What Louisville Metro Housing Authority does

Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) is the public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps pay for — instead, it distributes federal money to landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income requirements. LMHA also manages public housing properties directly, though most of its work now involves vouchers that let tenants rent from private landlords.

The agency operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the programs, income limits, and waiting lists follow national patterns, but LMHA makes its own decisions about how to run them locally and how long its waiting lists are.

Key Takeaways

  • LMHA runs two main programs: public housing it owns directly, and Housing Choice Vouchers that let you rent from any landlord who accepts them.
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes yearly and depends on family size.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically years long, and LMHA opens and closes them based on how many people are waiting.
  • You explore directly to LMHA, either online through their website or in person at their office on West Broadway in Louisville.
  • LMHA also runs emergency rental information and other temporary programs, though these have separate applications and different rules.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

LMHA owns and manages public housing apartments in Louisville. These are buildings where LMHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum amount. You live in an LMHA property and follow LMHA lease terms. Public housing has its own waiting list, and the wait is typically several years.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. LMHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to any landlord in the Louisville area who will accept it. The landlord gets paid partly by LMHA and partly by you — you still pay roughly 30 percent of your income as rent. You choose where to live, within program rules. The voucher waiting list is usually longer than the public housing list, sometimes five years or more.

Most people on LMHA information now use vouchers rather than live in public housing. Vouchers give you more choice about where to live, but they also require you to find a landlord willing to participate in the program — not all do.

Income limits and who can explore

LMHA programs are for households earning below a certain amount. The limit depends on family size and changes every year. For example, a single person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $55,000 to $60,000, but these numbers shift. You can call LMHA or check their website to find the current year's limits for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. LMHA will ask for proof of identity, income, and residency. If you have an eviction record or criminal history, you may still be able to explore, but LMHA has rules about what disqualifies someone — these are set by federal law and LMHA policy.

Families with children, elderly people, and people with disabilities are all welcome to explore. There is no separate "priority" category that speeds up the process, though some programs (like emergency rental information) may prioritize certain situations.

how the process works and what to expect

You explore directly to LMHA. The easiest way is online through their website, where you can submit an process for public housing, a voucher, or both. You can also explore in person at the LMHA office located at 1075 South 1st Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40203. Phone the main number to confirm office hours and whether you need an appointment.

When you explore, you will need to provide documents showing your identity, income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of that too. LMHA will verify this information with your employer or other sources.

After you explore, LMHA adds you to the waiting list. You will receive a confirmation letter with your position or process number. The wait time varies — it can be several years for either program. LMHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, so keep your contact information current and check mail regularly.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

When LMHA calls you, you will go through a process called "lease-up" for vouchers or move-in for public housing. For vouchers, LMHA will explain the program rules, give you the voucher, and you then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and a place that meets program standards. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a contract with LMHA.

For public housing, LMHA will show you available units, you choose one, and then you sign a lease with LMHA as your landlord. You pay your portion of rent (30 percent of income) and LMHA covers the rest from federal funds.

In both cases, LMHA will do a background check and may inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If you have a criminal record or eviction history, LMHA will review it at this stage — passing the waiting list does not may provide approval.

Other LMHA programs and services

Beyond public housing and vouchers, LMHA sometimes runs emergency rental information programs funded by federal COVID relief or other temporary sources. These programs help people behind on rent or facing eviction. They have separate applications, shorter waiting periods, and different income rules. Check LMHA's website or call to ask whether emergency rental funds are currently open.

LMHA also manages some supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness or with disabilities. These are smaller programs with their own rules and waiting lists. If you are in crisis or homeless, ask LMHA staff about these options or contact a local homeless services provider who can refer you.

Contact information and resources

The main LMHA office is at 1075 South 1st Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40203. You can reach them by phone at (502) 627-0701. Their website has process forms, current income limits, waiting list information, and details about which programs are open. You can also visit in person during office hours to ask questions or explore.

If you need help understanding the process or have questions about your status on the waiting list, LMHA staff can answer them. If you are having trouble reaching LMHA or believe you have been treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with HUD, which oversees all housing authorities. HUD's contact information is available on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for LMHA housing?

Waiting times vary and change based on how many people are on the list and how many units or vouchers become available. Public housing waiting lists are typically shorter than voucher lists, but both can be several years. Call LMHA or check their website to find out the current wait time for your area and program type.

Can I explore for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes. You can submit separate applications for both programs, and you will be on both waiting lists. If you are selected for one program first, you can usually stay on the other list or withdraw. Ask LMHA about their policy when you explore.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a valid Social Security number or may be able to access immigration status to participate in LMHA programs. If you do not have a number, contact LMHA to discuss your situation. They can explain what documentation you need and whether you are able to explore.

Do I have to move out if my income goes above the limit?

No. Once you are in an LMHA program, you can stay even if your income rises above the limit. However, your rent may increase — LMHA will recalculate it based on your new income. Eventually, if your income stays high, LMHA may ask you to leave, but this is not automatic and happens gradually.

What if a landlord will not accept my voucher?

Landlords can choose whether to participate in the voucher program, and some do not. If you have trouble finding a landlord, LMHA staff can give you a list of landlords who accept vouchers in your area. You can also ask LMHA about reasonable accommodation if you have a disability — they may be able to help you find housing.