What the Manchester Housing Authority does

The Manchester Housing Authority is a local public agency that owns and operates affordable rental housing in Manchester, Connecticut. It does not issue Section 8 vouchers or run a waiting list for the entire state — it manages specific apartment buildings and complexes within Manchester itself. If you live in Manchester and need affordable housing, you contact them directly. If you live elsewhere in Connecticut, you need to contact your own town's housing authority or the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.

The Authority owns roughly 400 units across multiple properties. These are traditional public housing — you pay rent based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn. The Authority handles tenant screening, lease enforcement, maintenance, and rent collection. They are not a voucher program and do not subsidize rent in private apartments.

Key Takeaways

  • Manchester Housing Authority manages its own apartment buildings in Manchester only; you must contact your town's authority if you live elsewhere in Connecticut.
  • Rent is typically set at 30 percent of your household income, and income limits vary by unit type and family size.
  • You must complete an process in person or by mail, provide proof of income and residency, and wait for a decision that usually takes several weeks.
  • The Authority maintains a waiting list that can be closed when demand is high; call ahead to confirm whether applications are currently being taken.
  • Once housed, you sign a lease and must report income changes within 10 days, as rent adjusts annually based on your earnings.

Income limits and who can live there

The Manchester Housing Authority serves households at or below 80 percent of the area median income. The exact dollar limit depends on family size and changes yearly. For example, a single person's limit might be around $52,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $74,000, but these figures shift each year based on federal guidelines. You must contact the Authority directly for the current year's limits.

You do not have to be a Manchester resident to explore, but you must be able to move to Manchester if you are selected. The Authority screens for criminal history, eviction records, and rental payment history. A prior eviction or felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the Authority will review the details and make a case-by-case decision.

how the process works and what documents you need

Applications are submitted in person at the Manchester Housing Authority office or by mail. Call 860-645-5871 to confirm the office is accepting new applications — the waiting list closes periodically when it grows too long. Ask for the process form and a list of required documents at that time.

You will typically need to bring or mail: a government-issued photo ID, proof of current income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and Social Security numbers for all household members. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or a letter explaining your situation. If you receive child support or alimony, include those documents. The Authority may also request a credit report authorization form.

Once you submit a complete process, the Authority reviews it and contacts you within two to four weeks. They may ask for additional documents or schedule an in-person interview. The full decision process typically takes four to eight weeks from submission.

Rent calculation and what you actually pay

Rent is set at 30 percent of your gross household income. If your household earns $2,000 per month, your rent would be $600. The Authority recalculates your rent annually based on income changes you report. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises.

You are responsible for utilities unless they are included in your lease — this varies by unit. Some buildings include water and trash; others do not. Ask about utility responsibility when you receive your lease. You are also responsible for renters insurance, which is typically required and costs $10 to $20 per month.

The waiting list and how long it takes to get housed

The Manchester Housing Authority maintains a waiting list. When you are accepted, you are placed on the list in the order your process was received. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. Wait times can range from a few months to several years, depending on demand and turnover.

The Authority may close the waiting list temporarily if it grows too long. Call before explore to confirm the list is open. Once you are on the list, the Authority will contact you when a unit matching your family size becomes available. You then have a set number of days to accept or decline the unit. If you decline, you may be removed from the list or moved to the back, depending on the Authority's policy.

Lease terms and tenant responsibilities

Once you move in, you sign a lease that typically runs for one year and renews annually. You must pay rent on time, keep the unit clean and undamaged, and report maintenance problems promptly. The Authority conducts annual inspections to may support units meet housing quality standards.

You must report any income changes within 10 days. This includes new employment, a job loss, a change in hours, or a household member moving in or out. Failure to report changes can result in back rent owed or lease violation. You can be evicted for non-payment, lease violations, or criminal activity on the property.

Contact information and next steps

The Manchester Housing Authority office is located at 66 Linden Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040. The main phone number is 860-645-5871. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but call to confirm current hours.

If you are not sure whether you live in Manchester's service area, ask. If you live in a different Connecticut town, contact your local housing authority. You can find contact information for all Connecticut housing authorities through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority website or by calling 211, which is a free referral line that connects you to local housing resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes. The Authority reviews evictions case by case. How recent the eviction was, why it happened, and what your housing situation has been since then all matter. An eviction from five years ago is viewed differently than one from last year. Call the Authority and ask whether they would consider your situation before spending time on a full process.

What happens if my income goes up after I move in?

Your rent will increase at your next annual recertification. You report your new income, the Authority recalculates your rent at 30 percent of the new amount, and your lease is renewed at the higher rent. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn above the Authority's income limit and be asked to move, but this is rare and usually happens over several years.

How do I report a maintenance problem?

Contact the Manchester Housing Authority maintenance department by phone at 860-645-5871 or visit the office in person. Describe the problem — a leak, broken appliance, heating issue — and they will schedule a repair. For emergencies like no heat in winter or a burst pipe, call and explain it is urgent; they have an emergency line for after-hours situations.

What if the waiting list is closed when I call?

Ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can call back at that time. Some authorities keep a list of people interested in explore and contact them when the list reopens. You can also explore other options: contact your town's housing authority, look into Section 8 vouchers through the state, or call 211 for other affordable housing programs in the area.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to explore?

No, but you must have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The Authority will ask for proof of identity and legal residency status. Undocumented immigrants are generally not may be able to access for public housing, but mixed-status households may be. Ask the Authority directly about your specific situation.