What the Newark Housing Authority does

The Newark Housing Authority (NHA) is a public agency that owns and manages public housing units in Newark, New Jersey, and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the city. It does not build or fund new housing — it operates existing public housing stock and distributes vouchers that subsidize rent at private landlord properties. The NHA answers to a board of commissioners and is funded through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The agency maintains roughly 5,000 public housing units across Newark and serves several thousand more households through its voucher program. Public housing residents pay rent based on 30 percent of their household income; the NHA covers the rest from federal funds. Voucher holders pay the same percentage and can use their voucher at any participating private landlord in the Newark area.

The NHA also manages waiting lists for both programs. These lists are typically closed to new applicants for months or years at a time, depending on how many people are already waiting and how many units or vouchers become available each year.

Key Takeaways

  • The Newark Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers; you cannot get either directly from HUD or from the city government.
  • Both programs require you to be on a waiting list, and both lists are usually closed; you can call the NHA to ask when they reopen.
  • Public housing rent is 30 percent of your income; Section 8 vouchers work the same way at private landlord apartments.
  • The NHA office is located at 60 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102, and you can reach them by phone at (973) 622-2700.
  • Income limits exist for both programs and vary by household size; the NHA will tell you the current limits when you call.

Public housing units and how to get on the waiting list

The NHA owns and operates apartment buildings throughout Newark. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent housing where residents can stay as long as they meet income limits and lease terms. Units range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, though availability of specific sizes varies by building.

To get on the public housing waiting list, you must visit the NHA office in person or call to ask whether the list is currently open. The office address is 60 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102, and the main phone number is (973) 622-2700. When the list opens, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency in Newark or Essex County. You do not need to have a job; unemployment benefits, Social Security, or other income sources count.

Once you are on the list, the NHA will contact you when a unit matching your household size becomes available. Wait times vary widely — from a few months to several years — depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units turn over each year. The NHA does not may provide a specific move-in date.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through the NHA

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord instead of living in public housing. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the NHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest — typically 30 percent of your household income — directly to the landlord.

The voucher can be used anywhere in Newark and in many surrounding municipalities, as long as the landlord is willing to participate. The NHA maintains a list of landlords who have agreed to accept vouchers, though you can also approach a landlord directly and ask them to join the program. The landlord must pass an inspection before the NHA will issue a voucher for that unit.

Like public housing, the Section 8 waiting list is usually closed. Call (973) 622-2700 to ask when it reopens. When you are called from the waiting list, you will have a limited time — usually 60 to 90 days — to find an apartment and have it inspected. If you do not find a unit within that window, you may lose your place on the list.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits based on the area median income for Newark. These limits change each year and depend on your household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. The NHA will tell you the current limits for your household size when you call or visit.

In both programs, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If your income is $1,500 per month, your rent is $450. The NHA (in public housing) or the landlord (in Section 8) receives the rest of the rent from the federal subsidy. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program.

Income includes wages, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support, and most other regular payments. The NHA will ask you to document your income with recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. You must report changes in income within 30 days.

Required documents and the process process

When you explore for either program, bring the following documents to the NHA office:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters)
  • Proof of residency in Newark or Essex County (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Birth certificates for any children in the household

The NHA will also conduct a background check and may contact previous landlords or employers. Criminal history or evictions do not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or recent evictions may. The NHA will notify you of any concerns and give you a chance to respond.

Once you are on the waiting list, you do not need to reapply. The NHA will keep your name on file and contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. If your contact information changes, call the NHA to update it so they can reach you.

What happens after you are placed in a unit or issued a voucher

If you are placed in public housing, you will sign a lease with the NHA. The lease covers your rights and responsibilities as a tenant — things like maintenance requests, guest policies, and lease violations. You can stay in the unit as long as you pay rent on time and follow the lease terms. The NHA can evict you for non-payment or serious lease violations.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you will work with the NHA to find an apartment. Once you find one and the landlord agrees, the NHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical outlets, and the absence of lead paint or mold. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before the voucher can be issued.

In both cases, your rent will be recalculated each year based on your current income. You must report any changes in household composition (births, deaths, people moving in or out) and any changes in income. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment of rent or loss of the subsidy.

Contacting the Newark Housing Authority

The NHA office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The address is 60 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102. You can reach them by phone at (973) 622-2700. The website is nha.org, though the site does not allow you to explore online — you must visit in person or call.

If you have questions about your current lease, rent calculation, or maintenance issues, you can also visit the office or call. The NHA has a maintenance request line and a rent dispute process if you believe your rent was calculated incorrectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between public housing and a Section 8 voucher?

Public housing is owned and operated by the NHA; you rent directly from them. Section 8 is a voucher you use to rent from a private landlord. In both cases, you pay 30 percent of your income and the government covers the rest. Public housing has no choice of where you live; with Section 8, you find your own apartment.

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher after I am on the waiting list?

Wait times vary widely and depend on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait a few months; others wait several years. The NHA cannot tell you a specific date when you will be called.

Can I be denied public housing or a voucher because of my criminal record?

Not automatically. The NHA reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Serious crimes or recent violent felonies may disqualify you, but minor offenses or older convictions may not. If the NHA has concerns, they will tell you and give you a chance to explain.

What if my income is above the limit for the program?

If your income exceeds the program limit, you may be required to leave public housing or lose your voucher. However, some programs allow a grace period or gradual phase-out. Call the NHA to ask about your specific situation.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Newark?

Section 8 vouchers can be used in Newark and in many surrounding municipalities, depending on the NHA's agreements with other housing authorities. Call (973) 622-2700 to ask which areas accept NHA vouchers.