What the Minneapolis Housing Authority does

The Minneapolis Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and other rental programs in Minneapolis. It does not build or own most of the apartments—landlords do—but MHA pays part or all of the rent on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. The agency also manages waiting lists, inspects properties to make sure they meet housing standards, and handles lease disputes between tenants and landlords in its programs.

MHA serves roughly 10,000 households across the city. Some live in public housing buildings that MHA owns directly. Most receive Section 8 vouchers, which means they find their own apartment and MHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. A smaller number are in other programs like project-based information, where the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than to the tenant.

Key Takeaways

  • MHA runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and other rental information programs for low-income households in Minneapolis.
  • Most MHA information goes to Section 8 voucher holders, who find their own apartment and MHA pays part of the rent directly to the landlord.
  • Income limits vary by program, but generally you must earn less than 50 to 80 percent of the area median income to be considered.
  • Waiting lists for MHA programs are typically closed and can have years-long waits when they reopen, so checking the MHA website regularly is necessary.
  • You can contact MHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about current openings and what documents you will need.

Income limits and who can participate

MHA programs have income ceilings that change each year based on federal guidelines. For most programs, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income to be admitted, though some programs allow up to 80 percent. The exact limit depends on household size and the specific program. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. MHA will ask for proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and identification. If you have an eviction history or criminal record, you may still be considered, but MHA reviews each case individually and can deny admission based on lease violations or criminal activity related to drugs or violence.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that follows you from apartment to apartment. You find a rental unit on the open market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and MHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the rest out of pocket—usually 30 percent of your income, though the exact amount depends on your lease and local rules.

The voucher has a payment standard, which is the maximum amount MHA will pay toward rent in your area. If the apartment costs more than the payment standard, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you pay less. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher amount and cannot charge you extra because you are using information. MHA inspects the apartment before you move in and periodically after to may support it meets housing quality standards.

Public housing and project-based programs

MHA owns and operates public housing buildings throughout Minneapolis. These are apartments where MHA is both the owner and the subsidy provider. You pay rent based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn. MHA handles maintenance, utilities (in some buildings), and building management. Public housing has the same income limits as Section 8, and waiting lists are similarly long.

Project-based information is a middle ground: a private landlord owns the building, but MHA has a contract to subsidize a certain number of units there. The subsidy stays with the apartment, not with you, so if you move out, the next tenant in that unit receives the subsidy. Rent is income-based, and MHA inspects the property regularly.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

MHA waiting lists are almost always closed. When a list does open, it typically fills within days or weeks. You can check the MHA website or call their main office to learn whether any lists are currently open and what the expected wait time is. Wait times vary widely—some programs have waits of several years, while others may move faster depending on how many units become available.

To get on a waiting list, you usually submit an process in person, by mail, or online (if MHA offers online applications). You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Some programs prioritize certain groups, such as people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities. Ask MHA whether any priority categories explore to you when you call.

How to contact Minneapolis Housing Authority

MHA's main office is located at 1001 South 4th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415. You can reach them by phone at 612-342-1300. They also accept mail and have a website where you can find program information, current waiting list status, and process forms. Response times vary, but calling is usually the fastest way to find out whether a waiting list is open or to ask about your process status.

If you are already in an MHA program and have a maintenance issue, lease question, or dispute with your landlord, contact your case manager or the MHA office that manages your lease. For urgent repairs in public housing, there is usually an emergency maintenance line. Keep your lease and any correspondence with MHA in a safe place—you may need it to resolve disputes or to document your tenancy.

What happens after you are admitted

Once you are admitted to an MHA program, you will sign a lease with your landlord (in Section 8) or with MHA (in public housing). You are responsible for following the lease terms and paying your portion of the rent on time. MHA is responsible for paying its portion to the landlord by the due date. If you fall behind on your portion, the landlord can begin eviction proceedings, and MHA will not intervene on your behalf.

MHA will conduct periodic inspections of your apartment to may support it meets housing quality standards. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and reporting maintenance problems to your landlord or to MHA. If the landlord fails to make repairs, you can report it to MHA, which may withhold payment or terminate the landlord's contract. If you move or your income changes significantly, you must notify MHA—failure to do so can result in loss of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for MHA programs?

Wait times vary by program and change as units become available. Some programs have waits of several years. The only way to know the current wait time is to call MHA at 612-342-1300 or visit their office. Waiting lists are often closed, so you may not be able to explore right now even if you meet the income requirements.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher in any apartment?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the apartment must pass MHA's housing quality inspection. The rent cannot exceed MHA's payment standard for your area. Some landlords refuse vouchers, so you may need to contact multiple landlords. MHA can provide a list of landlords who have previously accepted vouchers, though they cannot force a landlord to participate.

What if my income goes up after I am admitted?

You must report income changes to MHA. Your rent contribution may increase, or you may eventually earn too much to stay in the program. MHA will recalculate your information based on your new income. If you do not report the change, MHA can terminate your information and you may owe back rent.

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

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but MHA reviews your housing history. If the eviction was recent or involved non-payment of rent, MHA is more likely to deny admission. If it was years ago or involved a dispute unrelated to rent, you may still be considered. Ask MHA what their specific policy is when you explore.

What if my landlord is not making repairs?

Report the problem to MHA in writing. MHA can inspect the unit, and if repairs are needed to meet housing quality standards, MHA can require the landlord to fix them or withhold payment. Do not stop paying your portion of rent—that can lead to eviction. Document the problem with photos and dates, and keep copies of all communication with MHA and your landlord.