What the Orlando Housing Authority does

The Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Orange County, Florida, and runs the Section 8 voucher program for the area. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it contracts with private landlords who agree to rent units at below-market rates to low-income residents. The agency also administers federal funding that helps people pay rent when they face financial hardship.

OHA serves Orange County, which includes Orlando and surrounding communities. If you live in a different Florida county, you will need to contact that county's housing authority instead, as each one manages its own programs and waiting lists.

Key Takeaways

  • The Orlando Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Orange County, with separate waiting lists for each program.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord of your choice, while public housing means living in an OHA-owned or OHA-managed building.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed, and when they reopen, they fill quickly — you must explore in person or online during the open period.
  • OHA also administers emergency rental information and other temporary aid programs, though funding and availability change throughout the year.
  • You can contact OHA by phone, email, or in person at their main office to ask about current program status and what documents you will need.

Section 8 vouchers versus public housing

OHA manages two main types of affordable housing. Section 8 vouchers are rental subsidies that let you choose your own apartment from a private landlord who agrees to participate in the program. You pay a portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income), and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by the program. This gives you more choice in where you live, though not all landlords accept Section 8.

Public housing means renting a unit that OHA owns or manages directly. These are typically apartment buildings or townhomes in Orange County. You pay the same income-based rent as Section 8, but you have less choice about location and the specific unit. Public housing and Section 8 have separate waiting lists, so you can be on both at the same time.

Both programs require you to meet income limits, which vary by household size. OHA sets these limits based on the area median income. A single person's limit is different from a family of four's limit. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income.

How to get on the waiting list

OHA's waiting lists are usually closed. When they open — which happens irregularly and is announced on the OHA website — you must explore during the open period. There is no way to get on the list outside of an official opening. The waiting list can close within days or weeks once it reaches capacity.

When a list is open, you can explore in person at the OHA main office (located at 315 East Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32801) or online through the OHA website. You will need to provide your name, contact information, household composition, and income documentation. Bring a photo ID and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease).

After you explore, OHA places you on the waiting list in the order applications were received. How long you wait depends on the size of the list and how many vouchers or units become available. Wait times can range from months to several years. OHA will contact you when your name reaches the top of the list and a unit or voucher is ready.

Income limits and household requirements

To be considered for OHA housing, your household income must fall below the limit set for your household size. These limits change annually and are based on the area median income for Orange County. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of five, for example.

OHA also checks your rental history, criminal background, and credit. You must not have been evicted in the past, and certain criminal convictions can disqualify you. The agency will contact previous landlords to verify you paid rent on time and did not damage the property. If you have no rental history, you may be asked to provide references from employers or other sources.

Your household composition matters for both the income limit and the size of unit you can receive. If you are a single person, you will be offered a studio or one-bedroom. A family of four will be offered a two or three-bedroom unit. OHA verifies household size through birth certificates, marriage licenses, or custody documents.

Emergency rental information and other temporary programs

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, OHA administers emergency rental information funded by federal and state grants. These programs help people who are behind on rent or facing eviction. Unlike Section 8, emergency information is temporary — it covers a specific amount of back rent or upcoming rent for a limited time, usually three to six months.

may be able to access for emergency information is different from Section 8. You do not have to be on a waiting list. Instead, you explore directly when the program is open, and OHA reviews your process based on your income, the reason for the hardship, and how far behind you are on rent. Programs typically prioritize people facing eviction or already behind on payments.

Funding for these programs varies by year and can run out before the program year ends. OHA's website lists which programs are currently open and whether they are accepting new applications. If a program is closed, you can check back later or contact OHA to ask when it may reopen.

How to contact the Orlando Housing Authority

The main OHA office is at 315 East Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32801. You can reach them by phone at (407) 246-2000 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The website is oha.org, where you can find current waiting list status, income limits, and process forms.

If you need to explore for Section 8 or public housing, call or visit the website first to confirm the waiting list is open. If you are interested in emergency rental information, ask OHA which programs are currently accepting applications and what documents you need to bring. Response times vary, especially when waiting lists are open and the office is busy with applications.

OHA also has a client services office where you can ask questions about your process status or current housing. If you are already receiving Section 8 or living in public housing, you can contact OHA to report maintenance issues, request a lease renewal, or update your household information.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

When OHA calls you to say your name has come up, you will be given a timeframe to complete the next steps. For Section 8, you will receive a voucher and a list of participating landlords. You then have a set number of days (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment, have the landlord agree to accept the voucher, and pass an inspection. If you do not find a unit in time, you may lose your voucher.

For public housing, OHA will show you available units and you choose one that fits your household size. You will sign a lease and pay your first month's rent and any required deposits. OHA will conduct a move-in inspection to document the condition of the unit before you take occupancy.

Once you move in, you must follow the lease terms and OHA's rules. You are responsible for utilities not covered by the lease, keeping the unit in good condition, and reporting maintenance problems. OHA conducts annual inspections to may support units meet housing quality standards. If you fall behind on your portion of the rent or violate lease terms, OHA can begin eviction proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get Section 8 or public housing from the Orlando Housing Authority?

Wait times depend on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. OHA will contact you when your name reaches the top. There is no way to speed up the process or move ahead of others on the list.

Can I be on both the Section 8 waiting list and the public housing waiting list at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, so you can explore to both during their open periods. If you are selected for one program before the other, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both lists.

What if I do not have recent pay stubs or tax returns to prove my income?

OHA will accept other forms of income verification, such as a letter from your employer on company letterhead, a bank statement showing regular deposits, or a benefits statement from Social Security or unemployment. Call OHA to ask what documents they will accept for your specific situation.

Do I have to use a Section 8 voucher with a landlord in Orange County?

Section 8 vouchers issued by the Orlando Housing Authority can usually be used only in Orange County. Some vouchers may be portable to other counties under certain conditions, but this is limited. Ask OHA about portability when you receive your voucher if you plan to move outside the county.

What should I do if I think OHA made a mistake on my process or waiting list status?

Contact OHA's client services office to ask about your process. Bring any documents you submitted and ask them to review your file. If you believe there was an error, ask for a written explanation. OHA has a formal appeal process if you want to challenge a decision; ask for details when you call.