What the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority does

The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) owns and operates public housing buildings across Minneapolis and runs the Section 8 voucher program for the city. It is a separate government agency from the city itself — it has its own board, budget, and staff. MPHA does not make loans, grant money, or provide emergency information. It manages rental housing and vouchers for people whose income falls below set limits.

MPHA serves roughly 3,500 households in public housing units and about 7,000 households holding Section 8 vouchers. The agency's main office is at 1001 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415. You can reach them by phone at 612-342-1300 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

Key Takeaways

  • MPHA runs two separate programs: public housing (buildings it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information you use at a landlord's property).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes each year and depends on household size.
  • Public housing has a waiting list; Section 8 vouchers also have a waiting list that is often closed to new names.
  • You must explore in person or by mail to MPHA directly — there is no online process for either program.
  • MPHA will ask for proof of income, identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a background check.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers: which program is which

MPHA's public housing program places you in a building that MPHA owns. You pay rent based on your income — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent. MPHA sets the lease terms, handles maintenance, and collects rent. Public housing units are scattered across Minneapolis in apartment buildings, townhouses, and single-family homes.

The Section 8 voucher program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at any landlord's property that accepts the program. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to take Section 8, and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. You keep the voucher as long as you stay under the income limit and follow program rules. The landlord is paid directly by MPHA.

Public housing is simpler if you have poor credit or an eviction history, because MPHA does not screen as strictly as private landlords do. Section 8 gives you more choice in where you live, but landlords can refuse Section 8 tenants, and you may have to search longer to find a unit.

Income limits and household size

Both programs set income limits based on the number of people in your household. The limits are set each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vary by family size. For example, the 2024 limit for a single person in Minneapolis is different from the limit for a family of four.

Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and most other regular money coming in. It does not include one-time payments, tax refunds, or certain disability payments. MPHA will ask you to bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your benefits agency to prove your income.

If your income rises above the limit after you are accepted, you do not lose your housing when ready. MPHA has rules about how long you can stay, but you should report income changes right away. Contact MPHA to ask what happens in your situation.

how the process works to MPHA

You must explore in person at the MPHA office or by mail. There is no online process. Bring or mail the following documents:

  • A completed process form (available at the MPHA office or by calling 612-342-1300)
  • A photo ID for each adult household member
  • Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a benefits letter)
  • Proof of residency in Minneapolis (a utility bill or lease in your name)

MPHA will run a background check that includes criminal history and eviction records. A criminal conviction or recent eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but MPHA will review the details. If you have questions about your background, ask MPHA staff before you submit the process.

After you explore, MPHA will contact you to verify the information you provided. This can take several weeks. If you are found to meet the requirements, you will be placed on a waiting list.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists. The public housing waiting list is usually open, meaning you can add your name. The Section 8 waiting list is often closed, which means MPHA is not taking new names at that time. You can call 612-342-1300 to ask whether the Section 8 list is open.

Wait times vary. Public housing wait times have ranged from several months to over a year, depending on how many units become available. Section 8 wait times are typically longer — sometimes two years or more — because demand is high and the program has a fixed budget.

While you wait, MPHA may contact you to update your information or to offer you a unit or voucher. You must respond within the time MPHA gives you, or you may lose your place on the list. If your address or phone number changes, tell MPHA when ready so they can reach you.

What happens after you are offered housing or a voucher

If MPHA offers you a public housing unit, you will be shown the apartment and given a lease to sign. You will pay an process fee (the amount varies) and a security deposit equal to one month's rent. You then move in and pay rent each month based on your income.

If you are offered a Section 8 voucher, MPHA will give you a packet explaining how the program works and how much rent the voucher will cover. You then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass an MPHA inspection. Once the lease is signed and the inspection passes, the voucher becomes active and MPHA begins paying the landlord.

In both cases, you must follow lease rules and program rules. This includes paying your portion of rent on time, keeping the unit in good condition, and reporting changes in income or household size. Violations can result in eviction or loss of the voucher.

Contact information and next steps

The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority office is located at 1001 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415. You can call 612-342-1300 Monday through Friday during business hours. You can also visit in person to pick up an process or ask questions.

If you are not sure whether you meet the income limit, call and describe your household size and income. MPHA staff can give you a rough answer over the phone. If you think you may be over the limit but want to explore anyway, you can still submit an process — MPHA will make the final information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have an eviction on my record?

MPHA does not automatically reject applicants with eviction history. The agency reviews the details — when it happened, why, and whether you have paid any judgment. A recent eviction is harder to overcome than one from several years ago. Call MPHA before you explore if you are worried about this.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists. If you are offered one program first, you can accept it and stay on the other list, or you can turn it down and wait for the other. Tell MPHA if your situation changes so they know whether to keep you on the list.

What if my income goes up after I move in?

You must report income increases to MPHA. In public housing, your rent will go up. In Section 8, your voucher amount may stay the same, but you will pay more out of pocket. If your income rises above the limit, MPHA has rules about how long you can stay — ask them for the details in your case.

How do I know if the Section 8 waiting list is open?

Call MPHA at 612-342-1300 and ask whether they are taking new Section 8 applications. The list opens and closes based on funding and demand. You can also ask to be notified when it opens again if it is currently closed.

Do I have to live in Minneapolis to explore?

You must be a Minneapolis resident to explore to MPHA. You will need to show proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. If you are currently homeless or living outside Minneapolis, call MPHA to ask about your options.