What the Maricopa County Housing Authority does

The Maricopa County Housing Authority (MCHA) is a government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs across Maricopa County, Arizona. It owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income residents, administers vouchers that help people pay rent in privately owned units, and handles emergency information during housing crises. The agency serves Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and dozens of smaller cities within the county.

MCHA does not build or own all the housing in the county — it partners with private landlords, nonprofits, and other agencies. Its main role is to connect people with affordable housing options and manage the money that makes those options possible. If you are looking for subsidized housing or rental help in Maricopa County, MCHA is usually the first place to contact.

Key Takeaways

  • MCHA runs public housing developments and the Housing Choice Voucher program, which are two separate paths to affordable rent.
  • Public housing is owned and managed directly by MCHA; vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and MCHA pays part of your rent.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and the time to get housing can range from months to years depending on the program and your circumstances.
  • You can contact MCHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office in Phoenix to learn about current openings and next steps.
  • Emergency rental information and other temporary programs may be available through MCHA or partner agencies when you face when ready housing loss.

Public housing managed by MCHA

MCHA owns and operates apartment communities where rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of what you earn each month. These developments are located throughout Maricopa County and range from small complexes to larger communities with hundreds of units. Living in public housing means MCHA is your landlord, handles maintenance, and sets the lease terms.

To live in public housing, you must meet income limits set by the federal government. These limits change yearly and depend on family size. A single person's income limit is different from a family of four. You will also need to pass a background check and provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or legal immigration status.

Public housing has a waiting list in most areas of Maricopa County. The wait time varies — some communities have shorter lists, others may have waits of a year or more. MCHA prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, living in unsafe conditions, or paying more than half your income toward rent.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, works differently from public housing. MCHA gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent — usually the difference between 30 percent of your income and the market rent. You then find your own apartment from a private landlord who accepts vouchers, and MCHA pays the landlord directly each month.

This program gives you more choice in where you live compared to public housing. You can rent a house, townhouse, or apartment anywhere in Maricopa County as long as the landlord participates and the unit meets MCHA's housing quality standards. The landlord must allow the inspection and agree to the voucher payment amount.

The Housing Choice Voucher program also has a waiting list, and it is often longer than public housing lists. MCHA may close the list when it reaches capacity. If the list is closed, you can ask to be placed on a future opening list, and MCHA will contact you when applications reopen.

How to contact MCHA and explore

The main office of the Maricopa County Housing Authority is located in Phoenix. You can reach them by phone during business hours, by mail, or by visiting in person. Their website lists current phone numbers, office hours, and the mailing address. Some MCHA developments also have their own leasing offices where you can ask questions about that specific community.

When you contact MCHA, ask whether waiting lists are currently open for public housing or vouchers. If they are open, MCHA will send you an process or direct you to explore online. You will need to provide documents like proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), a government-issued ID, and proof of Social Security number.

The process process itself is free. MCHA does not charge fees to explore or to be placed on a waiting list. Once you submit your process, MCHA will review it and contact you if you are selected from the list. This can take weeks or months depending on how many people are ahead of you.

Emergency rental information and other programs

Beyond public housing and vouchers, MCHA may administer emergency rental information during times when funding is available. These programs help people who are behind on rent, facing eviction, or unable to pay utilities. Funding comes from federal or state sources and is not permanent — programs open and close based on available money.

To learn about emergency information is currently available, contact MCHA directly or call 211, a free referral service that knows which programs are active in your area. If you are in when ready danger of eviction, tell your landlord you are seeking information and ask them to delay filing. Many programs can move quickly once you are in the system.

MCHA also partners with nonprofits and other agencies on housing programs. These might include rapid rehousing for people experiencing homelessness, supportive housing with services, or down payment help for homebuyers. Ask MCHA what programs are available for your situation.

Income limits and who can get housing through MCHA

MCHA programs are for people with low to very low incomes. The federal government sets income limits each year, and they vary by family size and by area within Maricopa County. A family of four might have a different limit than a single person, and limits in Phoenix may differ slightly from limits in outlying areas.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. MCHA will ask for proof, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you are not sure whether you may have access to, contact MCHA and ask — they can review your situation without committing you to anything.

Background checks are standard. MCHA looks at criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. Having a criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but MCHA will consider the details. If you have concerns about your background, ask MCHA what their specific policies are before you explore.

Waiting lists and how long housing takes

Both public housing and vouchers operate on waiting lists. The time from process to move-in depends on how many people are ahead of you, how many units become available, and whether you are in a priority category. Some people wait a few months; others wait years.

MCHA will tell you your position on the list or give you an estimate of wait time when you explore. Priorities may include people who are homeless, living in substandard housing, or paying an extremely high percentage of income toward rent. If your situation changes — for example, you become homeless — tell MCHA, as this may move you up the list.

While you wait, keep your contact information current with MCHA. If you move or change your phone number, update your process. If MCHA cannot reach you when a unit becomes available, they may skip you and move to the next person on the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between public housing and a voucher?

Public housing is owned by MCHA — you rent directly from them, and they manage the building. A voucher lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts vouchers; MCHA pays part of the rent to the landlord. Vouchers give you more choice in location and type of housing, but public housing may have shorter wait times in some areas.

How long does it take to get housing after I explore?

It depends on the program and how many people are on the waiting list. Some people wait a few months; others wait a year or longer. MCHA can give you an estimate when you explore. Priority categories like homelessness or unsafe living conditions may move you up the list faster.

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

Yes, you can still explore. MCHA considers eviction history but does not automatically reject applicants. The details matter — an eviction from years ago is viewed differently than a recent one. Contact MCHA to discuss your specific situation before you explore if you are concerned.

What if the waiting list is closed?

When MCHA reaches capacity, it closes the list temporarily. You can ask to be added to a future opening list, and MCHA will contact you when applications reopen. Check the MCHA website or call to find out the current status of the list you are interested in.

Do I have to pay a fee to explore?

No. MCHA does not charge fees to explore or to be on a waiting list. If someone asks you for money to help you get housing through MCHA, that is a scam. All MCHA services are free to people who meet the income requirements.