What Pierce County Housing Authority does

Pierce County Housing Authority (PCHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income households in Pierce County, Washington. It administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and other information programs. PCHA does not build or own most of the housing — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages a waiting list for people seeking vouchers.

PCHA's main job is to hold your voucher or lease if you have one, process rent payments to your landlord, and handle recertification each year. If you are on the waiting list, PCHA maintains that list and contacts you when a voucher becomes available. The agency also runs a public housing portfolio — buildings it owns directly — though most of its work is voucher-based.

You cannot walk into PCHA and receive money on the spot. All programs require an intake process, income verification, and a waiting period. PCHA is located in Tacoma and serves the unincorporated areas of Pierce County plus some cities that contract with it; other cities run their own housing authorities.

Key Takeaways

  • PCHA administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing, but does not directly hand out cash — it pays landlords on your behalf once you are approved and housed.
  • The waiting list for vouchers is typically closed and can have a multi-year wait when it reopens; you must explore during an open enrollment period to get on it.
  • You must recertify your income and household composition every year to keep your voucher or public housing lease active.
  • PCHA's office is in Tacoma, and you can reach them by phone or mail to ask about waiting list status, recertification important date, or program rules.
  • If you live in a city that contracts with PCHA, your voucher or public housing is still managed by PCHA, not by the city.

Section 8 vouchers through PCHA

A Section 8 voucher from PCHA lets you rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of the rent yourself — usually 30 percent of your income — while PCHA pays the rest directly to the landlord. The voucher is tied to you, not to a specific apartment, so you can move and take it with you as long as you stay in the PCHA jurisdiction and find a landlord willing to accept it.

To get on the waiting list, you must explore during an open enrollment period. PCHA closes and reopens its waiting list based on demand; when it is closed, new applications are not accepted. You can call PCHA or check its website to learn whether the list is currently open. If it is open, you submit an process with proof of income, household composition, and residency. The process itself is free.

Wait times vary. When the list reopens, it can have thousands of applicants. PCHA prioritizes certain households — such as those experiencing homelessness or with a member who has a disability — but most applicants wait years before receiving a voucher. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord and sign a lease before the voucher expires.

Public housing managed by PCHA

PCHA owns and operates public housing apartments in Pierce County. These are buildings where PCHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your income, the same as Section 8, but you explore directly to PCHA for a unit rather than searching the private market.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the Section 8 list. Like Section 8, this list can be closed. When it is open, you explore with proof of income and household size. PCHA then places you on the list based on date of process and any priority preferences. Once a unit becomes available and your name reaches the top, PCHA contacts you to schedule a lease signing.

Public housing units are scattered throughout Pierce County. You do not choose the location — PCHA assigns you to an available unit that matches your household size. If you are offered a unit and refuse it, you may be removed from the list or moved to the bottom.

Income limits and recertification

To be considered for PCHA programs, your household income must fall below a set limit. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. PCHA publishes its current income limits on its website; you can also call to ask whether your income qualifies.

Once you receive a voucher or public housing lease, you must recertify your income and household composition every 12 months. Recertification means providing recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your current income. If your household size changes — someone moves in or out — you must report that to PCHA.

If your income rises above the limit during recertification, you may lose your voucher or lease. Some programs allow a brief grace period, but PCHA will terminate your information if income stays above the limit. If your income drops, your rent payment may decrease.

How to contact PCHA and what to bring

PCHA's main office is in Tacoma. You can reach it by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, recertification important date, or program rules. You can also visit in person, though calling first is often faster for straightforward questions.

If you need to submit documents — such as income verification for recertification — PCHA accepts mail, in-person delivery, or online upload through its portal if you have set one up. Keep copies of everything you submit. If PCHA says it did not receive something, you have proof.

Bring or send: a photo ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of household composition (birth certificates or custody papers if applicable). For recertification, bring the same documents showing your current income.

What happens if you lose your voucher or lease

PCHA can terminate your voucher or lease if you fail recertification, violate lease terms (such as criminal activity or non-payment of your portion of rent), or move out of the jurisdiction. Termination is not automatic — PCHA must send you written notice and usually gives you a chance to respond or cure the violation.

If PCHA terminates your information, you lose the subsidy and must pay full market rent or find another program. You can reapply for the waiting list after a set period, depending on the reason for termination. Ask PCHA directly about reapplication rules if your information ends.

If you are struggling to pay your portion of rent, contact PCHA before you fall behind. Some local emergency rental information programs can help, and PCHA staff can refer you to them. Paying late or not at all gives PCHA grounds to evict you.

PCHA waiting lists and enrollment periods

PCHA maintains separate waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers and public housing. Both lists are typically closed, meaning you cannot explore unless PCHA announces an open enrollment period. Open enrollment periods are announced on PCHA's website and sometimes in local media.

When a list opens, there is usually a important date — for example, applications accepted for two weeks only. After the important date closes, the list closes again and may not reopen for months or years. If you miss the window, you must wait for the next one.

Once you are on the waiting list, PCHA contacts you by phone or mail when a voucher or unit is available. You must respond within a set timeframe — usually a few days — or you may lose your spot. Keep your contact information current with PCHA so you do not miss the call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the PCHA waiting list is open?

Check PCHA's website or call the main office. PCHA posts announcements when enrollment opens and lists the important date. You can also ask to be notified when the list reopens, though not all offices offer this service.

What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?

Section 8 lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts the voucher; you choose the apartment. Public housing means PCHA is your landlord and assigns you a unit. Both charge 30 percent of income as rent, but public housing has fewer choices and longer waits in some areas.

Can I keep my voucher if I move out of Pierce County?

No. PCHA vouchers are only valid in Pierce County. If you move outside the county, your voucher ends. You can port your voucher to another housing authority in a different county, but that authority must accept it and you must follow their rules.

What if I do not have recent pay stubs for recertification?

Bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, hourly rate or salary, and start date. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter. PCHA will tell you what it needs.

Can PCHA evict me if I do not pay my portion of rent?

Yes. Even though PCHA pays most of the rent, you are responsible for your 30 percent share. If you do not pay, the landlord can file for eviction. PCHA can also terminate your voucher or lease for non-payment, which ends your subsidy.