What the Nashville Housing Authority Does

The Nashville Housing Authority (NHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Nashville and Davidson. It does not provide emergency rental help or one-time grants — it manages long-term housing programs where you pay rent based on your income. The NHA owns and operates apartment complexes, and it also administers vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the program pays a portion of your rent.

The NHA serves people with low to very low incomes. Both programs have waiting lists, sometimes long ones, and both require you to meet income limits and pass a background check. The agency is located at 711 South Sixth Street in Nashville, and you can reach it by phone at (615) 252-8400.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nashville Housing Authority runs two separate programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information for private apartments).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes yearly and depends on household size.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed or have long wait times; you can call NHA to learn the current status.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and consent for a criminal background check.
  • Once you are accepted into a program, you pay rent based on a percentage of your income, usually 30 percent.

Public Housing Through the Nashville Housing Authority

Public housing means you rent an apartment owned and managed by the NHA. The NHA operates several complexes across Nashville. You pay rent based on your household income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on your lease and any deductions you may have access to for. The NHA covers utilities, maintenance, and building operations.

To enter public housing, you must meet the income limit for your household size. For 2024, the limit for a single person is roughly $35,000 per year, and it increases for larger households, but these numbers change annually. You will also need to pass a background check and meet lease requirements, which include no serious criminal history and no evictions in the past three years (though exceptions exist for domestic violence survivors).

The waiting list for public housing in Nashville is typically closed. When it opens, the NHA accepts applications for a limited period. You can call (615) 252-8400 to ask whether the list is currently open and, if not, when it may reopen.

Section 8 Vouchers and How They Work

A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy. The program gives you a voucher that you take to a private landlord. The landlord agrees to rent to you, and the NHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (usually 70 percent). You pay the rest, which is capped at 30 percent of your household income. The landlord must accept the voucher and agree to the NHA's rent limits for the unit.

Section 8 vouchers are portable within Nashville and Davidson, meaning you can move to a different apartment and transfer your voucher as long as the new landlord accepts it. The NHA inspects the unit before you move in to may support it meets housing quality standards. If the landlord wants to raise the rent, the NHA must approve the increase.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Nashville is also typically closed. When it opens, the NHA may prioritize applicants with certain circumstances, such as homelessness or a disability. Call the NHA to learn the current status of the list.

Income Limits and What You Must Prove

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits based on household size. The NHA uses the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted yearly. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four. If your household income exceeds the limit, you will not be accepted into either program.

To document your income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, and a letter from your employer stating your job title and pay rate. If you receive benefits — Social Security, unemployment, child support, or TANF — bring proof of those payments. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and business records. The NHA will also ask for your Social Security number and those of all household members, a photo ID, and proof of residency in Nashville.

You must also consent to a criminal background check. The NHA will contact local law enforcement and may use national databases. Certain convictions — drug felonies, violent crimes, and sex offenses — can disqualify you. Other convictions are reviewed case by case.

The process Process and Timeline

When the waiting list opens, you can explore in person at the NHA office at 711 South Sixth Street or sometimes online, depending on how the NHA is accepting applications at that time. Bring all required documents: proof of income, Social Security cards or numbers, photo ID, and proof you live in Nashville. The staff will help you fill out the process if you need it.

After you submit your process, the NHA will verify your income and conduct a background check. This process typically takes four to eight weeks. You will receive a letter telling you whether you have been accepted, placed on the waiting list, or denied. If you are accepted, you will be assigned a lease start date or, for Section 8, given your voucher and a timeframe to find a unit.

If you are denied, the letter will explain why. You can request a hearing to dispute the decision. The NHA will provide information about how to request a hearing in the denial letter.

What Happens After You Are Accepted

For public housing, you will sign a lease with the NHA and move into one of its apartments. Your rent is calculated based on your income at the time you move in. If your income changes, you must report it to the NHA, and your rent may change. You are responsible for keeping the apartment in good condition and following lease rules.

For Section 8, you receive a voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a private apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and rent to you. The NHA will inspect the unit and approve the lease. Once everything is signed, the NHA begins paying its share of the rent directly to the landlord each month.

In both programs, the NHA conducts annual recertifications. You will be asked to update your income and household information. If your circumstances change — you move, your income increases significantly, or someone joins or leaves your household — you must report it to the NHA.

How to Contact the Nashville Housing Authority

The main NHA office is at 711 South Sixth Street, Nashville, TN 37206. The phone number is (615) 252-8400. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also visit the NHA website to check the status of waiting lists and find information about current programs.

If you have questions about your process or lease, call the office and ask to speak with someone in admissions or tenant services. If you need to report a maintenance issue in public housing, call the maintenance line. For Section 8 questions, ask for the voucher program office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or Section 8?

Wait times vary and change frequently. The list may be closed, or if open, the wait could be months to several years depending on demand and available units. Call (615) 252-8400 to ask the current status and estimated wait time.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be accepted into either program. The income limits are set by federal rules and are not negotiable. However, some deductions — such as medical expenses or child care costs — may lower your countable income. Ask the NHA whether any deductions explore to your situation.

Can I own a car and still be in public housing or Section 8?

Yes. The NHA does not restrict car ownership. You can own a vehicle and participate in either program as long as you meet income and other requirements.

What if I have a criminal record?

Some convictions disqualify you automatically, including drug felonies, violent crimes, and sex offenses. Other convictions are reviewed individually. The NHA will tell you during the process process whether your record disqualifies you. If you are denied because of your record, you can request a hearing to explain your circumstances.

Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Nashville?

No. Section 8 vouchers are tied to the Nashville Housing Authority's jurisdiction. If you move outside Nashville and Davidson, you will lose your voucher. However, you can port your voucher to another housing authority if you move to a different city that participates in the Section 8 program — the NHA can explain how that process works.