What the Plainfield Housing Authority Does

The Plainfield Housing Authority (PHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Plainfield, New Jersey. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program locally and maintains public housing units. The PHA does not build or fund new housing — it leases existing properties from private owners and subsidizes the rent for tenants who meet income limits.

The Authority operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the programs, income limits, and rent rules are largely the same across all housing authorities, but the PHA's waiting lists, processing times, and local policies are specific to Plainfield.

If you live in Plainfield and want to rent through a subsidized program, the PHA is the office you contact. They manage your lease, collect your portion of the rent, and handle disputes with landlords or maintenance issues in public housing units.

Key Takeaways

  • The Plainfield Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing units in Plainfield, New Jersey, under federal HUD rules.
  • You must meet income limits (usually 50 to 80 percent of the area median income) and pass a background check to be considered.
  • Waiting lists for both vouchers and public housing are typically closed or have years-long waits; call the PHA directly to confirm current status.
  • Once you receive a voucher or lease a public unit, you pay 30 percent of your income as rent, and the PHA or HUD pays the landlord the rest.
  • The PHA office is located in Plainfield and handles all lease signings, rent payments, and maintenance requests for its programs.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Through Plainfield Housing Authority

A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy that lets you choose any rental property in Plainfield (or sometimes nearby areas) where the landlord agrees to participate. You pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income as rent; the PHA pays the landlord the difference between that amount and the fair market rent for the unit. The voucher is portable — if you move within the PHA's jurisdiction, you can use it at a new address.

To be considered for a voucher, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income for Union County. For a single person, that is roughly $35,000 to $40,000 annually; for a family of four, roughly $56,000 to $64,000. These figures change yearly. You must also pass a criminal background check and have a valid rental history (or no evictions in the past three years).

The Plainfield Housing Authority's Section 8 waiting list is typically closed. When it opens, the PHA accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks. You must explore in person at the PHA office during the open period. Call the Authority before you visit to confirm the list is open and what documents to bring.

Wait times for a voucher in Plainfield are typically three to five years or longer, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers the Authority has available. During the wait, your name stays on the list as long as you update your address annually.

Public Housing Units Managed by Plainfield Housing Authority

The PHA also owns and manages apartment buildings and family homes in Plainfield. These are called public housing units. Rent is the same as Section 8 — 30 percent of your income — but you do not choose the property. The PHA assigns you to an available unit based on family size and your position on the waiting list.

Income limits and background checks are the same as for Section 8. Public housing waiting lists in Plainfield are also typically closed or have multi-year waits. When a list opens, you explore in person at the PHA office.

Public housing units are maintained by the PHA's own maintenance staff. If something breaks, you call the PHA directly to request a repair. The Authority is responsible for major repairs, utilities in common areas, and building security. You are responsible for keeping your unit clean and reporting damage promptly.

Income Limits and Rent Calculation

The PHA uses gross monthly income to determine whether you are within the income limit. Gross income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular payments. It does not include one-time payments, tax refunds, or some disability benefits.

Once you are admitted to a program, your rent is recalculated every year based on your current income. If your income rises, your rent rises. If your income falls, your rent falls. You must report income changes to the PHA within 30 days; failure to do so can result in overpayment demands or lease termination.

The PHA conducts an annual recertification interview where you provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. Bring originals or certified copies. If you do not attend the recertification or do not provide documents, your lease may be terminated.

How to Contact Plainfield Housing Authority and What to Bring

The Plainfield Housing Authority office is located at 100 Myrtle Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060. Phone: (908) 755-1023. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but call ahead to confirm, especially if you are visiting for the first time.

When you visit to inquire about programs or explore, bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or benefit letters), and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name). If you are explore for a voucher or public housing, bring your Social Security number and be prepared to authorize a background check.

If you are currently in a PHA program and need to report a maintenance issue, call the same number and ask for maintenance. Urgent repairs (no heat, no water, broken locks) should be reported when ready; the PHA has emergency procedures for these.

Background Checks and Criminal History

The PHA runs a criminal background check on all applicants and household members age 18 and older. A background check does not automatically disqualify you. The PHA considers the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have rehabilitated.

Certain crimes — such as methamphetamine manufacturing or violent felonies within the past five years — can result in denial. Drug-related convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you have a criminal history, be honest about it when you explore. The PHA will find it anyway, and honesty improves your chances.

If you are denied because of your background, the PHA must provide you with a written reason and a chance to dispute the decision. You have the right to request a hearing before a hearing officer.

What Happens After You Are Admitted

Once you receive a voucher or are assigned a public housing unit, you sign a lease with the PHA. The lease outlines your responsibilities: paying rent on time, maintaining the unit, following house rules, and reporting changes in income or household composition.

You pay your portion of rent (30 percent of income) to the PHA each month. The PHA pays the landlord (in the case of Section 8) or maintains the building (in the case of public housing). If you fall behind on rent, the PHA can begin eviction proceedings.

If you violate the lease — for example, by having unauthorized occupants, engaging in criminal activity, or damaging the unit — the PHA can terminate your lease with written notice. You have the right to a hearing before eviction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Plainfield Housing Authority waiting list open right now?

Waiting lists in Plainfield are typically closed. Call the PHA at (908) 755-1023 to ask whether the Section 8 or public housing list is currently open. If it is, they will tell you when and where to explore. Do not rely on information from other sources — the PHA office has the current status.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher from Plainfield to rent in another town?

Section 8 vouchers are portable within the PHA's jurisdiction, which is Plainfield. To use a voucher outside Plainfield, you must request a transfer to another housing authority's program. This is possible but requires approval and may have a wait. Ask the PHA about portability before you move.

What if I cannot afford the process fee?

The Plainfield Housing Authority does not charge an process fee for Section 8 or public housing. If someone asks you for money to explore, it is a scam. explore directly at the PHA office.

How long does it take to get a voucher or unit after I am approved?

After you are approved, the PHA will contact you when a voucher or unit becomes available. For Section 8, this can take months or years depending on the waiting list. For public housing, it depends on unit availability. Once you are contacted, you have a limited time to accept or you lose your spot.

What if I have a dispute with my landlord or the PHA?

If you are in a Section 8 unit and have a dispute with your landlord, contact the PHA first — they may be able to mediate. If you are in public housing, contact the PHA maintenance or management office. If you believe the PHA has violated your lease rights, you have the right to request a hearing before a hearing officer.