What Rochester Housing Authority Does

Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Rochester, New York. It administers public housing units, manages the Section 8 voucher program for the city, and handles some emergency information. RHA does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords to house low-income residents, and it inspects those units to make sure they meet housing standards.

RHA is separate from the City of Rochester and from New York State housing programs, though it works with both. If you live in Rochester and need housing help, RHA is usually the first place to contact because it runs the largest local program. If you live outside Rochester city limits but in Monroe County, you may need Monroe County Housing Authority instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Rochester Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers; you contact RHA directly, not the city or state, to learn about these programs.
  • Public housing has a waitlist that can be years long, and Section 8 vouchers also have a waitlist; both programs have income limits based on household size.
  • RHA inspects units before you move in and annually after, so landlords must meet specific standards for heat, plumbing, electrical, and safety.
  • You can reach RHA by phone, mail, or in person at their main office; they do not accept applications online for most programs.
  • If you are denied housing or a voucher, RHA must give you a written reason and tell you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

Public Housing and Section 8 Vouchers: The Two Main Programs

RHA runs two separate housing programs. Public housing means RHA owns or leases the building and you pay rent to RHA directly. Section 8 vouchers mean you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and RHA pays part of the rent to the landlord while you pay the rest.

Both programs have waitlists. Public housing waitlists in Rochester are typically several years long, depending on the size of unit you need. Section 8 voucher waitlists also move slowly. RHA opens the waitlist periodically — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months — and then closes it when demand is high. You can call RHA to ask whether the waitlist is currently open and how long the wait typically is for your household size.

Income limits explore to both programs. A household of one person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 per year; a household of four might be around $55,000 to $65,000. These limits change yearly and vary slightly between public housing and Section 8. RHA will tell you the current limit for your household size when you contact them.

How to Contact Rochester Housing Authority

RHA's main office is located at 417 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604. You can reach them by phone at (585) 232-3481. They are open Monday through Friday, typically 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary by department.

You can also visit in person to ask questions or request an process. RHA does not accept applications for public housing or Section 8 vouchers by mail or online; you must explore in person or by phone. When you call, have your Social Security number, proof of income, and a list of household members ready.

If you need help understanding your options before you contact RHA, you can also call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for information about Rochester housing programs. They can tell you which program might fit your situation and confirm RHA's current contact information.

What Happens After You explore

After you turn in an process, RHA will verify your income, household composition, and immigration status. This process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how busy RHA is and how quickly you provide documents they request.

If you are placed on a waitlist, RHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. For public housing, they call you in order based on the date you applied and your priority status (some households get priority, such as those experiencing homelessness). For Section 8, the process is similar, though some programs prioritize based on need.

Once you are offered a unit or voucher, you have a limited time to accept it — usually 10 to 14 days. If you turn it down, you stay on the waitlist but may move down in priority. If you accept, you will sign a lease (for Section 8) or a lease with RHA (for public housing), and you can move in once the unit passes inspection.

Income Limits and Rent You Pay

To stay in RHA housing, your income must remain below the program limit. RHA recertifies your income once a year, usually by asking you to bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If your income rises above the limit, you may have to leave the program, though RHA sometimes allows a grace period.

In public housing, you typically pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income as rent, with a minimum rent (usually $50 to $100 per month). In Section 8, you also pay 30 percent of income, and RHA pays the landlord the difference between that amount and the fair market rent for your area.

If your income drops, tell RHA right away. Your rent will be recalculated, and you may pay less. If you do not report a change and RHA finds out later, you may owe back rent or be asked to leave the program.

Housing Standards and Inspections

Before you move into any RHA unit — whether public housing or Section 8 — the apartment must pass an inspection. RHA inspectors check that the heat works, plumbing is safe, electrical outlets are grounded, there are no lead paint hazards, and the unit is clean and free of pests. If the unit fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in.

After you move in, RHA inspects public housing units annually. For Section 8, inspections happen every two years, though RHA can inspect more often if there is a complaint. If your unit fails inspection, the landlord has a set time to make repairs. If they do not, RHA can stop paying rent to the landlord, which usually forces the repair to happen quickly.

You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and reporting maintenance problems to RHA (for public housing) or to your landlord (for Section 8). If you damage the unit beyond normal wear and tear, you may be charged for repairs.

If You Are Denied or Removed from the Program

If RHA denies your process or removes you from the program, they must give you a written notice that explains the reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, a criminal history that disqualifies you under RHA policy, or failure to provide required documents.

You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision. The notice will tell you how to request a hearing and the important date to do so — usually 10 to 30 days. At the hearing, you can present documents and explain your situation to a hearing officer who is not the person who made the original decision.

If you are removed from the program for lease violations (such as not paying rent, having unauthorized occupants, or criminal activity), the process may be faster and the right to a hearing may be limited. Ask RHA for details about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waitlist for public housing in Rochester?

Waitlists vary by unit size and change over time. Call RHA at (585) 232-3481 and tell them your household size; they can tell you the current wait time. For some unit sizes, the wait may be two to four years or longer.

Can I own a car and still get Section 8?

Yes. Section 8 does not restrict car ownership. RHA only counts income and household composition. Public housing also allows car ownership, though some public housing sites have limited parking.

What if I have a criminal record?

RHA has a criminal history policy that may disqualify you for certain offenses, particularly drug-related crimes and crimes of violence. However, RHA considers the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and other factors. Contact RHA to discuss your specific situation; they can tell you whether you may be denied.

Can I move to a different unit if I am already in public housing?

You can request a transfer, but RHA prioritizes new applicants. Transfers are usually approved only for medical reasons, safety concerns, or unit maintenance issues. Contact RHA's management office to request a transfer and explain your reason.

What happens if my landlord stops accepting Section 8?

If your landlord opts out of the program, RHA will give you a notice and time to find a new unit. You keep your voucher and can use it at any landlord who accepts Section 8. RHA can help you search for available units.