What the Little Rock Housing Authority does

The Little Rock Housing Authority (LRHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Little Rock, Arkansas. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps pay for — instead, it administers federal money that goes to landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. The agency runs public housing developments where it owns the buildings, and it also runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which lets you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays part of your rent.

LRHA is separate from the city government, though it works within city limits. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are looking for rental help in Little Rock, LRHA is usually the first place to contact because it manages the largest pool of subsidy money in the area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Little Rock Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (where LRHA owns the building) and Housing Choice Vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and LRHA pays part of the rent).
  • Both programs have income limits based on the area median income, and waiting lists are typically closed or have long wait times — you can call to ask the current status.
  • Public housing rent is based on 30 percent of your household income, while voucher rent depends on the market rate of the unit you choose.
  • You must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a Social Security number for each household member to be considered.
  • LRHA's main office is located in Little Rock, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and next steps.

Public housing managed by LRHA

LRHA owns and operates public housing developments throughout Little Rock. These are apartment complexes or scattered-site homes where LRHA is both the landlord and the subsidy provider. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by development. The Authority covers the rest of the cost to maintain the building.

Public housing is open to households with income at or below 80 percent of the area median income, though preference often goes to households below 50 percent. Waiting lists for public housing are typically closed, meaning LRHA is not currently taking new names. You can call the main office to ask whether the list has reopened and, if so, how long the wait currently is.

Once you are housed, LRHA handles maintenance and repairs. If something breaks, you report it to the management office at your development, and LRHA is responsible for fixing it within a set timeframe. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and not causing damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program lets you find a rental unit anywhere in Little Rock (or in some cases outside the city) and use a voucher to pay part of the rent. You pay the difference between 30 percent of your income and the voucher amount. The landlord receives the rest directly from LRHA.

To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords do, and some charge higher rents for voucher holders. Once you find a unit, LRHA inspects it to make sure it meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, and safe electrical wiring. If the unit passes, LRHA signs a contract with the landlord and you sign a lease.

The voucher program also has income limits and a waiting list. Like public housing, the voucher list is often closed. When it reopens, LRHA may accept applications for a limited time. You can call to find out whether applications are being taken and what the current wait time is.

Income limits and who can explore

Both LRHA programs serve households with income below a certain threshold. The exact limit depends on household size and is set at a percentage of the area median income for Pulaski County. For a single person, the limit is typically around $28,000 to $32,000 per year, but this changes annually. For a family of four, it is usually higher — often in the $45,000 to $52,000 range. Call LRHA to ask the current year's limits for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. LRHA will ask for proof, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. Each household member age 18 and older must provide a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you explore to LRHA.

LRHA also runs a background check that looks at criminal history, eviction history, and past behavior in public housing or with vouchers. A criminal conviction or recent eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or a pattern of lease violations may. You can ask LRHA what their specific policies are.

How to contact LRHA and what to bring

The Little Rock Housing Authority's main office is located at 1 Riverfront Place, Little Rock, AR 72114. You can reach them by phone at (501) 371-7777. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but call ahead to confirm. You can also visit in person to ask about waiting lists, income limits, and the process process.

When you contact LRHA or visit, have the following information ready: your household size, current monthly income, citizenship status, and Social Security numbers for all household members. If you are currently homeless or in an emergency situation, mention that when you call — some programs prioritize urgent cases. If you have been evicted in the past, know the dates and reasons, as LRHA will ask.

If the waiting list is open, LRHA will give you an process form and explain what documents you need to submit. You will typically need recent pay stubs or tax returns to prove income, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of residency in Little Rock (such as a utility bill). The process can take several weeks from process to approval.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and voucher waiting lists are managed by LRHA, and both are frequently closed. When a list is closed, LRHA is not taking new applications. When it reopens, it may stay open for only a few weeks or a few months. The wait time once you are on the list varies widely — it can be anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available.

You can call LRHA to ask the current status of each list. If a list is closed, ask when it might reopen and whether you can put your name on a notification list so LRHA contacts you when applications resume. Some housing authorities do this; LRHA's policy may vary.

While you wait, your income and household composition may change. LRHA will ask you to report major changes — such as a job loss, a new household member, or an increase in income — because these affect your may be able to access and rent amount. Failing to report changes can result in removal from the waiting list or overpayment of rent.

Other resources if LRHA lists are closed

If LRHA's waiting lists are closed and you need housing help now, other options exist in Little Rock. The city and Pulaski County run emergency rental information programs that help with back rent or upcoming rent if you have experienced a recent hardship. These are separate from LRHA and have different income limits and rules. You can reach 211 Arkansas (dial 211 or visit 211.org) to find current rental information programs in your area.

Nonprofit organizations in Little Rock also offer housing search help, financial counseling, and emergency funds. The Community Development Corporation of Pulaski County and the Salvation Army are two examples. These organizations can help you find affordable housing while you wait for LRHA or if you do not meet LRHA's requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Once you submit a complete process, approval typically takes 30 to 60 days. However, if you are on a waiting list, you may wait months or years before your name is called. The total time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available.

Can I use a voucher to rent outside Little Rock?

LRHA vouchers are generally valid only within Little Rock and Pulaski County, though some vouchers may be portable to other areas under certain conditions. Call LRHA to ask whether your voucher can be used outside the city if you are considering a move.

What happens if my income increases while I am in public housing or using a voucher?

If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program or pay a higher rent. LRHA will notify you and give you time to find new housing. Report income changes promptly so LRHA can recalculate your rent and let you know what to expect.

Do I have to pay a deposit to move into public housing or use a voucher?

For public housing, LRHA typically does not require a security deposit because your rent is already subsidized. For vouchers, the landlord may ask for a deposit, but LRHA does not pay it — you would need to cover it yourself or ask the landlord to waive it.

What if I have a criminal record or past eviction?

LRHA considers criminal history and evictions but does not automatically deny applicants. Recent serious crimes or a pattern of lease violations make approval less likely. Contact LRHA directly to discuss your situation and ask what their specific policies are regarding your circumstances.