What the Housing Authority of New Orleans Actually Does

The Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) is a public agency that manages public housing units and administers housing vouchers in Orleans Parish. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — it leases units from private landlords and pays the difference between what a tenant can afford and the market rent. HANO also runs the waiting list for public housing and vouchers, sets income limits, and processes paperwork for people seeking information.

HANO is separate from the city government. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Orleans Parish and need to know whether you are on a waiting list, what your next step is, or what documents you need to bring, HANO is the office that holds that information.

Key Takeaways

  • HANO administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Orleans Parish, but does not run emergency rental information or other temporary programs.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed, and HANO announces openings on its website and through 211 referrals.
  • You must meet income limits, citizenship or legal residency requirements, and pass a background check to be considered for either program.
  • HANO's main office is located in New Orleans, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about your status or to request documents.

Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers: What HANO Administers

HANO runs two separate programs. Public housing means HANO leases a unit directly from a private owner and you pay rent to HANO. Your rent is based on your income — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum. HANO keeps the rest of the rent from federal funds.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. You find your own apartment on the private market, and HANO pays the landlord a portion of the rent directly. You pay the difference out of pocket. Section 8 gives you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a housing inspection.

Both programs have long waiting lists. HANO does not maintain a single combined list — you can be on the waiting list for public housing, the waiting list for Section 8, or both. The lists are often closed, meaning HANO is not accepting new names. When a list opens, HANO announces it through its website, local news, and the 211 helpline.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

HANO sets income limits based on family size and area median income. These limits change each year. For example, a single person's limit might be around $35,000 to $40,000 gross annual income, but the exact figure depends on HUD's calculation for Orleans Parish in that year. A family of four would have a higher limit. You must be at or below the limit to be considered.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have a valid immigration status recognized by HUD. HANO will ask for proof — a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other document. If you are not sure whether your status qualifies, call HANO and ask before you gather documents.

HANO conducts a background check on all household members age 18 and older. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly drug-related felonies or crimes of violence — may. HANO also checks whether you have been evicted or have unpaid rent judgments. If you have concerns about your history, you can request a pre-screening conversation with HANO staff.

How to learn about You Are on a Waiting List

If you applied to HANO in the past, you may already be on a waiting list. HANO does not send regular updates, so you have to check your status yourself. Call HANO's main office and provide your name, date of birth, and process number if you have it. Staff will tell you whether you are active on the list, where you rank, and what documents you need to bring when your name comes up.

You can also visit HANO's office in person. Bring a photo ID and any paperwork from a previous process. If you do not have an process number, staff can search by name and date of birth. Wait times at the office vary, so calling first to confirm hours and ask whether you need an appointment is often faster.

If you have never applied, you can only do so when the waiting list is open. HANO announces openings on its website and through 211. You can also call 211 directly and ask whether HANO's lists are currently open — 211 staff check this regularly and can tell you the status without you having to call HANO.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

When you explore or when your name comes up on the waiting list, HANO will ask for specific documents. Have these ready: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or I-94), a photo ID, and proof of address (utility bill or lease). If you receive benefits, bring verification letters from Social Security, TANF, or other programs.

If you have dependents, bring birth certificates for all children and proof of custody if applicable. If you are pregnant, bring a letter from your doctor. HANO also asks for the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of all household members who will live in the unit.

Bring originals or certified copies when possible. HANO staff can make copies for you, but they cannot accept photographs of documents or digital images in most cases. If you are missing a document, ask HANO what alternatives they will accept — sometimes a notarized statement or a letter from a government agency can substitute.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, HANO processes it in the order applications were received. This can take weeks or months depending on how many applications are ahead of yours and how complete your paperwork is. HANO will contact you if they need more information — usually by phone, so keep your contact number current.

Once HANO approves your process, your name goes on the active waiting list. You will be ranked by date of process and by preference categories if any explore (for example, some programs prioritize people with disabilities or people experiencing homelessness). HANO will call you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You then have a limited time — usually 10 to 14 days — to accept or decline the offer.

If you accept, HANO will schedule a lease signing or voucher orientation. For public housing, you sign a lease with HANO and receive keys. For Section 8, you receive your voucher packet and have 60 days to find an apartment and have it inspected. If you do not find a unit within that time, your voucher expires and you lose your place on the list.

How to Contact HANO and What to Expect

The Housing Authority of New Orleans main office is located in New Orleans. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, request documents, or ask questions about the programs. The phone number and office address are on HANO's official website. Call ahead if you plan to visit in person, as some services may require an appointment.

HANO staff can tell you whether you are on a waiting list, what your rank is, what documents you are missing, and when you can expect to hear from them. They cannot tell you exactly when a unit will become available — that depends on turnover in the housing stock. If you have been waiting for several years with no movement, ask whether your process is still active or whether you need to reapply.

If you have a complaint about HANO's service or believe you were treated unfairly, you can file a grievance with HANO's management. Ask for the grievance procedure when you call or visit. You can also contact HUD's New Orleans office if you believe HANO violated federal housing rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and you can be on both. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both lists. Tell HANO your preference when you explore.

What if I move out of Orleans Parish after I explore?

If you move outside Orleans Parish, you are no longer in HANO's service area. Your process will be closed. If you move back to Orleans Parish later, you can reapply when the waiting list opens. Some people who move temporarily keep their address as Orleans Parish to stay on the list — ask HANO whether this is allowed.

How long does it usually take to get a unit or voucher after I explore?

There is no set timeline. Waiting times vary from months to several years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how fast units turn over. HANO can tell you your rank on the list, which gives you a rough idea, but they cannot predict when your name will come up.

Do I have to pay an process fee?

No. HANO does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or Section 8 vouchers. If someone asks you for money to explore, it is a scam. explore directly through HANO's office.

What if I have a criminal record or an eviction?

HANO will review your background, but a record does not automatically disqualify you. Call HANO and ask whether you can have a pre-screening conversation about your specific situation before you explore. This gives you a sense of whether you are likely to be approved.