What the St. Petersburg Housing Authority does

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is a local government agency that owns and operates public housing in St. Petersburg, Florida. It manages rental properties for low-income households, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and runs other housing programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Authority is separate from the city government, though it operates under state and federal law.

SPHA does not set rental market prices or regulate private landlords. It manages only the properties it owns directly and the voucher program it administers. If you rent from a private landlord in St. Petersburg, SPHA has no authority over that relationship unless you hold a voucher through them.

Key Takeaways

  • The St. Petersburg Housing Authority manages public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher program, but does not regulate private rental markets.
  • To reach SPHA, contact them directly by phone or visit their office in person; they do not process requests through third-party websites.
  • If you hold a voucher through SPHA, the Authority pays your landlord a portion of rent; you pay the remainder directly.
  • Public housing and voucher programs have income limits that vary by household size and change annually.
  • Wait lists for both public housing and vouchers may be closed or have long delays depending on current demand.

Public housing managed by SPHA

SPHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout St. Petersburg. These are rental properties where the Authority is the landlord. Tenants in SPHA public housing pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of adjusted gross income, rather than market rate. The Authority maintains the buildings and provides maintenance and repairs as part of the lease.

Public housing has income limits. The maximum income allowed depends on household size and is set by HUD each year. If your income exceeds the limit when you first move in, you may be able to stay, but new residents must fall within the current limit. SPHA's office can tell you the current income limits for your household size.

Public housing is not temporary. Once you are a tenant, you have the right to remain as long as you follow the lease, pay rent on time, and maintain the unit. You do not have to reapply each year to stay, though SPHA will conduct periodic income recertifications.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

SPHA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. This program gives you a voucher that you can use to rent from a private landlord anywhere in the St. Petersburg area (and in some cases beyond). SPHA pays the landlord a portion of your rent; you pay the rest directly. The amount SPHA pays is based on the local fair market rent for your unit size, not on what you actually pay.

To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords participate. Once you find a unit, SPHA inspects it to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, SPHA and the landlord sign a contract, and you sign a lease with the landlord. You then pay your share of rent to the landlord each month.

Like public housing, vouchers have income limits at the time you first receive one. Your income can rise after you get the voucher without losing it. You pay a portion of rent based on your income, usually 30 percent of adjusted gross income, though SPHA may set different percentages in some cases.

How to contact SPHA and current wait list status

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority's main office is located at 4th Street in St. Petersburg. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about programs, income limits, and wait list status. Their phone number and office hours are available on the City of St. Petersburg's official website under Housing Authority.

Wait lists for both public housing and vouchers change frequently. SPHA may open or close the list depending on funding and demand. The only way to know the current status is to contact SPHA directly. Do not rely on third-party websites or social media for this information, as it may be outdated.

If you want to be added to a wait list, you will need to provide proof of income, identification, and other documents. SPHA staff can tell you exactly what to bring when you call or visit. Some programs may require you to attend an orientation before your name is added to the list.

Tenant rights in SPHA public housing

As a tenant in SPHA public housing, you have rights under your lease and under federal housing law. SPHA must give you written notice before raising your rent, and the increase is limited to changes in your income or changes in the utility allowance. SPHA cannot evict you without cause and without following the eviction process in court.

You have the right to request repairs for maintenance issues. SPHA is responsible for keeping the unit and common areas in safe, habitable condition. If SPHA does not make repairs, you can file a complaint with SPHA's management office or contact a legal aid organization for guidance on your options.

If SPHA wants to terminate your lease, they must provide written notice stating the reason. Common reasons include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before eviction. Contact SPHA's office or a local legal aid provider if you receive a notice to vacate.

What SPHA does not do

SPHA does not regulate private rental housing in St. Petersburg. If you rent from a private landlord and do not hold an SPHA voucher, SPHA has no authority over your lease, your rent, or your landlord's conduct. Disputes with private landlords are handled through small claims court or civil court, not through SPHA.

SPHA does not provide emergency rental information or utility information. Those programs may be run by the city, county, or nonprofit organizations, but they are separate from the Housing Authority. Contact your local 211 service or the city's community services department to find emergency information programs.

SPHA does not inspect or certify private rental properties unless you are using a voucher to rent there. If you have a voucher and your landlord's unit fails inspection, SPHA will not approve the lease until repairs are made.

Income limits and rent calculations

Income limits for SPHA programs are set by HUD and change each year. They are based on the area median income for the Tampa-St. Petersburg region. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four. SPHA's office publishes the current year's limits and can tell you whether your household income falls within the limit.

Rent in SPHA public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, minus deductions for dependents, elderly status, and disability. SPHA will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income. If your income changes, you must report it to SPHA so your rent can be recalculated.

For voucher holders, you pay 30 percent of your adjusted income as your share of rent. SPHA pays the difference between your share and the fair market rent for your unit size, up to a limit. If the unit rents for more than the fair market rent, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait list length varies and changes as funding becomes available and as people move off the list. SPHA is the only source for current wait list information. Call their office or visit in person to ask about current wait times for the specific program you are interested in.

Can I lose my voucher if my income goes up?

No. Once you receive a Housing Choice Voucher, your income can increase without losing the voucher. You will pay a higher share of rent as your income rises, but you keep the voucher. Income limits explore only when you first receive the voucher.

What happens if my landlord will not accept my voucher?

A landlord can choose not to participate in the voucher program. If you find a unit and the landlord refuses, you must find a different unit with a landlord who accepts vouchers. SPHA staff can sometimes help you locate participating landlords, though the search is ultimately your responsibility.

Can SPHA evict me without a reason?

No. SPHA must have a reason to evict you, such as non-payment of rent or a lease violation. They must provide written notice and give you the opportunity to be heard in court before eviction. If you receive an eviction notice, contact SPHA's office or a legal aid organization when ready.

Does SPHA help with emergency rent if I fall behind?

SPHA does not run emergency rental information programs. Other local organizations and government agencies may offer this help. Contact your local 211 service or the City of St. Petersburg's community services office to find out what emergency information programs are available in your area.