What the Paterson Housing Authority Does

The Paterson Housing Authority (PHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Paterson, New Jersey. It does not provide emergency rental information, homelessness prevention funds, or other temporary aid — it manages long-term housing programs where you live in a unit owned or subsidized by the authority itself.

The PHA owns and maintains public housing developments across the city. It also administers Section 8 vouchers, which allow you to rent from a private landlord while the PHA pays a portion of your rent directly to that landlord. Both programs serve households below certain income limits, and both have waiting lists because demand exceeds available units.

If you are looking for emergency help with rent you owe right now, or if you need temporary information, the PHA is not the right place to start. The city of Paterson and Passaic County run separate emergency rental information programs. A 211 call or your local Department of Human Services office can direct you to those funds.

Key Takeaways

  • The Paterson Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers, both of which require you to be below the income limit and on a waiting list.
  • Public housing means you rent a unit owned by the PHA; Section 8 means you find your own rental and the PHA pays part of the rent to your landlord.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long, and the PHA does not currently accept new applications for either program.
  • You can contact the PHA directly at 973-321-1000 to confirm whether applications are open and to ask about your position on an existing waiting list.
  • Emergency rental information and homelessness prevention are run by separate city and county programs, not by the housing authority.

Public Housing Through the Paterson Housing Authority

Public housing means the PHA owns the building and you rent a unit from them. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, or the minimum rent the PHA charges, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is typically $50 to $100 per month, though the PHA can adjust this amount. You pay utilities separately unless the lease states otherwise.

To be considered for public housing, your household income must fall below the area median income limit set by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). For Paterson, this limit changes yearly. You also must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have no criminal history that disqualifies you under PHA policy, and not be evicted from public housing in the past.

The Paterson Housing Authority is not currently accepting new applications for public housing. If you applied in the past and are on the waiting list, you can call 973-321-1000 to ask about your position. The waiting list is long — in some cases, years pass before a unit becomes available.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Paterson

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program. The PHA pays your landlord a portion of the rent (called the "housing information payment"), and you pay the rest. Your share is typically 30 percent of your household income.

To hold a Section 8 voucher, you must meet the same income and citizenship requirements as public housing applicants. You also must pass a background check and have a valid lease with a landlord. The landlord's unit must pass a PHA inspection to may support it meets housing quality standards — things like working heat, plumbing, electrical systems, and safe conditions.

The Paterson Housing Authority is not currently accepting new Section 8 applications. Like public housing, the waiting list is very long. If you are already on the waiting list, call 973-321-1000 to confirm your status. The PHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available.

Income Limits and What Documents You Need

Income limits for both public housing and Section 8 are set by HUD and vary by family size. The limits change each year. For the most current limits, contact the Paterson Housing Authority directly or visit the HUD website.

If you are on a waiting list or if applications reopen, you will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status (birth certificate, passport, or green card), and identification. You may also need to provide proof of residency in Paterson or the surrounding area, depending on PHA policy.

The PHA will conduct a background check and may contact previous landlords or employers. If you have a criminal history, ask the PHA directly whether it disqualifies you — policies vary by offense and how long ago it occurred.

How to Contact the Paterson Housing Authority

The main phone number for the Paterson Housing Authority is 973-321-1000. Call during business hours to ask whether applications are open, to check your waiting list status, or to request information about income limits and required documents.

The PHA's main office is located in Paterson. You can also visit in person to pick up information or to ask questions. Hours and exact address details can be confirmed by calling the main number.

If you are having trouble reaching the PHA or need help understanding your options, you can also contact a local community action agency or legal aid organization in Passaic County. These groups often have staff who know the PHA's current policies and can help you understand what to expect.

What to Do If You Need Emergency Rent Help Right Now

If you owe rent now or are at risk of eviction, the Paterson Housing Authority cannot help you. Emergency rental information is run by the city of Paterson and Passaic County through separate programs.

Call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) to be connected to local resources, including emergency rental information programs. You can also contact the Paterson Department of Human Services or the Passaic County Division of Social Services to ask about current emergency funds.

Emergency programs typically cover rent you already owe, require proof of a recent hardship (job loss, medical emergency, or similar), and pay your landlord directly. They move faster than housing authority programs but have limited funding and may close when money runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The waiting list length varies and changes over time. Call the Paterson Housing Authority at 973-321-1000 to ask how long people are currently waiting. In many cases, it is several years before a unit or voucher becomes available.

Can I explore for public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

You can be on both waiting lists at once. However, the PHA is not currently accepting new applications for either program. When applications reopen, ask whether you can explore for both or whether you must choose one.

What happens if I am evicted from public housing?

An eviction from public housing typically disqualifies you from the program for a set period, often several years. You may also be barred from Section 8. Ask the PHA about their specific policy and whether there are any exceptions based on your circumstances.

Do I have to live in Paterson to get a Section 8 voucher from the PHA?

The Paterson Housing Authority serves Paterson and may serve surrounding areas. Call 973-321-1000 to ask whether you are in the PHA's service area. If you live outside Paterson, you may need to explore through your own local housing authority instead.

What if my landlord will not accept Section 8?

Landlords are not required to accept Section 8 vouchers. If your current landlord refuses, you will need to find a different rental unit with a landlord who participates in the program. The PHA can provide a list of landlords in the area who accept vouchers.