What Miami-Dade Housing Authority does

Miami-Dade Housing Authority (MDHA) is a public agency that runs public housing, rental vouchers, and housing support programs across Miami-Dade County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to house low-income residents, and it manages public housing communities it does own. The agency answers to a board of commissioners and operates under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules.

MDHA's main programs are the public housing program (where it owns the buildings), the Housing Choice Voucher program (where it pays part of your rent at a private landlord's property), and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. The agency also runs family self-sufficiency programs and works with nonprofits on affordable housing development. Most people interact with MDHA through the voucher waitlist or by living in one of its public housing communities.

The agency is headquartered in Miami and has multiple service centers across the county. You cannot walk in without an appointment at most locations, so calling or using the online portal is the standard way to reach them.

Key Takeaways

  • MDHA runs public housing communities, Housing Choice Vouchers, and supportive housing programs, but does not own all the properties where residents live.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher waitlist is typically closed and can have thousands of people waiting; you can check the current status on MDHA's website.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income (usually 30 percent of gross monthly income), and MDHA can evict you for lease violations or non-payment.
  • You must report income changes, household composition changes, and address changes to MDHA within 10 days or risk losing your voucher or housing.
  • MDHA has a formal grievance process if you disagree with an eviction notice or a decision about your voucher; you must request a hearing in writing within a set timeframe.

How the Housing Choice Voucher program works

The Housing Choice Voucher program (also called Section 8) is MDHA's largest program. The agency gives you a voucher that covers a portion of your rent at a private landlord's property. You find the apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and MDHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent — this is called your "tenant contribution."

The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the area of Miami-Dade County where you live. MDHA sets payment standards for different neighborhoods; a two-bedroom voucher in Miami Beach is worth more than a two-bedroom voucher in Homestead, for example. If the landlord charges more than the payment standard, you pay the overage out of pocket. If the landlord charges less, you pay less.

The voucher waitlist is almost always closed. When it opens, MDHA announces it on its website and through local nonprofits. Thousands of people explore when it opens, and the waitlist can take years to reach your name. You can call MDHA's main line to ask whether the waitlist is currently open, or check the website directly.

Public housing communities and rent calculation

MDHA owns and operates public housing communities throughout Miami-Dade County. These are apartment complexes where MDHA is both the owner and the landlord. Rent in public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, with a minimum rent that varies by property (typically $50 to $100 per month). If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises.

You must report any income change within 10 days. This includes new employment, a job loss, a raise, a household member moving in or out, or a change in benefits. MDHA will recalculate your rent based on the new information. If you do not report and MDHA discovers the change during a review, you may owe back rent or lose your housing.

Public housing leases are one year long and renew automatically unless MDHA or you choose not to renew. MDHA can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations (such as unauthorized occupants, criminal activity, or damage to the unit), or if a household member is involved in drug-related criminal activity. You have the right to a grievance hearing before eviction, but you must request it in writing within the timeframe MDHA gives you — usually 10 days from the notice.

Reporting changes and keeping your housing

MDHA requires you to report changes in household composition, income, and address. A household composition change means someone moved in, moved out, or a dependent is no longer in school. You must report these within 10 days by calling your property manager (if you live in public housing) or your voucher caseworker (if you have a voucher).

Failure to report changes can result in overpayment of benefits, which MDHA will ask you to repay. In serious cases, such as hiding a household member's income or allowing an unauthorized person to live in the unit, MDHA can terminate your voucher or evict you. The agency conducts periodic inspections and income verifications, so discrepancies are often discovered.

If you receive a notice of lease violation or non-payment, read it carefully and note the important date for responding. You can request a grievance hearing, which is a formal meeting where you can present your side of the story. The hearing officer is independent of the property manager or caseworker who issued the notice. Requesting a hearing does not stop the eviction process, but it can result in a decision in your favor or a negotiated payment plan.

How to contact MDHA and find your local office

MDHA's main phone number is (305) 634-2000. The agency operates service centers in Miami, Homestead, and other locations. Most offices require an appointment; you cannot walk in without one. You can schedule an appointment through the MDHA website or by calling the main number.

If you are a current resident or voucher holder, you also have a property manager or caseworker assigned to you. Their contact information is in your lease or voucher documents. For routine questions about rent, inspections, or lease terms, contact your property manager or caseworker first — they can often resolve issues faster than the main office.

MDHA also has an online portal where you can view your account, report changes, and submit documents. The portal is accessible through the MDHA website. If you do not have online access or prefer to work in person, call to schedule an appointment at your nearest service center.

Grievance and appeal rights

If MDHA issues you a notice of lease violation, non-payment, or termination of your voucher, you have the right to request a grievance hearing. This is a formal process where an independent hearing officer reviews the facts and makes a decision. You must request the hearing in writing within the timeframe stated in the notice — usually 10 days.

To request a hearing, send a letter to the address listed in the notice or submit it in person at your local MDHA office. Include your name, address, and a brief explanation of why you disagree with the notice. You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring one. At the hearing, you can present evidence, call witnesses, and ask questions of MDHA's representative.

The hearing officer's decision is binding on MDHA. If you lose, you can appeal to HUD, but this is a longer process and requires showing that MDHA violated federal housing law or its own policies. Contact a local legal aid organization if you need help with an appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Housing Choice Voucher from MDHA?

The waitlist is typically closed, so you cannot get on it right now. When it opens, you may wait several years before your name is called. Once you are selected from the waitlist, MDHA gives you a limited time (usually 60 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord sign a lease. The voucher then takes effect, and MDHA begins paying the landlord.

What happens if I lose my job while I have a voucher?

You must report the job loss to your caseworker within 10 days. Your income will drop, which may lower your tenant contribution. If you cannot pay your share of the rent, talk to your landlord about a payment plan. MDHA does not cover your full rent if you have no income — you are still responsible for your portion. If you fall behind, the landlord can file for eviction.

Can MDHA evict me without a hearing?

No. MDHA must give you a written notice that states the reason for eviction and the important date to request a hearing. You have the right to request a grievance hearing before the eviction goes to court. The hearing is your chance to present your side of the story. If you lose the hearing, MDHA can proceed with eviction, but you still have the right to defend yourself in court.

What if I disagree with my rent calculation?

Ask your property manager or caseworker for a detailed breakdown of how your rent was calculated. If you believe there is an error, request a grievance hearing. Bring documentation of your income (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns) to support your position. The hearing officer will review the calculation and decide whether it was correct.

Does MDHA have programs for people experiencing homelessness?

Yes. MDHA runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness, often in partnership with nonprofits. These programs combine housing with case management and other services. To learn about current programs and how to access them, call MDHA's main number or contact a local homeless services organization, which can refer you to available programs.