How the Reading Housing Authority Works and What It Administers

What the Reading Housing Authority does

The Reading Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Reading, Pennsylvania. It does not provide emergency rental information, homelessness prevention funds, or other temporary relief programs — those come from the city, Berks County, or state agencies. The RHA's job is to own and manage public housing units and to administer vouchers that help tenants pay rent in privately owned buildings.

The RHA serves Berks County residents, with the main office located in Reading. If you are looking for help with current rent arrears, utility bills, or imminent eviction, you will need to contact a different agency. If you are interested in long-term affordable housing through public housing or a voucher, the RHA is where you start.

Key Takeaways

The Reading Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers, not emergency rental information or temporary relief programs.
Public housing through RHA is permanent affordable housing; Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord with the RHA paying part of your rent.
Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long, and income limits explore — you must earn below a certain threshold to be considered.
You can contact RHA directly at their Reading office to learn current waiting list status and what documents you will need to bring.
If you need emergency help with rent or utilities right now, contact 211 Berks County or your local city office, not the housing authority.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The RHA owns and manages public housing buildings throughout Reading. When you live in public housing, the RHA is your landlord. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher), and the RHA covers the rest of the building's operating costs through federal funding. Public housing is permanent — you can stay as long as you meet lease terms and income limits, though your rent will be recalculated each year based on your current income.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. The RHA gives you a voucher that you take to a private landlord who agrees to accept it. The voucher pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord; you pay the rest. You choose where to live (within Berks County and some surrounding areas), and you keep the voucher as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules. The landlord's unit must pass an RHA inspection before you can move in.

Both programs require you to be below the area median income limit. For Reading, that limit varies by household size and changes annually. The RHA can tell you the current limit when you contact them. Both programs also have waiting lists; the wait for public housing is typically longer than for vouchers, though this changes based on funding and turnover.

Income limits and household composition

To be considered for either public housing or a Section 8 voucher, your household's gross monthly income must fall below the RHA's limit for your household size. The limit is set as a percentage of the area median income and is updated each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular money coming into your household. The RHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify income. If your income rises above the limit after you are admitted to a program, you may be required to leave or to pay a higher rent. The RHA recertifies income annually, so you will need to provide updated documents each year.

How to contact the Reading Housing Authority

The RHA's main office is located in Reading. You can visit in person, call, or check their website for current contact information and office hours. When you call or visit, ask about current waiting list status for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers. The staff can tell you whether the list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you will need to bring if you want to be added to the list.

Bring a photo ID and proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit letter) when you visit. If you have a disability or need language interpretation, let the RHA know when you call so they can arrange accommodation. The RHA also has a website where you may find process forms and program information.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists. The length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you, how many units become available, and whether you have a priority (such as homelessness or disability). Public housing waiting lists in Reading have historically been several years long, though this can change. Section 8 waiting lists are often shorter but still measured in months to years.

When a unit or voucher becomes available, the RHA will contact you in the order you are on the list. You will have a limited time (usually 10 to 14 days) to respond and schedule an appointment. If you do not respond, you may be skipped and moved to the bottom of the list or removed entirely. Keep your contact information current with the RHA so they can reach you.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, the RHA will assign you to an available unit. You will sign a lease with the RHA, pay your portion of the rent (30 percent of income or the minimum rent), and move in. The RHA handles maintenance and repairs. You must follow lease rules, which include keeping the unit in good condition, not engaging in criminal activity, and reporting any changes in household composition or income.

If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a private landlord who will accept the voucher. The landlord's unit must pass an RHA inspection for lead paint, safety, and habitability. Once the inspection passes and the lease is signed, the RHA begins paying the landlord's portion of the rent. You pay your share directly to the landlord each month. You must report any changes in income or household size to the RHA.

If you need emergency help instead

If you are facing eviction, have unpaid utility bills, or need help with rent this month, the RHA is not the right place to call. Emergency rental information, utility information, and eviction prevention programs are run by the City of Reading, Berks County, or state agencies. Call 211 Berks County (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) to be connected to current emergency programs in your area. You can also contact the City of Reading's community development office or the Berks County Department of Social Services.

Emergency programs move faster than the RHA's waiting lists and are designed for when ready crises. If you are approved for RHA housing or a voucher while you are also receiving emergency information, the two can work together — emergency help covers the gap until your RHA housing or voucher begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Reading?

Waiting lists change based on turnover and funding. Call the RHA directly to ask the current wait time for your household size. In many cases, the wait is several years, but the RHA staff can give you a realistic estimate based on recent history.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. You can ask to be added to both lists when you visit or call the RHA. If you are approved for one program before the other, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both lists. Let the RHA know your preference.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

Your income is recertified every year. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program or to pay a higher rent. The RHA will notify you of the change and give you time to respond. Some programs allow a temporary income increase before action is taken, so ask the RHA about their specific policy.

Do I have to live in Reading to use the RHA's programs?

The RHA serves Berks County residents. You do not have to live in Reading itself, but you must live in the county or in an area the RHA serves. Call to confirm whether your address is in the service area.

What if I cannot find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

If you cannot find a unit within your voucher's time limit, contact the RHA before the important date expires. Some programs allow extensions, and the RHA may have resources or referrals to help you locate a landlord. Do not let the important date pass without communicating with them.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.