What the LaFollette Housing Authority Does

The LaFollette Housing Authority is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing units in LaFollette, Tennessee. It administers the federal Public Housing program in that area, meaning it receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to maintain affordable rental properties and help low-income households pay rent.

The Authority operates differently from a private landlord. It sets rent based on your income (typically 30 percent of what you earn), maintains the buildings, and follows federal rules about who can live there and how long you can stay. If you live in a LaFollette Housing Authority property, your lease is with the Authority itself, not a private owner.

The Authority also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) in the LaFollette area. This program gives you a voucher to use at a privately owned rental property of your choice, rather than placing you in an Authority-owned building. The voucher covers a portion of the rent; you pay the difference.

Key Takeaways

  • LaFollette Housing Authority owns public housing units and runs the Section 8 voucher program for the LaFollette area.
  • Rent in public housing is set at 30 percent of your household income, and the Authority maintains the building.
  • You must meet income limits and citizenship or immigration status requirements to be considered for either program.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically long; the Authority will tell you the current wait time when you contact them.
  • You can reach the LaFollette Housing Authority directly by phone or by visiting their office in person to ask about current openings and next steps.

Public Housing Units Managed by LaFollette Housing Authority

Public housing units are apartments or houses owned by the LaFollette Housing Authority. You rent directly from the Authority, and your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. If your income is $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. The Authority covers utilities, maintenance, and repairs as part of the lease agreement.

To live in a public housing unit, you must meet income limits set by HUD. These limits change yearly and depend on family size. The Authority can tell you the current limits for your household size when you contact them. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and you cannot have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years.

Public housing waiting lists in most areas are long. The LaFollette Housing Authority maintains a waiting list and will contact you when a unit becomes available. The wait time varies depending on how many people are ahead of you and how often units turn over. When you contact the Authority, ask them for the current average wait time.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, works differently from public housing. The Authority gives you a voucher that covers part of the rent at a privately owned apartment or house that you choose. You find the rental yourself, and the landlord agrees to accept the voucher. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your family size. If the fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $900 and your income-based portion is $200, the voucher covers $700 and you pay $200. If you find a unit that rents for less, you pay less. If the unit costs more, you may pay more out of pocket, depending on program rules.

Income limits and citizenship requirements are the same as for public housing. The waiting list for vouchers is also typically long. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. The Authority will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards before you move in.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

To be considered for either public housing or a voucher, your household income must fall below the limit set by HUD for your area and family size. These limits are updated each year. For example, the income limit for a family of four in one area might be $45,000 per year, but limits vary by county and change annually. The LaFollette Housing Authority can tell you the current limit for your household size.

You must also meet citizenship and immigration requirements. You can be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident (green card holder), or have certain other may be able to access immigration statuses. You cannot have been convicted of drug-related crimes within the past three years, and you cannot have been evicted from public housing for drug-related activity. The Authority will ask about your criminal history and may conduct a background check.

If your household income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement. If your income is at or below the limit, you can move forward with the process process. The Authority will verify your income using recent tax returns, pay stubs, or other documents.

How to Contact LaFollette Housing Authority

The LaFollette Housing Authority office is located in LaFollette, Tennessee. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current waiting lists, income limits, and how the process works. You can also visit the office in person to pick up an process form and ask questions face-to-face.

When you call or visit, have the following information ready: your household size, your current monthly income, and your citizenship or immigration status. Ask the Authority for the current wait time for both public housing and vouchers, because these change as people move in and out of the program. Also ask whether the waiting list is currently open or closed; some authorities temporarily close their lists when they are very long.

If you need help finding the Authority's phone number or office address, you can contact the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), which oversees housing authorities statewide, or call 211 (a free information line) and ask for the LaFollette Housing Authority contact information.

What Happens After You explore

Once you submit an process, the Authority will add you to the waiting list. You will receive a letter confirming your process and your position on the list. The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you.

When the Authority contacts you, they will ask you to come in for an interview. At the interview, they will verify the information on your process: your income, household composition, citizenship status, and rental history. They may ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, a birth certificate, and a photo ID. Bring all documents the Authority asks for, because missing paperwork can delay your approval.

If you are approved, you will sign a lease (for public housing) or receive a voucher (for Section 8). For public housing, you will move into an Authority-owned unit. For a voucher, you have a limited time to find a rental property and a landlord willing to accept the voucher. The Authority will inspect the unit before you move in to make sure it meets federal housing quality standards.

Rent Calculation and Your Responsibilities

In public housing, your rent is always 30 percent of your gross household income. If your income changes, your rent changes. You must report income changes to the Authority within 30 days. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. The Authority will recalculate your rent annually or when you report a change.

You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and in good condition. The Authority will conduct annual inspections. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear and tear, you may be charged for repairs. You must follow all lease rules, including keeping the property free of drug activity and not subletting without permission.

If you fall behind on rent or violate the lease, the Authority can begin eviction proceedings. You have the right to a hearing before eviction, where you can explain your situation. If you are having trouble paying rent, contact the Authority when ready to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary and change frequently. The LaFollette Housing Authority can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. Some areas have waits of several months; others may be longer. Ask whether the list is currently open or closed.

What if my income is above the limit?

If your income exceeds the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement for either program. However, limits change yearly, so you can contact the Authority again next year to see if the limit has increased or if your income has changed.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher anywhere in Tennessee?

No. A voucher issued by the LaFollette Housing Authority is valid only in the LaFollette area. If you move to a different city, you would need to transfer your voucher through a portability process, which requires approval from both the issuing and receiving authorities.

What documents do I need to bring to explore?

Bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship or immigration status, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and a birth certificate for each household member. The Authority will tell you exactly what documents they need when you contact them or visit the office.

What if I am denied?

The Authority must give you a written reason for denial. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision. Contact the Authority to ask about the appeal process if you are denied.