What the Memphis Housing Authority does

The Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Shelby County, Tennessee. It does not build or own most of the housing — it pays landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it manages public housing complexes it does own. The agency is separate from the city government and has its own board and budget.

MHA's main job is to move money from federal grants to landlords and property owners, and to verify that tenants meet income limits. It does not decide who gets housing based on need or preference — it works from waiting lists, and most programs have long queues. The agency is located in Memphis but serves the broader Shelby County area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and project-based rental information across Shelby County.
  • Most programs have waiting lists that are closed or have years-long delays, so calling to ask the current status is the first step.
  • You must meet income limits (usually 50 to 80 percent of area median income) and provide proof of citizenship or legal residency to be considered.
  • MHA's main office is at 700 Adams Avenue in Memphis, and phone lines are often busy during business hours.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis now, local emergency rental information or 211 referrals may move faster than MHA waiting lists.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through MHA

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is MHA's largest program. It gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's property. You find the unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and MHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your household income.

The Section 8 waiting list in Memphis has been closed for years. MHA occasionally opens it for a limited time, usually for a few weeks, and then closes it again. You must call MHA directly at (901) 521-2900 to ask whether the list is currently open. Do not rely on the website alone — the status changes and phone staff can tell you the exact date applications are being accepted.

If the list opens, you will need to submit proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members. The income limit for a family of four is typically around $50,000 to $55,000 per year, though this varies. After you are added to the waiting list, the wait time is often three to five years or longer.

Public Housing managed by MHA

MHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Memphis and Shelby County. These are apartment buildings where MHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and the same income limits explore as Section 8. Public housing waiting lists are also typically closed.

Public housing units are older and conditions vary widely by complex. Some have been recently renovated; others have maintenance issues. When you are offered a unit, you can see it before you accept it. If you refuse an offer, you may lose your place on the waiting list, so ask questions before you say no.

To ask about public housing availability, call MHA at the same number: (901) 521-2900. Staff can tell you which complexes have openings and what the current waiting time is.

Income limits and what you need to bring

All MHA programs use area median income (AMI) to set limits. For Shelby County, the limits change yearly. A household at 50 percent AMI is considered very low income; 80 percent AMI is low income. Most MHA programs serve households at or below 80 percent AMI, though some public housing is reserved for 50 percent AMI households.

When you contact MHA or visit in person, bring or be ready to provide: a photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), Social Security cards or numbers for all household members, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, green card, or work visa). If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have a valid immigration status to be considered.

MHA will also run a background check and verify your rental history. Evictions, criminal convictions, or serious lease violations can disqualify you or delay your approval. If you have a record, ask MHA staff what their specific policy is — some programs are stricter than others.

How to contact MHA and where to go in person

The Memphis Housing Authority main office is at 700 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. Phone lines are busiest in the morning and early afternoon. The main number is (901) 521-2900. You can also visit in person during business hours to ask about waiting list status or to submit documents.

MHA also has satellite offices in other parts of Shelby County. If you live outside Memphis proper, ask whether there is an office closer to you. Some offices handle specific programs or have shorter wait times.

The agency website is www.memphistha.org, but it does not always show real-time waiting list status. Call before you visit or explore online, because many programs are closed and reopening dates are announced by phone first.

What to do if MHA waiting lists are closed

If you need housing now and MHA lists are closed, there are faster options. Emergency rental information through Shelby County or the City of Memphis can help if you are behind on rent or facing eviction. These programs move faster than MHA — sometimes within two to six weeks — and do not have the same waiting lists.

Call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) to find emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or homeless services in your area. You can also contact the Shelby County Office of Community Services or the City of Memphis Housing and Community Development office directly. These agencies know which programs are currently open and can tell you what documents you need.

If you are unhoused or at when ready risk, contact a homeless services provider. The Memphis area has several nonprofits that offer shelter, case management, and help with housing placement. 211 can connect you to these services as well.

Project-Based Rental information and other MHA programs

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, MHA administers project-based rental information at specific apartment complexes. In this program, the subsidy is tied to the building, not to you — if you move, you lose the subsidy. Rent is still 30 percent of income, and income limits are the same. These programs are smaller and waiting lists vary by property.

MHA also manages housing for seniors and people with disabilities through specialized programs. If you are over 62 or have a disability, ask MHA whether you may have access to for priority placement or a dedicated program. Some complexes reserve units for these populations.

Call MHA to ask which programs you might be considered for based on your household composition and income. Staff can walk you through the differences and tell you which waiting list is shortest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from MHA?

The waiting list is typically three to five years or longer, depending on how many people are ahead of you. Some years MHA does not move the list at all. Call to ask the current average wait time. If you are in a crisis situation now, emergency rental information or rapid rehousing will move much faster.

Can I be denied housing because of an eviction on my record?

Yes. MHA has a policy on evictions, but the details vary by program. Some programs deny anyone with an eviction in the last three to five years; others look at the reason and circumstances. Call and ask to speak with someone about your specific situation before you explore.

What if my income goes up after I get a voucher or public housing?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may be required to leave the program. MHA will tell you the exact income ceiling when you are approved. Report income changes to MHA within 30 days.

Do I have to live in Memphis to use MHA housing?

No. MHA serves all of Shelby County, which includes Memphis and surrounding areas. You do not have to work in Memphis or have lived there before. You do need to show you intend to live in the county.

What if I cannot reach MHA by phone?

Try calling early in the morning or late afternoon when lines are less busy. You can also visit the office in person at 700 Adams Avenue. If you need help navigating the system, call 211 and ask for a housing navigator or case manager who can help you contact MHA.