What Pinellas County Housing Authority does and where to find them
Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and other rental information programs in Pinellas County, Florida. Their main office is in Largo, which is where most residents go to handle applications, lease questions, and account issues. The authority owns and manages public housing units across the county and also administers vouchers that help low-income renters pay for private apartments.
You can reach PCHA's Largo office at 727-453-0200. Their mailing address is 11479 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. If you need to visit in person, call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment, since some services may require one.
PCHA's website at www.pinellashousing.org has process forms, program information, and links to their online resident portal. If you are a current resident, you can use the portal to pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and view your account. New applicants can read the public housing or Section 8 process from the website or pick one up at the office.
Key Takeaways
- Pinellas County Housing Authority's main office is in Largo at 11479 Ulmerton Road, and you can reach them by phone at 727-453-0200 during business hours.
- PCHA runs public housing units and Section 8 voucher programs, and you explore for each program separately with different income limits and wait times.
- The authority's website at pinellashousing.org has process forms and a resident portal where current tenants can pay rent and request repairs.
- Wait lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are typically long, and PCHA will contact you by mail or phone when a unit or voucher becomes available.
Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers at PCHA
PCHA manages two main programs, and they work differently. Public housing means PCHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. Your rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. PCHA sets the lease terms, handles maintenance, and collects rent. Public housing units are scattered across Pinellas County in various neighborhoods.
Section 8 vouchers let you choose a private apartment or house and the voucher pays part of the rent to your landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket, again usually around 30 percent of your income. You find the unit yourself, the landlord must accept Section 8, and PCHA inspects the property to make sure it meets housing standards. Section 8 gives you more choice in where you live, but finding a landlord who accepts vouchers can be harder.
Both programs have income limits based on family size, and both have wait lists. PCHA will tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. Some people are on both wait lists at once, since approval for one does not disqualify you from the other.
how the process works for public housing or Section 8
You can start an process online through PCHA's website, by mail, or in person at the Largo office. read the process form from pinellashousing.org or ask for one when you call 727-453-0200. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a photo ID, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household.
If you are explore for public housing, you will also need to show that you have the income to afford rent and that you have not been evicted or had serious lease violations in the past. PCHA will run a background check and contact previous landlords. The process itself is free.
After you submit your process, PCHA will send you a letter confirming they received it and telling you your position on the wait list. You do not need to do anything else unless they contact you. When a unit or voucher becomes available, they will call or mail you an interview appointment. Bring your documents to the interview so they can verify your information.
What happens after you are approved
If PCHA approves you for public housing, they will show you available units and you can choose one that fits your family size and budget. You sign a lease with PCHA, pay a small deposit, and move in. Your rent is recalculated every year based on your current income. If your income changes, tell PCHA right away, because your rent will go down if you earn less.
If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, PCHA will give you a voucher packet with instructions on how to find an apartment. You have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a unit and have the landlord sign a lease. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8 and allow PCHA to inspect the property. Once the lease is signed and the unit passes inspection, the voucher becomes active and PCHA starts paying the landlord.
As a PCHA resident or voucher holder, you must follow the lease and program rules. This means paying your share of rent on time, keeping the unit in good condition, and reporting any changes in your household (income, family members, address). Serious violations like non-payment or criminal activity can result in eviction.
Maintenance requests and resident services
If you live in a PCHA public housing unit and something breaks—a leaky faucet, broken window, heating problem—you can request a repair online through the resident portal, by phone at 727-453-0200, or in person at the office. Describe the problem and PCHA will send a maintenance worker. Emergency repairs (no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazard) are handled faster than routine ones.
PCHA also offers some resident services like financial literacy classes, job training referrals, and community programs. Ask at the office or check the website to see what is currently available. These programs are free to residents.
If you are having trouble paying rent or following your lease
If you fall behind on rent or have a lease violation, contact PCHA when ready. Do not wait for an eviction notice. PCHA may work with you on a payment plan if you have a temporary hardship, or they may refer you to local information programs. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have.
If PCHA files for eviction, you have the right to a hearing before a judge. Bring any documents showing you have paid part of the rent, that you requested repairs that were not made, or that you have a hardship. Some local nonprofits offer free legal help for tenants facing eviction—call 211 or ask PCHA for a referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the wait list for public housing or Section 8 at PCHA?
Wait times vary depending on family size, income level, and current demand. Call PCHA at 727-453-0200 and ask for the current wait time for your household size. Some categories have shorter waits than others. You can also ask whether the list is open or closed—sometimes PCHA stops taking new applications temporarily if the list is very long.
Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?
Yes. You can be on both wait lists at once. Being approved for one program does not affect your place on the other list. Some people prefer to have both options available when something opens up.
What if my income changes after I move into PCHA housing?
Tell PCHA right away. Your rent is recalculated based on your current income, so if you earn less, your rent will go down. If you earn more, your rent will go up. PCHA will ask for proof of your new income, like a recent pay stub or tax return.
Do I need a credit check or good credit to explore for PCHA housing?
PCHA does not require good credit, but they will check your rental history and background. They want to see that you have paid rent on time in the past and have not been evicted. If you have a past eviction, you may still be able to explore, but PCHA will review the details.
What should I bring to my interview if PCHA calls me?
Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for everyone in your household, recent pay stubs or proof of income, and any documents about your current housing situation (lease, utility bills, eviction notice if applicable). PCHA will tell you exactly what to bring when they call you for the interview.