What Morristown Housing Authority does and how to reach them

Morristown Housing Authority (MHA) is a local public housing agency that manages affordable rental housing in Morristown, Tennessee. They administer public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, and other housing programs for low-income residents in Rutherford County. The authority is a separate entity from the city government, though it operates under state and federal housing law.

You can reach Morristown Housing Authority at their main office located in Morristown. The most direct way to get current contact information, office hours, and details about available programs is to call 211 Tennessee or visit the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) website, which lists all public housing authorities by location. You can also search online for "Morristown Housing Authority Tennessee" to find their current phone number and address, as these details change occasionally.

Key Takeaways

  • Morristown Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for low-income households in the Morristown area.
  • You can reach them directly by phone or by visiting their office in person during business hours to ask about current programs and waiting lists.
  • Most housing programs have waiting lists that may be closed or open depending on current demand and funding.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a valid ID to be considered for housing programs.
  • Section 8 vouchers allow you to rent from private landlords rather than live in authority-owned buildings, giving you more housing choices.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

Morristown Housing Authority offers two main types of housing programs. Public housing means you rent an apartment or house that the authority owns and maintains. The authority sets the rent based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn. Section 8 vouchers work differently: the authority gives you a voucher that you use to rent from a private landlord of your choice. The voucher covers part of the rent, and you pay the rest.

Section 8 gives you more control over where you live and what kind of housing you choose, but not all landlords accept vouchers. Public housing is managed by the authority, so maintenance and repairs go through them. Both programs require you to meet income limits and other rules set by HUD. Waiting lists for both types of housing are often long, and the authority may close the list when demand is high.

How to find out about waiting lists and current openings

The first step is to call Morristown Housing Authority directly and ask whether they are currently taking new names for their waiting list. This is the only way to know for certain whether a list is open, because status changes throughout the year based on funding and turnover. When you call, ask specifically about public housing and Section 8 separately, since they may have different waiting list statuses.

If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can call back at a certain time to check. Some authorities notify people by mail when a list reopens, so ask if you can request that notification. You can also contact your local community action agency or 211 Tennessee, which may have information about other housing resources in the area if MHA's lists are not currently open.

Documents you will need to bring

When you contact Morristown Housing Authority or visit in person, be ready to provide several documents. You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents). If you receive benefits, bring documentation of those as well.

You will also need to disclose any criminal history, as housing authorities conduct background checks. Certain convictions may disqualify you, but not all. Ask the authority directly what their policy is if you have concerns. If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodations, bring documentation of that too, such as a letter from a doctor or a disability information letter.

Income limits and rent calculations

Morristown Housing Authority sets income limits based on the area median income for Rutherford County. These limits change each year and vary by household size. For example, the limit for a single person is lower than for a family of four. You must fall below the limit to be considered. The authority's office can tell you the current limits for your household size.

If you are accepted into public housing, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the minimum rent set by the authority, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is typically between $50 and $100 per month. If your income changes, you must report it, and your rent will be recalculated. Section 8 works similarly: you pay 30 percent of income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a limit set by HUD.

What happens after you are on the waiting list

Once your name is on the waiting list, the authority will contact you when a unit becomes available. This can take months or years depending on how long the list is and how often units turn over. Keep your contact information current with the authority; if they cannot reach you, they may move to the next person on the list. Some authorities require you to recertify your information annually or call in periodically to confirm you are still interested.

When a unit is offered to you, you will have a limited time to accept or decline it. If you decline, you may lose your place on the list or move down it. If you accept, you will sign a lease and move in. For Section 8, once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who accepts it and sign a lease. The authority will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards before the voucher can be used.

Rules you must follow as a resident

Public housing and Section 8 both come with rules. You cannot engage in criminal activity, drug use, or violence. You must maintain the unit in good condition and pay your rent on time. For public housing, the authority can evict you for lease violations. For Section 8, your landlord can evict you, and the authority can also take back your voucher if you break program rules.

You must also report changes in your household, such as someone moving in or out, a new job, or a change in income. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of benefits, which you may have to repay. The authority conducts inspections of public housing units and Section 8 units to may support they meet housing quality standards. If problems are found, you or the landlord must fix them within a set timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get housing through Morristown Housing Authority?

Waiting times vary widely depending on the size of the waiting list and how often units become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. Call the authority to ask about average wait times for your household size. If the list is very long, ask about other housing resources in the area while you wait.

Can I be denied housing because of my criminal record?

It depends on the offense and how long ago it occurred. Housing authorities have discretion to deny housing for certain crimes, particularly those involving drugs or violence. Ask Morristown Housing Authority directly about their policy. Some offenses may not disqualify you, and some may be considered if enough time has passed.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing?

Your rent will increase when your income increases. You are required to report income changes to the authority. Your rent will be recalculated, and you will pay the new amount. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may eventually be asked to leave, though authorities usually give you time to transition.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Tennessee?

No. Your voucher is tied to Morristown Housing Authority's jurisdiction, which covers a specific area. You can use it to rent within that area, but not statewide. If you move outside the authority's area, you would need to transfer your voucher to the housing authority in your new location, and that authority must have funding available to accept transfers.

What should I do if I think the authority made a mistake on my rent calculation?

Ask to speak with someone in the authority's office and bring documentation of your income. If you disagree with their calculation, ask about their grievance process. Housing authorities must have a formal way for residents to challenge decisions. The process is usually outlined in your lease or in a handbook they provide.