What Maricopa Housing Authority does

Maricopa Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Maricopa County, Arizona. It does not provide cash information or rental grants. Instead, it owns and manages apartment buildings where tenants pay reduced rent based on their income, and it distributes vouchers that let tenants rent from private landlords while the authority pays part of the rent directly to the property owner.

MHA serves the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If you live in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, or another incorporated city, that city may have its own housing authority or you may fall under a different jurisdiction. You can confirm which authority covers your address by calling MHA or checking the county assessor's map.

The authority operates from a central office in Phoenix and maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers. Both programs have long waiting lists — sometimes years — and both are currently closed to new applications, though this status changes periodically.

Key Takeaways

  • MHA runs public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies you use at private landlords), but does not distribute emergency rental funds or cash grants.
  • You must live in unincorporated Maricopa County to explore; residents of Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and other cities should contact their own housing authority instead.
  • Both the public housing and voucher waiting lists are typically closed and can have multi-year waits even when open, so call ahead to confirm current status.
  • MHA requires proof of income, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and a background check that screens for certain criminal convictions and lease violations.
  • If you are experiencing a housing emergency right now, contact your city or county 211 line or the Community Services Department for when ready rental information instead.

Public housing managed by MHA

MHA owns and operates apartment complexes in Maricopa County where rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. You pay that amount directly to MHA; the authority covers the rest of the cost to maintain the building. Public housing is permanent — once you are in, you can stay as long as you meet lease terms and income limits, though your rent will increase if your income rises.

Public housing units are scattered across the county in various developments. MHA maintains a waiting list and prioritizes based on date of process and preference categories (such as homelessness or displacement). When a unit becomes available, MHA contacts the next person on the list. The wait can be several years depending on the development and your household size.

To be considered for public housing, you must have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income for Maricopa County. For a family of four in 2024, this is roughly $65,000 annually, though the exact limit varies by family size and changes yearly. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly subsidy that goes directly to a private landlord on your behalf. You find an apartment on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and MHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference — typically 30 percent of your income — out of pocket. This gives you more choice in where you live compared to public housing, since you are not limited to MHA-owned buildings.

The voucher amount is set by MHA based on the size of your household and the neighborhood where you rent. If you find an apartment that costs more than the voucher covers, you can pay the difference yourself. If it costs less, you pay less. The voucher is portable — if you move to another county in Arizona or another state, you can transfer it to a housing authority there, though the new authority must have available vouchers to accept the transfer.

Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing: roughly 80 percent of area median income. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. The voucher waiting list is typically closed and can have a multi-year wait when it opens.

How to contact MHA and check waiting list status

Maricopa Housing Authority's main office is located in Phoenix. You can reach them by phone to ask whether the waiting list is currently open, what the current wait time is, and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to explore. The phone number and office address are available on the MHA website or through a 211 call.

If the waiting list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. Some people call back periodically to check status. You can also ask whether you are may be able to access based on your income and household composition before you gather documents.

If you need housing information right now and cannot wait for a public housing or voucher opening, ask MHA staff for a referral to emergency rental information or other when ready resources. Many county and city programs exist specifically for people in crisis.

Background check and criminal history screening

MHA conducts a background check on all applicants and household members age 18 and older. The check includes criminal history, eviction history, and previous lease violations. Certain convictions — particularly those involving drugs, violence, or sex offenses — can result in denial. An eviction judgment or a pattern of lease violations can also disqualify you.

If you have a criminal record or eviction history, you can still explore, but you should be prepared to explain the circumstances. MHA considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Having a letter of reference from a current or former landlord, employer, or community organization can help your case.

You have the right to request a copy of your background check report and to dispute any inaccuracies. If MHA denies you based on background information, they must provide written notice of the reason and tell you how to appeal.

Income limits and what counts as income

MHA uses gross household income to determine whether you are within the income limit and to calculate your rent. Gross income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, alimony, and most other sources of cash income. It does not include food stamps, Medicaid, or certain other non-cash benefits.

If your income is above the limit when you explore, you cannot be admitted. If your income rises after you are admitted to public housing or receive a voucher, your rent will increase, but you will not be removed from the program. Some programs have income limits for continued occupancy, but MHA's public housing and voucher programs typically allow you to stay even if income rises above the initial limit.

You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you are self-employed, retired, or receiving benefits, bring documentation for those sources as well. MHA staff can tell you exactly what documents to bring when you call.

Documents you will need to explore

MHA requires proof of identity, income, citizenship or immigration status, and household composition. Bring a government-issued photo ID for each household member age 18 and older. You will also need Social Security numbers for all household members, including children.

For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and income. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or other benefits, bring the award letter or a recent statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and business records.

For citizenship or immigration status, bring a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other document showing your status. Non-citizens must have may be able to access immigration status to be admitted. MHA staff can explain which immigration statuses may have access to.

Bring proof of household composition — birth certificates for children, custody documents if applicable, and marriage certificates if you are married. If you are currently homeless or living in a shelter, bring documentation of that status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I explore to MHA if I live in Phoenix or another city?

No. If you live in Phoenix, contact the Housing Authority of the City of Phoenix. If you live in Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, or another incorporated city, contact that city's housing authority. MHA serves only unincorporated Maricopa County. Call 211 or check the county assessor's website to confirm which authority covers your address.

How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing unit?

The wait depends on the current waiting list length and how many units become available. Waits can range from one to five years or longer. Call MHA to ask the current wait time for your household size. Some people are housed within months; others wait years. There is no way to speed up the process once you are on the list.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction judgment can disqualify you, but MHA considers the circumstances. If the eviction was years ago and you have since maintained good rental history, you may still be considered. Bring documentation of your current housing stability and any letters of reference from landlords or employers. Ask MHA staff whether your specific situation would likely result in denial before you spend time gathering documents.

Can I use my voucher in another state?

Yes, but the receiving housing authority must have available vouchers. Contact the housing authority in the state where you want to move and ask whether they can accept a transfer. Some states and regions have more availability than others. The process can take several months, so plan ahead if you are considering a move.

What happens if my income goes up after I get a voucher?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income, but you will not lose the voucher. You can stay in the program as long as you continue to pay your portion of the rent. There is no income ceiling for continued occupancy in MHA's voucher program.