What the NRHA Housing Authority is and who runs it

The Northern Regional Housing Authority (NRHA) is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs across multiple counties in northern California. It operates under state housing law and is governed by a board made up of representatives from the cities and counties it serves. The NRHA does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it administers programs that help low-income households rent or own homes, and it oversees landlords and property owners who participate in those programs.

The NRHA's main job is to run the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly called Section 8) in its region, manage public housing if any exists in your area, and administer other state and federal housing funds. It acts as the middleman between the federal government, which provides the money, and the households and landlords who use the programs. When you work with the NRHA, you are working with a government agency, not a private company.

Key Takeaways

  • The NRHA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program and other affordable housing programs across northern California counties.
  • You contact the NRHA directly to learn about programs in your area, check waiting list status, and submit required documents.
  • The NRHA's waiting lists are often closed and can have years-long waits, so checking current status on their website or by phone is the first step.
  • Once you receive a voucher or are placed in a program, the NRHA continues to manage your case, inspect properties, and process rent payments.
  • The NRHA has specific income limits and household requirements that vary by program and by county.

How to contact the NRHA and find your local office

The NRHA serves multiple counties, so your first step is to find which office covers your address. You can visit the NRHA website directly and look for contact information by county, or call their main line to be directed to the right location. Each county office handles its own waiting lists, income verification, and lease-up process, so you will need to contact the office that serves where you live or want to live.

When you call or visit, have your current address, phone number, and a list of household members ready. The staff can tell you whether the waiting list for your area is open, what the current wait time is, and what documents you will need to bring. Many NRHA offices now allow you to check waiting list status online or by phone without visiting in person, which can save time.

Understanding NRHA waiting lists and how they work

Most NRHA programs operate on a waiting list system. When a list is open, you can request to be added. The NRHA then contacts you when a voucher or unit becomes available, which may take months or years depending on demand in your area. Some waiting lists are closed, meaning the NRHA is not accepting new names at that time. Closed lists reopen periodically, but there is no set schedule — you have to check back or ask the office when they expect to reopen.

Your position on the waiting list depends on when you applied and, in some cases, on preferences the NRHA uses (such as homelessness or living in the jurisdiction). The NRHA will contact you by phone or mail when it is your turn. If you do not respond within the timeframe they give you — usually 10 to 30 days — you may be skipped and have to reapply later. Keep your contact information current with the NRHA so they can reach you.

Income limits and household requirements

The NRHA has income limits for each program. These limits are set by the federal government and vary based on your household size and the county where you live. Generally, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income to be considered for Housing Choice Vouchers, though some programs serve households up to 80 percent of median income. The NRHA will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The NRHA will ask for proof of identity and citizenship or legal residency. If you have an eviction judgment, criminal conviction, or history of lease violations, you may be denied, though the NRHA considers each case individually. Ask your local office what their specific policies are if you have concerns about your background.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

Once the NRHA contacts you and you respond, you will be asked to attend an orientation and submit documents to verify your income, household composition, and identity. This process typically takes two to four weeks. The NRHA will calculate how much rent you will pay (usually 30 percent of your income) and how much the voucher will cover. You will receive a voucher or lease agreement that you can use to find a rental property.

If you are using a Housing Choice Voucher, you then search for a landlord willing to accept the voucher. The landlord must agree to rent to you, and the property must pass an NRHA inspection. Once you sign a lease, the NRHA pays the landlord directly for the portion of rent the voucher covers, and you pay your share. The NRHA continues to manage your case, conduct annual inspections, and process payments for as long as you live there.

NRHA inspections and ongoing requirements

Properties rented through NRHA programs must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection before you can move in. The NRHA inspector checks that the unit is safe, has working utilities, adequate heat and cooling, and meets basic building codes. If the property fails, the landlord must make repairs before you can lease it. Annual inspections happen while you are renting to make sure the property continues to meet standards.

You are also required to report changes to the NRHA — such as a change in income, household members moving in or out, or a change in employment. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment of your voucher or termination of your information. The NRHA will ask you to recertify your income and household composition once a year, usually by submitting documents by mail or online.

What to do if you are denied or removed from a program

If the NRHA denies your request or removes you from a program, they must provide a written reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, criminal history, or lease violations. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision. The NRHA will explain the hearing process and timeline in the denial letter.

If you believe the NRHA made an error in calculating your income or made a procedural mistake, a hearing is your chance to present evidence and argue your case. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative. The hearing officer will review the facts and issue a decision. If you lose the hearing, you may be able to reapply after a set period or once your circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher from the NRHA?

Wait times vary widely by county and program. Some areas have waits of several years; others may be shorter. The NRHA office serving your area can tell you the current average wait time. Once you are selected, the process from orientation to receiving a voucher typically takes two to four weeks if you provide documents promptly.

Can I use an NRHA voucher in a different county?

It depends on the NRHA's portability policy. Some vouchers can be used in other counties within the NRHA's region or in other housing authorities' regions, but you must request a transfer and the receiving authority must have available funding. Contact your local NRHA office to ask whether your voucher is portable and what steps you need to take.

What if my landlord wants to raise my rent?

The NRHA must approve any rent increase. Your landlord cannot raise rent without the NRHA's consent, and the NRHA will only approve increases that are reasonable and in line with the local market. If your landlord wants to raise rent, they must submit a request to the NRHA with documentation. You will be notified of the proposed increase.

Do I have to stay in the same unit forever?

No. With a Housing Choice Voucher, you can move to a different rental property as long as the new property passes inspection and the landlord accepts the voucher. You must notify the NRHA before you move. If you are in public housing, you may be able to transfer to another unit, but policies vary by property.

What happens if I lose my job while using an NRHA voucher?

You must report the job loss to the NRHA within 30 days. Your rent share will be recalculated based on your new income or zero income if you have no other source. The NRHA may reduce your rent share, but you will still be required to pay something. Contact your caseworker when ready to discuss your options and avoid falling behind on rent.