What the Loveland Housing Authority does

The Loveland Housing Authority is a public agency that runs public housing and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Loveland, Colorado. It does not provide cash information or emergency rental help — it manages long-term affordable housing through two main channels: public housing units that the Authority owns directly, and vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the program pays a portion of your rent.

The Authority is a separate legal entity from the City of Loveland, though it operates under state law and federal housing rules. If you are looking for emergency rent help, eviction prevention, or utility information, you will need to contact other agencies. The Authority's focus is on stable, ongoing housing for people with low to moderate incomes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Loveland Housing Authority runs public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, not emergency information or temporary programs.
  • Public housing is owned by the Authority; Section 8 vouchers let you choose a private rental and the program pays part of the rent.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and the wait time depends on current demand and funding — you must contact the Authority directly to learn the current wait.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check for either program.
  • The Authority's office is located in Loveland, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current openings and waiting list status.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent directly from them. The rent you pay is set at 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher). You live in a unit owned and maintained by the Authority, and the Authority handles repairs and upkeep. These units are scattered throughout Loveland.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the program pays the landlord a portion of the rent — typically the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for that unit. You choose where to live within Loveland and surrounding areas, and you rent from a private owner rather than the Authority. The Authority inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing standards, but the landlord is responsible for maintenance.

Both programs require you to meet income limits and other rules. Public housing tends to move faster for people with very low incomes; Section 8 gives you more choice in where you live but may have a longer waiting list.

Income limits and household requirements

The Loveland Housing Authority sets income limits based on the area median income for Larimer County. These limits change each year and depend on household size. For example, a single person's limit is lower than a family of four. You must contact the Authority directly to learn the current income limits, as they are updated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Authority will ask for proof of citizenship or a valid work permit. If anyone in your household is not a citizen, you will need to provide immigration documents.

The Authority will run a background check. Criminal history, eviction records, and drug-related convictions can disqualify you or delay approval. Each case is reviewed individually, and the Authority has some discretion in how it weighs past conduct.

Documents you will need

Before you contact the Authority, gather recent proof of income for everyone in your household. This includes pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns, Social Security statements, or unemployment letters. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank statements. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter.

You will also need a photo ID for each adult household member, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, green card, or work permit), and proof of Social Security numbers. If you are explore for Section 8, you may need to provide references from previous landlords or employers.

Bring any documentation of special needs or disabilities if they affect your housing requirements. The Authority uses this information to match you with appropriate units or to set reasonable accommodations.

How waiting lists work

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers operate waiting lists. When you contact the Authority, ask whether the list is currently open. Many housing authorities close their lists when demand is very high, then reopen them periodically. The Loveland Housing Authority may or may not be accepting new applications at any given time.

If the list is open, you will be added in the order you submit your process. Wait times vary widely — they can range from a few months to several years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. The Authority can tell you the current average wait time when you call.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change. If your income increases above the limit, you may be removed from the list. If you move out of the area, you should notify the Authority. Some people remain on the list for years before being called.

The process process

Contact the Loveland Housing Authority directly by phone or visit their office in person. They will tell you whether applications are being taken and which program has openings. Ask for an process form and a list of required documents.

Complete the process form with accurate information about your household, income, and background. Bring all required documents with you or mail them to the Authority. The staff will review your process and may ask follow-up questions about your income, household composition, or background.

The Authority will conduct a background check and verify your income. This process usually takes two to four weeks. You will be notified in writing whether you have been approved, placed on the waiting list, or denied. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason and your right to request a hearing.

What happens after approval

If you are approved for public housing, the Authority will contact you when a unit becomes available that matches your household size and needs. You will be offered the unit, and if you accept, you will sign a lease with the Authority. You will pay rent based on 30 percent of your income, and the Authority will handle maintenance and repairs.

If you are approved for Section 8, you will receive a voucher and a packet of information about how to search for a rental. You have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on the Authority's rules) to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher. Once you find a unit, the landlord must pass an inspection, and then the Authority will issue a lease addendum. Your rent payment begins once the lease is signed.

In both cases, you must continue to meet program rules. Your income will be recertified annually, and if it rises above the limit, your rent may increase or you may be asked to leave the program. The Authority can also terminate your participation if you violate lease terms or program rules.

Contact information and next steps

The Loveland Housing Authority is located in Loveland, Colorado. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current waiting list status, income limits, and whether applications are being taken. Having your household size and approximate income ready when you call will help the staff give you accurate information.

If you are in a housing crisis or facing eviction, the Authority is not the right resource — contact your local emergency information program, 211 Colorado, or the Larimer County Department of Human Services for when ready help. The Authority's programs are for long-term stable housing, not emergency situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing versus Section 8?

Wait times vary and change frequently based on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Call the Loveland Housing Authority directly — they can tell you the current average wait time for each program. Some people wait months; others wait years.

What if my income is above the limit?

You will not be able to enter the program if your income exceeds the limit set for your household size. Income limits are updated each year. If your income is close to the limit, ask the Authority whether you may be considered; some programs have slight flexibility or may count certain deductions.

Can I be denied because of an eviction in my past?

An eviction can disqualify you, but it depends on how recent it was and the circumstances. The Authority reviews each case individually. If you have an eviction record, be honest about it on your process and explain the situation. You may still be approved, especially if the eviction was several years ago.

What if I cannot find a landlord who will accept my Section 8 voucher?

This is a real problem in tight rental markets. The Authority can provide a list of landlords who have accepted vouchers in the past, and staff may be able to help you search. If you cannot find a unit within your time limit, contact the Authority about an extension or other options.

Do I have to stay in Loveland to use my voucher?

Section 8 vouchers are typically portable, meaning you can use them in other areas if you move. However, you must request a transfer and the receiving housing authority must have available vouchers. Public housing is tied to Loveland, so if you move away, you will lose your unit. Ask the Authority about portability rules before you move.