What the Rochester Housing Authority does

The Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Rochester, New York. It administers public housing units across the city and manages the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income renters pay for private apartments. The RHA also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and operates community facilities in its developments.

The RHA is not a landlord you contact to rent an apartment directly — it is the government body that owns certain buildings and helps fund housing for people who meet income limits. If you live in an RHA building or receive an RHA voucher, the RHA is your landlord or your subsidy provider, depending on the program.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rochester Housing Authority manages public housing buildings and Section 8 vouchers for low-income renters in Rochester.
  • To get on a waiting list for public housing or a Section 8 voucher, you must meet income limits that vary by household size and explore directly to the RHA.
  • The RHA's main office is located in downtown Rochester, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current openings and process status.
  • If you are already an RHA tenant or voucher holder, you report maintenance issues, rent changes, and household changes to your property manager or the RHA directly.
  • The RHA also runs programs for people experiencing homelessness and offers supportive services in some of its developments.

How to contact the Rochester Housing Authority

The RHA's main office is at 417 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604. You can reach them by phone at (585) 232-3000 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The RHA website (rochesterhousing.org) lists current programs, waiting list information, and contact details for specific properties.

If you are calling about a specific building or property, ask to be transferred to that development's office — each RHA property has its own management staff who handle tenant issues, maintenance requests, and lease questions. If you are calling about Section 8 vouchers, ask for the Housing Choice Voucher program office.

Public housing and waiting lists

The RHA owns and operates public housing developments throughout Rochester. To live in an RHA building, you must be on the waiting list and meet income limits set by the federal government. Income limits depend on household size and change yearly; the RHA can tell you the current limits when you call or visit.

Waiting lists are often closed when they grow too long. When a list is open, you can explore in person at the main office or by mail. The RHA will give you an process form and tell you what documents you need — typically proof of income, identification, and residency. After you explore, the RHA places you on the list in the order your process was received. Wait times vary widely depending on the type of unit you need and current demand.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The RHA administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which gives money directly to landlords to cover part of your rent in a private apartment. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the RHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of your own income.

The Section 8 waiting list is also often closed. When it is open, you explore the same way as for public housing. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find an apartment that meets RHA standards and has a landlord willing to participate in the program. The RHA inspects the unit to make sure it is safe and meets housing codes before the voucher can be used.

Tenant rights and maintenance in RHA housing

If you are an RHA tenant, you have the same rights as any renter in New York State, plus additional protections under federal public housing law. Your lease must follow RHA rules, and the RHA must maintain the building to meet housing codes. If something breaks — heat, plumbing, electrical — you report it to your building's management office or maintenance line.

The RHA has rules about what you can and cannot do in your unit, including restrictions on guests, pets, and alterations. Your lease spells out these rules. If you break a lease rule, the RHA can start an eviction case, but it must follow New York State eviction law and give you notice and a chance to respond. If you are facing eviction, contact your building's management office when ready to discuss the issue.

Supportive housing and special programs

The RHA runs several programs beyond standard public housing and Section 8. These include supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, housing for seniors, and housing for people with disabilities. Some developments have on-site services like job training, mental health counseling, or case management.

To learn about these programs, call the RHA main office and ask what supportive housing options are available. may be able to access and process processes differ from standard public housing, and wait times may be shorter for some programs. The RHA can tell you whether you meet the criteria and how the process works.

Reporting problems and filing complaints

If you have a maintenance problem that is not being fixed, start by reporting it in writing to your building's management office and keep a copy. If the problem is not resolved within a reasonable time, you can contact the RHA's main office to file a formal complaint. New York State also has a housing complaint process; you can file with the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal if the RHA does not respond.

If you believe the RHA has violated your lease or your rights as a tenant, you can request a hearing before an RHA hearing officer. The RHA must tell you how to request a hearing if you receive a notice of lease violation or eviction. You have the right to bring evidence and speak on your own behalf at the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a Section 8 voucher from the RHA?

Wait times vary greatly depending on the type of unit you need, your household size, and current demand. Some people wait months; others wait years. The RHA can tell you the approximate wait time for your situation when you explore. You can also call to ask about your position on the waiting list.

What if I have a maintenance emergency in my RHA apartment?

Call your building's maintenance line or management office when ready. If it is after hours and the problem is urgent — no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazard — ask if there is an emergency number. If the RHA does not respond quickly to a serious problem, you may have the right to withhold rent or repair it yourself and deduct the cost, but you must follow New York State law carefully. Contact a legal aid organization before taking this step.

Can I be evicted from an RHA apartment?

Yes, if you break your lease. The RHA must follow New York State eviction law, which means it must give you written notice, a chance to fix the problem or respond, and a court hearing before you can be removed. Common reasons for eviction include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. If you receive an eviction notice, contact your building's management office or a legal aid organization right away.

What happens if my income changes while I am in RHA housing?

You must report income changes to the RHA. If your income rises above the limit for public housing, your rent may increase or you may eventually be asked to leave. If your income drops, your rent may decrease. The RHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. Report changes as soon as they happen to avoid problems later.

Is there a waiting list for supportive housing programs?

Yes, most RHA supportive housing programs have waiting lists, though they may be shorter than the public housing list. Some programs prioritize people experiencing homelessness or those referred by social service agencies. Call the RHA to ask about current openings and how to get on a waiting list for the specific program you need.