What the Lexington Housing Authority does

The Lexington Housing Authority (LHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Lexington, Kentucky. It administers public housing — apartments where rent is set based on your income rather than market rates — and the Housing Choice Voucher program, which lets you rent from private landlords while the Authority pays part of your rent. The LHA also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and manages waiting lists for both programs.

The Authority is not the same as a landlord you call with a maintenance complaint, though LHA-owned buildings do have their own management offices. If you live in an LHA property, you have a lease with the Authority itself. If you hold an LHA voucher, you have a lease with a private landlord, and the Authority pays the landlord directly each month.

The LHA's main office is located at 410 West Sixth Street, Lexington, KY 40508. You can reach them by phone at (859) 258-1122 during business hours. Their website at lexingtonhousing.org lists current programs, waiting list status, and contact information for specific housing developments.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lexington Housing Authority manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers, both of which base rent on your income rather than market price.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that may be open or closed depending on current demand; you can check the status on the LHA website or by calling their main office.
  • Public housing means you rent directly from the Authority; vouchers mean you find a private landlord and the Authority pays a portion of the rent.
  • The LHA also runs supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness and can refer you to other services like case management and job training.
  • Rent in both programs is typically 30 percent of your household income, though the exact amount depends on your income level and family size.

Public housing managed by the Lexington Housing Authority

Public housing consists of apartments and townhomes owned and operated by the LHA. When you live in an LHA property, you sign a lease directly with the Authority. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, which means lower-income households pay less. The Authority covers utilities, maintenance, and building operations from the rent collected and federal funding.

LHA properties are scattered throughout Lexington rather than concentrated in one location. Some developments focus on families with children; others serve seniors or people with disabilities. Each property has its own management office where you pay rent, report maintenance issues, and handle lease questions. The main office can tell you which properties currently have units available or where your name might be added to a waiting list.

Living in public housing comes with the same tenant protections as private rentals under Kentucky law, plus additional protections in your lease. The Authority cannot evict you without cause and proper notice. You have the right to a safe, habitable unit, and the Authority must make repairs within a set timeframe. If you believe the Authority has violated your lease or your rights, you can file a grievance through the LHA's formal process before pursuing legal action.

Housing Choice Vouchers and finding a private landlord

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from any private landlord who agrees to participate in the program. The Authority pays the landlord a portion of your rent each month; you pay the rest directly to the landlord. This gives you more choice in where you live compared to public housing, since you are not limited to LHA-owned properties.

To use a voucher, you must first be on the LHA's waiting list and then receive one when your name comes up. Once you have a voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a landlord willing to accept it. The landlord's property must pass an LHA inspection to may support it meets housing quality standards. Your rent contribution is still based on your income (typically 30 percent), and the Authority pays the difference up to the voucher amount set for your area.

Not all landlords accept vouchers, and some may discriminate against voucher holders, which is illegal under federal law. If a landlord refuses to rent to you because you hold a voucher, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. The LHA can also provide a list of landlords known to accept vouchers in your area.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers have waiting lists. The length of the wait depends on demand and how many units or vouchers become available each year. The LHA website shows whether each program's waiting list is currently open or closed. When a list is closed, you cannot add your name; when it reopens, there is typically a window of time to explore.

To get on a waiting list, you must visit the LHA office in person or contact them by phone to request an process. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income, and information about your household size and composition. The LHA will verify your information and place you on the list in the order applications were received. Your position on the list does not change unless you move, lose contact with the Authority, or are removed for violating program rules.

Wait times vary widely. Public housing waiting lists in Lexington can range from several months to several years depending on the property and your household type. Voucher waiting lists may be even longer. The LHA cannot tell you exactly when your name will come up, but you can call to ask your approximate position on the list.

Income limits and rent calculations

To be considered for public housing or a voucher, your household income must fall below the area median income limit set by HUD each year. For Lexington, these limits vary by household size. A single person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, while a family of four might have a limit around $55,000 to $65,000, though these figures change yearly and depend on HUD's annual announcement.

Once you are accepted into either program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. Adjusted income means your total household income minus certain deductions — such as $480 per dependent child, costs of childcare that allow you to work, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program, though some programs allow a gradual phase-out period.

The LHA recertifies your income annually. You must report changes in household composition, employment, or income within 30 days. Failing to report changes can result in incorrect rent calculations and may lead to lease violations if discovered during recertification.

Supportive housing and services for people experiencing homelessness

The LHA operates supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. These programs combine affordable housing with case management, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, job training, and other support. The goal is to help people move toward stable housing and self-sufficiency.

Supportive housing is usually accessed through referral from a homeless services provider, social worker, or the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's homeless services office. You do not explore directly to the LHA for these programs in most cases. If you are experiencing homelessness or at when ready risk, contact the Lexington Homeless Services at (859) 258-3100 or visit a local shelter or day center, where staff can connect you to available housing and support services.

Rent in supportive housing is still based on income, and the same 30 percent rule applies. The difference is that the LHA and its partners provide ongoing support to help you maintain your housing and address the underlying causes of homelessness.

Your rights and responsibilities as an LHA resident or voucher holder

As a resident of an LHA property, you have the right to a safe, sanitary, and well-maintained unit. The Authority must make non-emergency repairs within a reasonable timeframe — typically 14 to 30 days depending on the severity — and emergency repairs (like no heat or water) within 24 to 48 hours. You have the right to privacy and the right not to be evicted without cause and proper notice.

In return, you must pay rent on time, keep your unit clean and in good condition, follow all lease rules, and report maintenance problems promptly. You cannot engage in criminal activity, threaten or harm other residents or staff, or violate the lease in ways that endanger health or safety. Violations can result in warnings, fines, or eviction proceedings.

If you believe the LHA has violated your lease or your rights, you can file a grievance with the property management office. The grievance process is free and does not require a lawyer. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you can pursue legal action through the courts. You also have the right to organize with other residents and to request reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a public housing unit or voucher?

Wait times depend on demand and available units. Public housing waiting lists in Lexington typically range from several months to several years. Voucher waiting lists are often longer. You can call the LHA at (859) 258-1122 to ask your approximate position on the list, but the Authority cannot may provide when your name will come up.

Can I use my voucher to rent anywhere in Kentucky?

Housing Choice Vouchers are tied to the Lexington Housing Authority's jurisdiction, which covers Lexington and Fayette County. You can use your voucher to rent any property within that area that meets housing quality standards and whose landlord agrees to participate. You cannot transfer a voucher to another city or state unless you move and the new housing authority agrees to take over your voucher.

What happens if my landlord wants to evict me while I hold a voucher?

Your landlord must follow Kentucky eviction law and provide proper notice. If the eviction is for non-payment of rent, the LHA may be able to help if you are having temporary hardship. Contact the LHA when ready if you receive an eviction notice. The Authority cannot prevent an eviction, but it can sometimes work with your landlord or connect you to emergency information.

Do I have to report a change in my income?

Yes. You must report changes in household income, employment, or composition within 30 days. Failure to report can result in incorrect rent calculations and may be treated as a lease violation. The LHA recertifies your income annually, and any unreported changes discovered during recertification can lead to back rent owed or lease termination.

What if I disagree with how the LHA calculated my rent?

You can request a meeting with the property manager or the LHA's income verification staff to review the calculation. If you still disagree, you can file a formal grievance with the LHA. The grievance process is free and allows you to present documents and testimony. If the grievance does not resolve the issue, you can pursue legal action through the courts.