affordable rental housing in Lafayette, Indiana. It operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which lets low-income renters use a voucher to pay part of their rent at privately owned apartments. The LHA also handles applications, lease enforcement, and inspections for both programs.

The agency is independent from the city government but works within federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the programs, income limits, and rent calculations follow federal law, but the LHA decides how to run its local waiting lists and which neighborhoods it serves.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lafayette Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent information you use at private apartments).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes each year and depends on family size.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed or have long delays, so you will need to contact the LHA directly to learn the current status.
  • The LHA office is located in Lafayette and handles all applications, inspections, and lease questions in person or by phone.
  • You pay a portion of your rent (usually 30 percent of your income), and the program covers the rest, up to a limit set by HUD.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

Public housing means the LHA owns and manages the building you live in. You sign a lease with the LHA, pay rent based on your income, and the LHA is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Public housing in Lafayette includes scattered units and some multi-unit buildings. The rent you pay is typically 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum amount set by the LHA.

A Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) works differently: you find your own apartment at a private landlord, and the voucher covers part of the rent. You still pay roughly 30 percent of your income, and the voucher pays the landlord the difference—up to a maximum amount called the "payment standard." This gives you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the apartment must pass an LHA inspection.

Both programs have income limits. For 2024, a single person in Lafayette must earn below a certain threshold; a family of four has a higher limit. These limits change yearly. Contact the LHA to confirm the current limits for your household size.

Income limits and rent calculations

To be considered for either LHA program, your household's gross monthly income must fall below the limit for your family size. The LHA uses gross income—that is, income before taxes—and counts wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other regular sources. Some income is excluded, such as income of children under 18 who are in school full-time.

Once you are accepted into a program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. Adjusted income subtracts certain costs, such as medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, childcare, and disability information. The LHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of other income sources to verify your earnings.

If your income rises after you move in, your rent will increase. If it falls, your rent may decrease. The LHA reviews income annually, and you are required to report changes within 30 days.

How to contact the Lafayette Housing Authority

The Lafayette Housing Authority office is located at 1 Lindberg Drive, Lafayette, Indiana 47901. You can reach them by phone at (765) 423-5631. The office handles applications, lease questions, maintenance requests, and inspections for both public housing and voucher programs.

When you call or visit, ask about the current status of the waiting list. Many housing authorities, including Lafayette, periodically close their lists when demand is very high. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does. Some agencies allow you to call back at a later date; others may ask you to submit your name for a future opening.

You can also visit the LHA website or stop by the office in person during business hours to pick up an process and learn about current programs and availability.

The process process and waiting list

To explore for either public housing or a Housing Choice Voucher, you will need to complete an process with the LHA. Bring proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency, and a Social Security number for each household member. If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need to provide information about any criminal history, as the LHA conducts background checks.

Once your process is submitted and approved, you go on a waiting list. The length of the wait depends on demand and the number of units or vouchers available. In many areas, waiting lists are years long. The LHA prioritizes applications based on factors such as homelessness, living in substandard housing, or displacement due to disaster—though the exact priority order varies by program.

When a unit or voucher becomes available, the LHA will contact you. For public housing, you will be offered a specific apartment. For a voucher, you will receive the voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find an apartment and have it inspected before the voucher expires.

Inspections and lease requirements

All public housing units and all private apartments used with a Housing Choice Voucher must pass an LHA inspection. The inspection checks that the unit meets housing quality standards: the roof, plumbing, electrical system, and heating all work; there is no mold, lead paint hazards, or pest infestation; and the unit has adequate light and ventilation.

For public housing, the LHA inspects before you move in and then annually. For vouchers, the landlord's apartment must pass inspection before you sign the lease. If the unit fails, the landlord has time to make repairs and request a re-inspection. If the landlord does not make repairs, you cannot move in and the voucher remains available for you to use elsewhere.

Once you are in either program, you must follow the lease terms. For public housing, the lease is with the LHA and covers rent, maintenance responsibilities, and house rules. For vouchers, the lease is with the private landlord, but the LHA has the right to enforce certain terms related to rent and the condition of the unit.

What happens if your circumstances change

You are required to report changes in income, household size, or address to the LHA within 30 days. If your income increases, your rent will go up. If a household member moves out or passes away, your rent may decrease. If you move to a new address, you must notify the LHA so they can update their records and continue to reach you.

If you lose your job or experience a significant drop in income, contact the LHA when ready. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income, and you may pay less. If you cannot pay rent, do not ignore the notice—contact the LHA to discuss your options, as they may be able to work with you or refer you to emergency information programs.

If you want to move to a different public housing unit or to a different neighborhood with your voucher, contact the LHA to request a transfer. Transfers are not automatic and depend on availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Lafayette Housing Authority?

Waiting list length varies and changes frequently. Contact the LHA directly at (765) 423-5631 to ask the current wait time for public housing and for Housing Choice Vouchers. Many areas have waiting lists that are closed temporarily when demand is very high.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher at any apartment in Lafayette?

No. The landlord must be willing to accept the voucher, and the apartment must pass an LHA inspection. The rent cannot exceed the payment standard set by HUD for Lafayette. Not all landlords participate in the program, so you will need to search for apartments and confirm with the landlord before explore.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

The LHA conducts background checks and may deny your process based on criminal history or evictions. However, policies vary, and not all criminal records or evictions result in automatic denial. Contact the LHA to discuss your specific situation before you explore.

Do I have to work to live in public housing or use a voucher?

No. The programs are based on income, not employment status. Retired people, people receiving disability benefits, and people receiving unemployment or other information can all be considered. Your total household income must still fall below the limit.

What if the apartment I find with my voucher fails inspection?

The landlord has time to make repairs and request a re-inspection. If repairs are not made, you cannot move into that apartment, but you keep your voucher and can search for a different one. Your voucher is valid for a set period (usually 60 days), so you will need to find another apartment within that timeframe.