What the Phoenix Housing Authority does

The Phoenix Housing Authority (PHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Phoenix, Arizona. It does not build or own most of the housing it manages — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it runs public housing communities where it owns the buildings directly. The PHA is separate from the City of Phoenix government, though it receives some city funding and operates under state law.

The PHA's main job is to administer two federal programs: public housing (where PHA owns the property) and Housing Choice Vouchers, also called Section 8 (where you rent from a private landlord and PHA pays part of your rent). Both programs require you to meet income limits and other conditions. The PHA also manages some project-based vouchers, where the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than to you as a person.

The agency is governed by a Board of Commissioners and employs staff to process applications, inspect properties, collect rent, and handle maintenance. If you live in a PHA public housing unit or use a voucher, the PHA is the entity you deal with for lease questions, rent disputes, maintenance requests, and lease termination.

Key Takeaways

  • The Phoenix Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income households in Phoenix.
  • Public housing means PHA owns the building; Housing Choice Vouchers mean you rent from a private landlord and PHA subsidizes part of your rent.
  • Both programs have income limits, and demand for vouchers far exceeds supply — waiting lists are often closed and can have thousands of names.
  • The PHA has rules about who can live in the unit, how rent is calculated, and what happens if you break the lease.
  • If you have a dispute with PHA or your landlord, you have the right to a hearing before PHA can evict you from public housing.

How to learn about you can use PHA programs

To use either public housing or a Housing Choice Voucher, your household income must fall below a certain amount. The income limit depends on household size and changes each year. For example, in 2024, a single person's income limit for public housing was around $32,000 per year, but this figure varies — you need to check with PHA directly because limits are set annually based on area median income.

Beyond income, PHA will check your background. The agency can deny you for certain criminal convictions (especially drug-related or violent crimes), for owing money to PHA from a prior tenancy, or for a pattern of lease violations. PHA also verifies your immigration status — you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to use federal housing programs.

The fastest way to learn whether you might be able to use a PHA program is to call the Phoenix Housing Authority directly at their main office or visit in person. They can tell you the current income limits, explain what background issues might disqualify you, and let you know whether the waiting list for the program you want is open or closed.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

In public housing, PHA owns the building and you are the tenant. You sign a lease with PHA, pay rent to PHA, and call PHA for repairs. PHA sets the rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, with a minimum rent (usually $25 to $50 per month). Public housing units are scattered across Phoenix in various communities; some are older, some newer. PHA maintains the buildings and is responsible for repairs.

With a Housing Choice Voucher, you find a rental unit on the private market, and PHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket. The voucher amount depends on the size of unit you need and the local fair market rent — PHA will not pay more than a certain amount per bedroom. You choose the landlord and the unit (within PHA's rules), and you sign a lease with the landlord, not with PHA. The landlord is responsible for repairs, but PHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards.

Vouchers give you more choice about where to live, but they also mean you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher — some landlords refuse. Public housing is may provide, but you have less choice about location and unit type. Both programs have long waiting lists in Phoenix, and both require you to meet income limits and background checks.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

The Phoenix Housing Authority maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and for Housing Choice Vouchers. Demand for both programs far exceeds the number of units available, so waiting lists are often closed — meaning PHA is not accepting new applications because the list is already too long.

When a waiting list is open, you can explore in person at the PHA office or sometimes online through their website. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of residency in the Phoenix area. The process itself is free. Once you are on the list, PHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available — this can take months or years, depending on your position on the list and how many units turn over.

PHA gives priority to certain groups, such as people who are homeless, people with disabilities, and people who are being displaced by government action. If you fall into a priority category, tell PHA when you explore. Check the PHA website or call to find out whether the waiting list you want is currently open, because this changes and you do not want to make a trip only to find out applications are not being taken.

How rent is calculated in PHA programs

In public housing, your rent is based on your income. PHA calculates your adjusted gross income by taking your total household income and subtracting certain deductions — such as $480 per dependent child, costs of childcare so you can work, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members. Your rent is then 30 percent of this adjusted income, with a minimum rent (usually $25 to $50) and sometimes a maximum.

If your income goes down, you can report it to PHA and your rent will be recalculated. If your income goes up, your rent will also go up. PHA will ask you to report income changes within 30 days. If you do not report an increase and PHA finds out, you may owe back rent.

With a Housing Choice Voucher, the rent calculation is different. PHA sets a payment standard based on the size of unit and the local market. If the unit rents for less than the payment standard, you pay the difference between the actual rent and the payment standard. If the unit rents for more, you pay the difference between the actual rent and the payment standard — meaning you could pay more than 30 percent of your income if the unit is expensive. You and the landlord negotiate the actual rent, but it cannot exceed PHA's payment standard for that unit size.

Your rights and responsibilities as a PHA tenant

If you live in PHA public housing, you have the right to a lease that meets Arizona law and federal housing law. Your lease must include the terms of tenancy, the rent amount, and the rules you must follow. PHA cannot charge you for normal wear and tear, and it must make repairs within a reasonable time — typically 24 hours for emergencies like no heat or water, and 14 days for non-emergency repairs.

You have the right to a hearing before PHA can evict you. If PHA wants to end your lease, it must give you written notice of the reason and a chance to respond. Common reasons for eviction are non-payment of rent, lease violations (such as unauthorized occupants or criminal activity), or the end of your may be able to access. You can request a hearing before the eviction goes to court, and you can bring a witness or representative to the hearing.

In return, you must pay rent on time, follow the lease rules, keep the unit clean and in good condition, and report any changes in household composition or income. You cannot engage in criminal activity, allow unauthorized people to live in the unit, or damage the property beyond normal wear and tear. If you break the lease, PHA can start eviction proceedings.

With a Housing Choice Voucher, your rights and responsibilities are split between the landlord and PHA. The landlord is responsible for repairs and habitability under state law. PHA is responsible for inspecting the unit and making sure the rent is reasonable. You must pay your portion of the rent on time and follow the lease you signed with the landlord. If the landlord wants to evict you, the landlord must follow Arizona eviction law, not PHA rules — though PHA can also terminate your voucher if you violate program rules.

What happens if you have a dispute

If you live in public housing and disagree with PHA about rent, repairs, or a lease violation, you can request a hearing. Write to PHA and ask for a hearing in writing — do not rely on a phone call. PHA must give you at least 10 days' notice of the hearing date and must tell you the reason for the proposed action. You can bring documents, witnesses, and a representative (such as a lawyer or advocate) to the hearing. A hearing officer who is not involved in your case will listen to both sides and make a decision.

If you have a Housing Choice Voucher and the landlord is not making repairs, you have the right to withhold rent or repair-and-deduct under Arizona law — but you must follow the legal process, which includes giving the landlord written notice and a chance to fix the problem. If you straightforward stop paying rent without following the law, the landlord can evict you. Contact a legal aid organization or tenant rights group in Phoenix for help with repair disputes.

If you believe PHA is discriminating against you based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You have one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file. PHA also has its own complaint process — ask for a copy of PHA's nondiscrimination policy when you explore.

Contact information and resources

The Phoenix Housing Authority's main office is located at 1 South 34th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. You can reach them by phone at (602) 236-2900. The PHA website (phoenixhousing.org) has information about current waiting list status, income limits, and how the process works.

If you need help understanding your rights or dealing with a dispute, contact Community Legal Services (CLS) or another legal aid organization in Phoenix — they offer free or low-cost help to low-income people. The Arizona Tenants Advocates and Community Legal Services both have information about housing rights in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

There is no set timeline. It depends on how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list and how many units become available. In Phoenix, waiting lists for both programs are typically very long — sometimes thousands of people. You could wait months or years. Call PHA to ask roughly how many people are on the list and how many units typically become available each month.

Can I use my voucher to move to a different city?

Yes, but you must request a portability transfer from PHA. You can move to another housing authority's jurisdiction, and that housing authority will take over your voucher. However, the new housing authority may have different payment standards and rules. Contact the Phoenix Housing Authority to start the process, and contact the housing authority in the city you are moving to to find out their rules.

What if my income goes up while I am on the waiting list?

Being on the waiting list does not lock in your income. If your income exceeds the limit before you are offered a unit, you may be removed from the list or moved to a lower priority. Report income changes to PHA so they have accurate information. If you are offered a unit and your income has risen above the limit, you may be ineligible at that time.

Can PHA evict me without a hearing?

No. PHA must give you written notice of the reason for eviction, at least 10 days' notice, and a chance to request a hearing. You have the right to a hearing before PHA can terminate your lease. The only exception is if there is an when ready threat to health or safety — in that case, PHA can remove you temporarily but must still give you a hearing afterward.

What if I owe PHA money from a previous tenancy?

PHA will likely deny your process if you owe back rent or damages from a prior lease. However, if you have paid off the debt or made a payment plan with PHA, you may be able to reapply. Contact PHA to ask about your specific situation and whether there is a way to resolve the debt.