There is no single "National Housing Authority" — housing is managed by local and state agencies

When people search for a "National Housing Authority," they are usually looking for a federal office that handles housing directly. That office does not exist. Housing in the United States is managed by thousands of separate agencies: your city or county housing authority, your state housing finance agency, and various federal programs that work through local partners. The federal government sets rules and sends money, but your local housing authority is the one that actually runs programs, takes applications, and makes decisions about who gets help.

This matters because you cannot call a national office and get your housing problem solved. You have to contact the agency in your jurisdiction. That agency might be called your "Housing Authority," your "Public Housing Agency," or something specific to your city — like the New York City Housing Authority or the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. The name varies, but the function is the same: they manage public housing, administer voucher programs, and sometimes run emergency information funds.

Key Takeaways

  • Housing programs are run by local and state agencies in your area, not by a federal office you can contact directly.
  • Your local housing authority manages public housing, housing vouchers, and sometimes emergency rental funds — find yours by searching "[your city or county] housing authority."
  • The federal government (HUD) sets the rules and funds the programs, but your local agency decides how to run them and who receives help.
  • If you cannot find your local housing authority, call 211 or contact your city or county government office and ask for the housing authority phone number.
  • Different programs have different waiting lists, income limits, and rules — you may be on a waiting list for one program but not another.

What federal agencies actually do

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency that oversees housing policy. HUD does not run housing programs directly. Instead, it sets national rules, distributes federal funding to states and cities, and monitors whether local agencies follow those rules. HUD also runs a few programs itself — like the National Housing Locator, which is a database of available rental units — but most of the work happens at the local level.

Your state may also have a housing finance agency or housing development authority. These agencies sometimes run their own programs, sometimes partner with local authorities, and sometimes just pass federal money through to cities and counties. The structure varies by state. Some states are very involved in housing; others leave most decisions to local authorities.

How to find your actual local housing authority

Start by searching "[your city name] housing authority" or "[your county name] housing authority." Most housing authorities have websites that list their programs, waiting lists, and contact information. If you cannot find one, call your city or county government office — they can give you the phone number and address.

If you live in a very small town, your housing authority might be run by your county rather than your city. If you live in a major city, there is almost certainly a dedicated housing authority office. Some housing authorities have multiple offices or regional centers, so ask whether there is a location near you.

You can also call 211 (a free helpline in most areas) and ask for the housing authority in your area. They will give you the correct name and phone number. This is faster than searching online if you are not sure what to look for.

What your local housing authority actually manages

Public housing: These are apartments owned and operated by the housing authority. Rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. There is almost always a waiting list, sometimes years long. You explore directly to your local housing authority.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): The housing authority gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's apartment. You find the apartment yourself; the voucher pays the landlord directly. Waiting lists are long in most places. You explore to your local housing authority, not to HUD.

Emergency rental information: Some housing authorities run programs that pay back rent or current rent when you are in crisis. These programs often run out of money and reopen later. Rules vary by location. Contact your local housing authority to ask whether they run this program and whether it is currently open.

Other programs: Some housing authorities run supportive housing for people with disabilities, rapid rehousing for people experiencing homelessness, or programs for seniors. What is available depends on your area and your situation.

How waiting lists work

Most housing authority programs have waiting lists. You are not automatically on a list just because you called or visited. You have to formally explore, and your process goes into a queue. How long you wait depends on the program, your area, and how many people are ahead of you.

Some programs use a lottery system — they randomly select names from the waiting list. Others use a first-come, first-served system. A few give priority to people with certain circumstances, like homelessness or a disability. Ask your local housing authority how their waiting list works and whether you are on it. You can also ask how many people are ahead of you and roughly how long the wait is, though they may not have an exact answer.

Being on a waiting list does not mean you will eventually get housing. Waiting lists can close when they get too long. Some people wait years and never reach the top. But you have to be on the list to have any chance, so if you are interested in public housing or a voucher, contact your local housing authority and ask how the process works.

Income limits and other requirements

Most housing authority programs have income limits. You have to earn below a certain amount to be considered. The limit varies by program, by location, and by family size. A family of four might have a different limit than a single person in the same city.

You will also need to provide proof of income, identity, and citizenship or legal residency. You may need to pass a background check or credit check, though rules vary. Some programs have restrictions on criminal history; others do not. Ask your local housing authority what documents you need to bring and what their specific rules are.

If you do not meet the income limit for one program, you might meet it for another. For example, you might not may have access to for public housing but might may have access to for a voucher. Ask about all the programs your local authority runs.

What to do if you cannot reach your local housing authority

If your local housing authority's phone line is always busy or their office is hard to reach, try these steps: First, check their website for an online process or a way to request information by email. Second, call 211 and ask them to help you reach the housing authority. Third, contact your city council member or county supervisor — their office can often help you get through to the housing authority or find out what programs are available.

If you are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis right now, call 211 or your local homeless services hotline. They can connect you to emergency shelter and help you understand what housing programs might work for your situation. Do not wait for a housing authority waiting list if you need a place to sleep tonight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to multiple housing authorities at once?

Yes. If you live near a city or county border, you might be able to explore to both. Each housing authority maintains its own waiting list and makes its own decisions. explore to more than one increases your chances, but you will need to meet each authority's income and residency requirements.

What if I am on a waiting list but my situation changes?

Contact your housing authority and tell them about the change. If your income goes up, you might no longer meet the income limit. If your address changes, make sure they have your current contact information so they can reach you if your name comes up. Some changes help you (like becoming homeless or getting a disability), and some hurt your chances.

How long does it usually take to get public housing or a voucher?

It varies widely by location. In some cities, the wait is a few months. In others, it is five to ten years or longer. Call your local housing authority and ask them specifically how long the wait is for the program you are interested in. They should be able to give you a rough estimate.

What if I was denied by my housing authority?

Ask them why you were denied and whether you can appeal. Most housing authorities have an appeal process. You may have been denied for income, criminal history, credit, or failure to provide required documents. Some reasons can be fixed; others cannot. Ask what the specific reason was and whether there are other programs you might may have access to for.

Is there a federal office I can call if my local housing authority is not helping me?

HUD has a complaint process, but it is slow. You can file a complaint with HUD's Office of Inspector General if you believe your housing authority is breaking federal rules. You can also contact your state housing finance agency or your city council member. For faster help with an when ready housing crisis, call 211 or a local legal aid organization.