What the Memphis Housing Authority does

The Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Memphis and Shelby County. It runs public housing developments, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), and helps low-income households find stable places to live. MHA does not build or own all the housing it oversees — it contracts with private landlords and property owners who agree to accept vouchers or rent at rates set by the authority.

The agency operates under federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs follow federal rules about who can participate and how much rent tenants pay. MHA's main office is located in Memphis, and it serves residents across Shelby County.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (where MHA owns the building) and Housing Choice Vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and MHA pays part of the rent).
  • To work with MHA, your household income must fall below the area median income limit, which changes each year and depends on family size.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and MHA opens and closes its lists based on how many people are waiting.
  • You can contact MHA directly by phone, in person, or through their website to learn whether a program is currently accepting new households.
  • MHA tenants typically pay 30 percent of their household income toward rent, with the program covering the rest up to the market rate.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

MHA operates two different types of affordable housing. Public housing means MHA owns the building and you rent directly from the authority. These are apartment complexes or scattered units throughout Memphis and Shelby County. MHA handles maintenance, sets the rules, and collects rent.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. You find a rental property on the private market — a house, apartment, or townhouse — and the landlord agrees to accept a voucher. MHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent based on the unit's market rate and your income. You pay the difference, usually 30 percent of your household income. This gives you more choice in where you live, but you depend on finding a landlord willing to accept the voucher.

Both programs require you to meet income limits and pass a background check. Public housing may have shorter wait times in some cases, but availability varies. Vouchers give you more control over your housing choice but require you to do the legwork of finding a landlord.

Income limits and who can participate

To participate in either MHA program, your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Shelby County. The exact limit depends on your family size — a single person has a different limit than a family of four. These limits are set by HUD and adjusted annually, usually in April.

For example, if you are a family of four, your income limit will be higher than if you are a single person. MHA uses your gross household income — before taxes — to determine whether you meet the limit. Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular payments.

You will also need to pass a background check. MHA screens for criminal history, eviction records, and past housing violations. The standards vary depending on the offense and how long ago it occurred. Contact MHA directly to understand how a specific history might affect your standing.

How to get on the waiting list

The first step is to contact the Memphis Housing Authority to find out whether they are currently accepting new applications. You can reach them by phone at their main office, visit in person, or check their website for current information. MHA does not always have an open waiting list — when the list reaches a certain size, they close it until spots open up.

If the list is open, you will need to complete an process. Bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), a photo ID, and proof of residency in Shelby County. You may also need to provide information about anyone else in your household and sign a release allowing MHA to verify your background and income.

After you submit your process, MHA will contact you to confirm receipt and let you know your position on the waiting list. Wait times vary widely — some people are called within months, while others wait a year or longer. MHA prioritizes certain households, such as those experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing, so your position may move up or down as new applications come in.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

When MHA calls you, they will schedule an appointment to complete your intake interview. At this meeting, you will provide detailed information about your household, income, and housing needs. MHA staff will explain the program rules, your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and what to expect next.

For public housing, MHA will show you available units and help you choose one that fits your family size and needs. For vouchers, you will receive your voucher and a list of participating landlords and properties. You then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a rental property and have the landlord agree to accept the voucher.

Once you move in, you will pay your portion of the rent to the landlord each month, and MHA will pay their portion directly to the property owner. You must follow the lease terms and MHA's program rules, which include keeping the unit in good condition and reporting any changes in your household income or composition.

Rent and what you actually pay

In both public housing and voucher programs, you typically pay 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income toward rent. If your income is very low, MHA may set a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month). If your income increases, your rent payment increases as well.

MHA's portion of the rent is capped at the payment standard for your area and unit size. The payment standard is set by HUD and reflects the local market rent. If a landlord charges more than the payment standard, you pay the difference out of pocket. If they charge less, you pay less.

Your rent can change if your income changes. You are required to report increases in income to MHA, which will raise your rent payment. Decreases in income may lower your payment, but you must report those as well. MHA will review your income annually and adjust your rent accordingly.

Contact information and next steps

The Memphis Housing Authority's main office is located in Memphis, Tennessee. You can reach them by phone to ask about current waiting list status, program details, and how the process works. They also have a website where you may find additional information and resources.

Before you contact MHA, gather documents that show your income, residency, and identity. Having these ready will speed up the process process. If you have questions about whether you meet the income limit or have concerns about your background, you can ask during your initial call — MHA staff can often give you a general sense of your standing without a full process.

If MHA's waiting list is closed, ask when they expect to reopen it. Some people call back periodically to check status. You can also explore other affordable housing options in Memphis while you wait, such as rental information programs or nonprofits that help with housing placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Memphis Housing Authority?

Wait times vary and change throughout the year. Some programs may have a wait of several months to over a year. MHA can tell you the current wait time when you call. If the list is closed, ask when they expect to reopen it and whether you can be added to a future list.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but MHA will review the details. How long ago it happened, why it occurred, and whether you have stable housing since then all matter. Contact MHA to discuss your specific situation — they can explain how it affects your standing.

Can I choose which neighborhood I live in with a voucher?

With a Housing Choice Voucher, you can search for rental properties anywhere in Shelby County that meet MHA's standards and where the landlord accepts vouchers. You have more choice than with public housing, but your options depend on which landlords participate and what units are available in your price range.

What happens if my income increases while I am in the program?

You must report income increases to MHA, and your rent payment will go up. Your rent will be recalculated based on 30 percent of your new income. If your income rises above the program limit, you may eventually be asked to leave the program, though MHA usually gives you time to transition.

Do I have to stay in public housing or can I move to a voucher program?

These are separate programs with separate waiting lists. If you are in public housing and want a voucher instead, you would need to explore for the voucher program separately and go through the waiting list process again. Ask MHA whether there are any options to transfer between programs.