What the Reno Housing Authority does

The Reno Housing Authority is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in the Reno area. It administers public housing units, manages voucher programs that help tenants pay rent in private apartments, and handles applications for people seeking affordable housing. The Authority is a separate government body from the City of Reno, though it works with city and county agencies on housing policy.

The Authority owns and maintains public housing complexes directly, and it also distributes federal housing vouchers to may be able to access households. If you are looking for affordable rental housing in Reno or want to understand what programs might be available to you, the Housing Authority is the main place to start — not a private landlord or a nonprofit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Reno Housing Authority runs public housing units and distributes federal housing vouchers, and it is the official place to contact about affordable housing in Reno.
  • Public housing and voucher programs both have income limits that vary by household size, and you must meet those limits to be considered.
  • The Authority maintains a waitlist for both public housing and vouchers, and waitlists can be closed when demand is high.
  • You can contact the Authority directly to ask about current waitlist status, income limits, and what documents you will need to provide.

Public housing versus voucher programs

The Reno Housing Authority runs two main types of programs. Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent directly from them. Housing vouchers (also called Section 8) mean the Authority gives you a voucher to use at a private landlord's property — the voucher covers part of your rent, and you pay the rest. Both programs are for low-income households, but they work differently and have different waitlists.

Public housing is usually cheaper per month because the Authority sets rents based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn. Voucher programs let you choose where to live, as long as the landlord accepts vouchers and the rent is not above the program's limit for your area. Some people prefer vouchers because they offer more choice; others prefer public housing because the rent is more predictable and the Authority handles maintenance directly.

Income limits and household size

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits based on the area's median income. The limits change each year and depend on your household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. The Reno Housing Authority uses the limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which are published annually.

You will need to provide proof of income — usually recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer — to show you fall within the limit. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or receiving benefits, the process is more involved, but the Authority can explain what documents they need. Income limits are not the same as rent limits; the limit determines whether you can be considered, while rent is calculated separately based on your actual income.

How to contact the Reno Housing Authority

The Reno Housing Authority's main office is located in Reno and handles all inquiries about public housing, vouchers, and waitlist status. You can call them directly to ask whether waitlists are currently open, what the current income limits are, and what documents you need to bring. Phone numbers and office hours are available on the Authority's official website.

When you call or visit, have your household size and approximate annual income ready. The staff can tell you in one conversation whether you likely meet the income requirement and whether you can explore now or if the waitlist is closed. If the waitlist is closed, ask when it typically reopens — some programs reopen seasonally or when funding becomes available.

Waitlists and how long they take

Both public housing and voucher programs maintain waitlists. When demand is high, waitlists close and the Authority stops accepting new applications. Once you are on a waitlist, the time to receive a unit or voucher varies widely — it can be months or several years depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you.

The Authority prioritizes some applicants over others based on factors like homelessness, disability, or being displaced by a disaster. Ask the Authority whether you may have access to for priority status when you explore. Even if you are on a waitlist, you can still explore for other housing programs or work with nonprofits that help with emergency rental information while you wait.

What documents you will need

When you explore to the Reno Housing Authority, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of income, and a signed lease (for voucher programs). A driver's license or state ID works for identity. For income, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you are on unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits, bring documentation of those payments.

You will also need to provide information about your household — names, ages, and relationships of everyone living with you. If you are explore for a voucher, you will need a lease signed by you and the landlord showing the rent amount. The Authority can give you a full checklist when you call or visit, so you do not have to guess what is required.

Other resources if the waitlist is closed

If the Reno Housing Authority's waitlist is closed, you have other options. Washoe County and the City of Reno both have housing programs and emergency rental information funds. Nonprofits like the Reno Housing Collaborative and local community action agencies also help low-income renters find housing or pay rent. Your local 211 service (dial 211 or visit 211.org) can tell you which programs are currently open in your area.

Some landlords in Reno accept vouchers even if you do not have one yet — you can ask them to hold a unit while you wait for the Authority to process your process. Emergency rental information can also help if you are behind on rent while waiting for a voucher to come through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Reno Housing Authority waitlist is open?

Call the Authority directly — that is the fastest way to know. Waitlist status changes throughout the year and is not always posted online. The staff can tell you in one call whether you can explore now or when the list might reopen.

What is the difference between public housing and a voucher?

Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent from them; rent is usually 30 percent of your income. A voucher means you find a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent. Vouchers give you more choice of where to live, but public housing is often cheaper and simpler.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

It depends on the reason and how recent it was. The Authority reviews each process individually. Call them and explain your situation — they can tell you whether it will disqualify you or just make approval take longer. Some programs prioritize people who are at risk of homelessness, which can work in your favor.

How long does it take to get approved?

Once you explore, approval typically takes a few weeks to a few months. But the bigger wait is usually the waitlist itself — you might wait months or years for a unit or voucher to become available, even after you are approved. Ask the Authority for an estimate based on current demand.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing?

Your rent will increase, but you will not be evicted. Public housing rent is recalculated annually based on your income. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually exceed the program's income limit and have to move, but the Authority gives you time to plan.