What Louisiana Housing Authority does

Louisiana Housing Authority (LHA) is a state agency that runs public housing and rental information programs across the state. It does not operate a single statewide program — instead, local housing authorities in each parish handle applications and manage properties in their area. If you live in New Orleans, you work with the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO). If you live in Baton Rouge, you work with the Baton Rouge Housing Authority. Each local authority has its own waiting list, its own properties, and its own timeline.

LHA oversees these local authorities and sets policy, but the day-to-day work of processing paperwork, managing leases, and maintaining units happens at the parish level. This matters because wait times, available units, and the speed of processing vary significantly depending on where you live in Louisiana.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana has no single housing authority — you explore through your local parish authority, which operates independently with its own waiting list and timeline.
  • Public housing and Section 8 vouchers are separate programs with different waiting lists, and both typically have long waits in urban areas.
  • You must meet income limits, provide proof of residency in the parish, and pass a background check to be considered.
  • The local housing authority in your parish is your first contact; calling them directly is faster than trying to reach a state office.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers in Louisiana

Louisiana offers two main rental information paths through local housing authorities: public housing (where the authority owns the building) and Section 8 vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and the authority pays part of your rent). They are separate programs with separate waiting lists, and your chances of getting into one do not affect the other.

Public housing in Louisiana includes traditional apartment complexes, townhouses, and scattered-site units. The authority sets the rent based on your income, typically between 25 and 40 percent of what you earn. You sign a lease with the housing authority itself, and the authority is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Wait times for public housing vary widely — in New Orleans, the wait can be several years; in smaller parishes, it may be shorter or the list may be closed.

Section 8 vouchers let you choose your own rental unit from a private landlord who agrees to participate. You pay a portion of the rent (usually 25 to 40 percent of your income), and the voucher covers the rest up to a payment standard set by the authority. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the landlord must pass the authority's inspection. Section 8 waiting lists are also long in most Louisiana parishes.

Income limits and who can explore

To be considered for either program, your household income must fall below a limit set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The limit depends on your household size and the parish where you live. A family of four in New Orleans has a different income limit than a family of four in Shreveport. You can contact your local housing authority to learn the current limit for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a valid Social Security number, and live in the parish where you are explore. Most authorities require proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your current address. You will need to provide income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer) and pass a background check. Felony convictions, particularly for drug-related offenses, can disqualify you, though policies vary by authority.

If you are currently homeless or living in a shelter, you may still be able to explore. Some authorities have preferences or expedited processing for people experiencing homelessness. Contact your local authority to ask whether they have a homeless preference program.

How to find and contact your local housing authority

Your local housing authority is the office that serves your parish. The Housing Authority of New Orleans serves Orleans Parish. The Baton Rouge Housing Authority serves East Baton Rouge Parish. Smaller parishes have their own authorities as well. You can find the correct office by searching "[your parish name] housing authority" online or by calling 211 Louisiana, which can direct you to the right office and tell you whether the waiting list is currently open.

When you call, ask whether the waiting list for public housing or Section 8 is open. Many authorities close their lists when they become too long and reopen them periodically. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. If it is open, ask what documents you need to bring and whether you can explore online or must explore in person. Some authorities accept applications only during certain windows or only by mail.

Bring or mail original documents or certified copies — a photo ID, proof of residency, proof of income, and Social Security cards for all household members. The authority will tell you what counts as acceptable proof. Processing typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on the authority's workload.

What happens after you explore

After you submit your process, the housing authority will verify your income, check your background, and confirm your residency. You will receive a letter telling you whether you have been placed on the waiting list. If you are placed on the list, you will be assigned a position based on the authority's preferences (some prioritize people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with children) and the date you applied.

While you wait, keep your contact information current with the authority. If you move, change your phone number, or change your income, notify them when ready. Many authorities remove people from the list if they cannot reach them or if contact information becomes outdated. Some authorities require you to recertify your information annually even while you are waiting.

When a unit becomes available, the authority will contact you. For public housing, you will be offered a specific unit. For Section 8, you will receive a voucher and have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and a unit that meets the program's standards. If you do not find a unit in time, you may lose the voucher.

Rent and income recertification once you are housed

Once you move into public housing or receive a Section 8 voucher, your rent is recalculated based on your income. Most programs charge 25 to 40 percent of your gross monthly income as rent. If your income changes, you must report it to the housing authority. If you earn more, your rent will increase. If you earn less, your rent will decrease.

You will be required to recertify your income and household composition annually. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your current income. If you do not recertify on time, your information can be suspended or terminated. The housing authority will send you a notice when recertification is due.

What to do if you are denied or removed from the list

If the housing authority denies your process or removes you from the waiting list, you have the right to request a hearing. The authority must give you written notice explaining the reason for the denial or removal. You can request a hearing in writing within a set timeframe (usually 10 to 30 days, depending on the authority). At the hearing, you can present evidence and explain your situation.

Common reasons for denial include income above the limit, a disqualifying criminal history, or failure to provide required documentation. If you were denied for income, you can reapply if your income later drops below the limit. If you were denied for a criminal conviction, some authorities have policies allowing you to appeal after a certain amount of time has passed. Contact your local authority to learn its specific policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Louisiana?

Wait times vary by parish and change over time. In New Orleans, the wait can be several years. In smaller parishes, it may be shorter or the list may be closed. Contact your local housing authority directly — they can tell you the current wait time and whether the list is open.

Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate lists. Being on one list does not affect your chances on the other. You can explore to both and wait for whichever becomes available first.

What happens to my Section 8 voucher if I move to a different parish?

Section 8 vouchers are tied to the local housing authority that issued them. If you move to a different parish, you generally cannot use the voucher there. You would need to explore through the new parish's housing authority. Some authorities have portability agreements that allow vouchers to be used in other areas, but this is not standard. Ask your current authority about portability before you move.

Do I have to work to get public housing or Section 8?

No. You do not have to be employed. Your household income must be below the limit, but that income can come from Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, or other sources. Public housing and Section 8 are available to people who are retired, disabled, or unable to work.

What if I have a criminal record?

Policies vary by authority. Most will not deny you solely for having a criminal record, but certain convictions — particularly drug-related felonies or crimes of violence — can disqualify you. Some authorities allow you to appeal after a certain number of years have passed. Contact your local authority and ask about their specific policy before you explore.