What the Lebanon Housing Authority does and who runs it
The Lebanon Housing Authority is a local public agency that administers housing programs in Lebanon, Tennessee. It manages public housing units, processes vouchers for private rentals, and handles applications for people seeking affordable housing information in the city and surrounding Wilson County area. The Authority operates under state and federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The Authority is separate from the city government, though it works closely with the city and county. It has its own board of commissioners and executive director. If you need to reach them about housing programs, you contact the Authority directly — not City Hall or the county offices.
Key Takeaways
- The Lebanon Housing Authority manages public housing and voucher programs for Wilson County residents, and you must contact them directly to learn about current openings and waitlist status.
- Most programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and the Authority closes applications when the list reaches capacity.
- You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a signed lease (for voucher programs) before the Authority can process your request.
- The Authority's office is located in Lebanon and has specific hours; calling ahead or visiting their website is the fastest way to find current contact information and program status.
How to reach the Lebanon Housing Authority
The Lebanon Housing Authority office is located in Lebanon, Tennessee. The main phone line, mailing address, and office hours are listed on their official website or by calling 411 or the Wilson County government information line. Because office hours and contact details change, calling ahead is more reliable than showing up without confirmation.
You can also reach the Authority through the HUD website, which lists all public housing authorities by state and county. The HUD site includes links to local authority websites and phone numbers. If you cannot find current contact information, calling the Wilson County government office and asking for the housing authority's number will connect you to the right place.
What programs the Lebanon Housing Authority runs
The Authority typically manages two main programs: public housing (units the Authority owns and rents directly) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (commonly called Section 8, which pays a portion of your rent at a private landlord's property). Some authorities also administer emergency rental information or other local programs, though this varies by year and funding.
Public housing units are owned by the Authority. You pay rent based on your income — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income. The Authority maintains the building and handles repairs. Voucher programs work differently: you find your own rental property, the voucher pays the landlord a portion of the rent, and you pay the difference. Both programs have long waiting lists in most areas, and both require you to meet income and citizenship rules.
Income limits and who can explore
The Lebanon Housing Authority sets income limits based on the area median income for Wilson County. These limits change each year. For example, a family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $55,000 annually, but the exact number depends on the current year's HUD calculations and the specific program. You must contact the Authority directly to learn the current limits for your household size.
You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status to be considered. The Authority will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration documents. You also cannot have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years, and you cannot owe money to any housing authority. If you have a criminal history, the Authority will review it case by case — not all convictions disqualify you, but some do.
Documents you will need to bring or send
When you contact the Lebanon Housing Authority or submit an process, have these documents ready: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or birth certificate), and a list of all household members and their dates of birth. If you are explore for a voucher program, you will also need a signed lease from a landlord.
The Authority may also ask for proof of current housing status (an eviction notice, a lease, or a utility bill showing your address), references, and permission to run a background check. Bring originals or certified copies when possible. If you are explore by mail, send copies, not originals, and keep a copy for yourself.
Waiting lists and how long the process takes
Both public housing and voucher programs have waiting lists in most areas. The Lebanon Housing Authority may close applications when the list reaches a certain size, then reopen them later when people move out or the list shrinks. You cannot know whether the list is open without calling or visiting the Authority's office or website.
If your process is accepted and you are placed on the waiting list, the time to reach the top varies widely — it could be months or several years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Once you reach the top and are offered a unit or voucher, you typically have a set number of days (often 10 to 14 days) to accept or decline. If you decline, you may lose your place on the list or move to the bottom.
What happens after you are approved
If you are approved for public housing, the Authority will show you available units and you will sign a lease with the Authority as your landlord. You will pay rent monthly based on your income. The Authority handles maintenance and repairs — if something breaks, you report it to the maintenance office and they fix it at no cost to you.
If you are approved for a voucher, you will receive a document (the voucher itself) that shows the maximum rent the program will cover. You then search for a rental property on your own. Once you find a place and the landlord agrees, the Authority inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, the Authority pays the landlord their portion of the rent directly each month, and you pay your share. You are responsible for finding the place and negotiating the lease terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the waiting list is open right now?
Call the Lebanon Housing Authority directly or check their website. The Authority updates this information regularly because lists open and close based on demand. A single phone call will tell you whether you can explore today or whether you need to wait for the list to reopen.
Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?
It depends on when the eviction happened and why. A recent eviction for non-payment may disqualify you, but an older eviction or one for other reasons may not. The Authority reviews each case individually. Be honest about your history when you explore — they will find out anyway through a background check.
What if I don't have a lease yet but want to explore for a voucher?
You cannot receive a voucher until you have a signed lease from a landlord. The voucher is issued after the Authority approves your process and inspects the rental unit. Start by getting on the waiting list, then search for housing while you wait. Once you find a place, you can move forward with the voucher process.
Do I have to live in Lebanon to explore?
The Lebanon Housing Authority serves Lebanon and Wilson County. Residency rules vary by program and by year. Call the Authority to confirm whether you are in their service area and whether you meet their local residency requirements.
What if I lose my job after I am approved?
Report the change to the Lebanon Housing Authority as soon as possible. Your rent may be recalculated based on your new income. If your income drops significantly, your rent will likely drop as well. The Authority wants to know about changes so they can adjust your lease terms fairly.