What the Murfreesboro Housing Authority does

The Murfreesboro Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It administers public housing units, Section 8 vouchers (also called Housing Choice Vouchers), and other rental information programs for low-income residents. The Authority does not set may be able to access rules on its own — those come from federal law and HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) — but MHA is the body that runs the programs locally and decides how to allocate the money and units it receives.

The Authority's main office is located in Murfreesboro and handles applications, lease signings, inspections, and rent payments for its programs. If you are looking for affordable housing in Rutherford County or need rental information, MHA is the first place to contact because it controls the waiting lists and knows which programs have openings.

Key Takeaways

  • The Murfreesboro Housing Authority runs public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, both funded by HUD but managed locally by MHA staff.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, but generally you must earn less than 50 to 80 percent of the area median income to be considered.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are typically open, but wait times can be several months to several years depending on the program.
  • You can contact MHA directly by phone or in person at their main office to ask about current openings and what documents you will need to bring.
  • MHA also administers other information programs that may help if you do not meet the income limits for public housing or vouchers.

Public housing units managed by MHA

Public housing means apartment buildings or houses owned by the Murfreesboro Housing Authority itself. MHA owns and maintains these properties and rents them to low-income households at reduced rates. Your rent is typically 30 percent of your household income, which is much lower than market rent in Murfreesboro.

To live in public housing, your household income must fall below the income limit set by HUD for your family size. For a family of four in Rutherford County, that limit is roughly $50,000 to $55,000 per year, though the exact figure changes annually. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of income and residency. MHA will inspect the unit before you move in and periodically while you live there to may support it meets housing quality standards.

Public housing units are in short supply, and waiting lists are often long. Some applicants wait one to three years before a unit becomes available. You can ask MHA whether the public housing waiting list is currently open and how long the average wait is in your area.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a rental subsidy that MHA gives you to use at a private landlord's property of your choice. Instead of living in an MHA-owned building, you find an apartment or house on the private market, and the voucher pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, which is typically 30 percent of your household income.

Section 8 vouchers are often easier to use than public housing because you have more choice in where you live, and there are more private rental units available than public housing units. However, the landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass an MHA inspection to may support it meets housing quality standards. Not all landlords participate in the program.

Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing. The waiting list for vouchers is typically longer than for public housing — in some areas, applicants wait two to five years. MHA periodically opens and closes the Section 8 waiting list depending on funding and demand. Call MHA to find out whether the list is currently open.

How to contact the Murfreesboro Housing Authority

The MHA main office is located at 1307 Greenland Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. You can reach them by phone at (615) 890-7601 during business hours. The office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally.

When you call or visit, ask whether the public housing or Section 8 waiting lists are currently open. If they are, ask what documents you need to bring to explore — this usually includes proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of identity, and proof of residency. If the lists are closed, ask when they expect to reopen and whether you can call back to check.

You can also visit the MHA office in person to submit an process or ask questions. Bring original documents or certified copies; MHA staff can tell you on the spot whether your documents are acceptable.

Income limits and what counts as income

HUD sets income limits for public housing and Section 8 based on the area median income (AMI) for Rutherford County. For most programs, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of AMI. The exact dollar amount depends on your family size and changes each year.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or gifts. If you are self-employed, MHA will ask for tax returns for the past two years to verify your income. If your income is irregular, MHA will average it over the past 12 months.

When you explore, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your annual income. If you receive benefits, bring a copy of the award letter or benefit statement. MHA will verify your income with the source before making a decision.

Background checks and criminal history

MHA conducts a background check on all applicants and household members age 18 and older. The check includes criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. A criminal conviction or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but MHA will consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have since rehabilitated.

Certain crimes — such as drug manufacturing or violent felonies — may result in permanent ineligibility. Other offenses may result in a waiting period before you can be considered. MHA has discretion to deny housing based on criminal history, but they must follow HUD's guidelines and give you a chance to explain your circumstances.

If you have questions about whether a past conviction or eviction will affect your process, call MHA and ask to speak with someone in the screening department. They can give you a sense of how your history may be viewed before you formally explore.

Rent and tenant responsibilities

In public housing, your rent is 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum rent set by MHA (usually $50 to $100 per month). If your income changes, your rent changes with it. You must report income changes to MHA within 30 days so your rent can be adjusted.

As a tenant in public housing, you are responsible for keeping the unit clean and in good condition, paying your rent on time, and following the lease. MHA will conduct annual inspections and can charge you for damage beyond normal wear and tear. If you fall behind on rent, MHA can begin eviction proceedings.

With a Section 8 voucher, you pay your landlord directly, and the voucher payment goes to the landlord as well. Your portion of the rent is still typically 30 percent of your income. You are responsible for following your lease with the private landlord, and the landlord can evict you for non-payment or lease violations just as with any other tenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for public housing or Section 8?

Approval typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit a complete process. However, even after approval, you may wait months or years on the waiting list before a unit or voucher becomes available. The wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units turn over.

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

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you receive a voucher first, you can use it while waiting for public housing, or you can decline the voucher and wait for public housing. MHA will explain your options when you are offered information.

What if my income goes above the limit after I move in?

If your income rises above the limit, you do not have to move when ready. Most programs allow you to stay in your unit for a grace period (usually one to two years) while your rent gradually increases. Eventually, if your income stays above the limit, you will be asked to move or your information will end. MHA will explain the timeline when your income changes.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore?

Yes. MHA requires a valid Social Security number for all household members age 18 and older. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Ask MHA whether you can submit your process while waiting for your Social Security number.

What happens if I am denied housing?

If MHA denies your process, they must give you a written reason. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. MHA will explain the appeal process in the denial letter. You can also contact a local legal aid organization if you need help with the appeal.