What the Missoula Housing Authority does

The Missoula Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs in Missoula County, Montana. It administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing units, and other affordable rental programs. The Authority does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages a smaller portfolio of public housing properties.

MHA is separate from the City of Missoula government, though it works with city and county agencies. It answers to its own board of commissioners and receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are looking for affordable housing in Missoula County, MHA is usually the first place to contact because it runs the largest subsidy programs available.

Key Takeaways

  • The Missoula Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing, and maintains a waiting list for both programs that is usually closed to new applicants.
  • Section 8 vouchers pay a portion of your rent directly to your landlord; you find the rental unit yourself and the landlord must agree to participate.
  • Public housing units are owned or managed by MHA and rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with no landlord approval needed.
  • Income limits explore to all MHA programs and are based on area median income; a household of four in Missoula County must earn below a set threshold to be considered.
  • You can contact MHA directly by phone or visit their office to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you will need to bring.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Missoula

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent to a private landlord. MHA gives you the voucher, you find a rental unit that meets program standards, and the landlord agrees to accept the voucher. Your portion of the rent is typically 30 percent of your household income; MHA pays the rest directly to the landlord.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Missoula is usually closed. When it opens, MHA accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks — and then closes it again. You can contact MHA to ask whether the list is currently open and when it might reopen. If you are on the waiting list, MHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available, which can take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a rental unit. The unit must pass an inspection, the landlord must agree to the voucher payment amount, and you must sign a lease. MHA staff can answer questions about which landlords in Missoula participate in the program.

Public housing managed by Missoula Housing Authority

MHA owns or manages a smaller number of public housing units throughout Missoula County. These are apartments or houses where MHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so your payment changes if your income changes. There is no separate landlord to negotiate with — MHA handles maintenance, lease terms, and rent collection.

Public housing has its own waiting list, which is also usually closed. The process process is similar to Section 8: you provide proof of income, household composition, and residency, and MHA places you on the list in order of process. When a unit becomes available, MHA contacts people on the list and shows them the available rental.

Public housing units are scattered throughout Missoula County rather than concentrated in one complex. Some are single-family homes, some are apartments. Availability and location vary, so ask MHA what types of units are currently available or expected to open.

Income limits and who can use MHA programs

All MHA programs have income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for Missoula County. The limit depends on your household size. A single person, a family of four, and a family of eight will have different maximum income thresholds. MHA publishes these limits annually; they change each year based on federal calculations.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a valid Social Security number, and typically must be at least 18 years old (with exceptions for emancipated minors). MHA will ask for proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed, you may need to provide documentation of job search efforts or disability status.

Background checks are standard. MHA looks at criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. A past eviction or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but MHA considers the nature and timing of the issue. Contact MHA directly to discuss your specific situation if you have concerns about your history.

How to contact Missoula Housing Authority

The Missoula Housing Authority office is located in Missoula and can be reached by phone during business hours. You can also visit in person to ask about waiting list status, pick up an process, or speak with a staff member about which program might work for your situation. MHA's website lists office hours, phone number, and address.

When you call or visit, have your household size, current income, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements) ready to discuss. MHA staff can tell you whether the waiting list is open, what documents you need to bring, and how long the typical wait is. They can also explain the difference between Section 8 and public housing and help you decide which program to pursue.

If you speak a language other than English, ask MHA about interpretation services when you call. Federal law requires housing authorities to provide language information to people with limited English proficiency.

What happens after you are placed in a unit

Once you receive a Section 8 voucher or are assigned a public housing unit, your responsibilities begin. For Section 8, you must find a unit within the time allowed, have it inspected, and sign a lease. You pay your portion of rent on time each month. If your income changes, you must report it to MHA because your rent payment may change.

For public housing, MHA is your landlord. You sign a lease with MHA, pay your rent (30 percent of income) each month, and follow lease rules. MHA handles repairs and maintenance. If you have a dispute with MHA as your landlord, you have the right to a hearing before eviction.

Both programs require you to recertify your income and household composition annually. You will receive a notice from MHA asking you to provide updated pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documents. If you do not recertify, your voucher or housing may be terminated.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list ahead of you. Some people wait months; others wait years. MHA can tell you the current average wait time when you ask about the waiting list. The waiting list is often closed, so you may not be able to explore right now.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher from MHA to rent anywhere in Missoula?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass MHA's inspection for safety and quality. Not all landlords participate in Section 8. MHA can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program in the past, but you can also approach a landlord yourself and ask if they will accept a voucher.

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

You must report income changes to MHA. For Section 8, your rent portion may increase. For public housing, your rent will increase because it is always 30 percent of your income. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may lose your voucher or housing, though MHA usually gives you time to transition.

Does MHA help with deposits or moving costs?

MHA does not typically pay security deposits or moving costs. Some local nonprofits and community action agencies in Missoula offer emergency information for deposits or moving expenses. Contact 211 Montana or ask MHA staff for referrals to other resources.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you from MHA programs. MHA considers when the eviction happened, why it happened, and what your rental history looks like since then. Contact MHA to discuss your situation; they can explain how they evaluate eviction history and whether you may be considered.