What the Tallahassee Housing Authority does

The Tallahassee Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Leon County, Florida. It administers two main programs: public housing units that THA owns directly, and vouchers that let you rent from private landlords while THA pays part of your rent. THA does not run emergency information, rapid rehousing, or homeless services — those come through other Leon County agencies.

THA's public housing includes family apartments, senior housing, and properties for people with disabilities. The voucher program, formally called Housing Choice Vouchers, works differently: you find your own rental property (within limits), and THA pays the landlord a portion of the rent based on your income. Both programs require you to meet income limits and other rules set by federal housing law, which THA enforces.

THA's main office is located in Tallahassee. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current openings, waitlist status, or program rules. Because THA manages federal money, its policies follow HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) guidelines, though THA makes some local decisions about how strictly to explore them.

Key Takeaways

  • THA runs public housing (apartments it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent information for private rentals), but does not provide emergency rental help or homeless services.
  • Both programs have income limits that vary by family size, and both require a lease and background screening before you move in.
  • Public housing and vouchers have separate waitlists, and both are often closed to new applications when demand is high.
  • THA's rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what your household earns, with a minimum rent that varies by property.
  • If you are denied housing or have a dispute with THA, you have the right to a hearing before an independent officer.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

THA's public housing consists of apartments that THA owns and maintains. You pay rent directly to THA, and THA is responsible for repairs, maintenance, and building management. Public housing is concentrated in specific neighborhoods and properties, so your housing options are limited to what THA owns. The advantage is that THA controls the quality and can respond to maintenance requests as the landlord.

Housing Choice Vouchers work the opposite way: you find a rental property on the private market (a house, apartment, or condo), and THA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket. This gives you much more choice in where you live, as long as the property meets THA's standards and the rent is not above the voucher limit for your area. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and not all landlords do.

Both programs calculate your rent as roughly 30 percent of your gross household income, with a minimum rent (usually $50 to $100 per month) and a maximum based on the property type and bedroom size. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. THA recertifies your income annually or when you report a change.

Income limits and who can explore

THA programs are limited to households earning below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Leon County. The exact limit depends on your family size. For example, a single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. HUD updates these numbers yearly, and THA publishes them on its website or can tell you over the phone.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. THA will ask for proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and verification of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer). If you receive benefits, THA will verify those directly with the agency.

THA also screens for criminal history, eviction history, and lease violations. A prior eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but THA considers the reason and how long ago it happened. Drug-related convictions and violent felonies are grounds for denial. Sex offender registration also disqualifies you. THA will tell you what it found and give you a chance to respond before making a final decision.

How to get on the waitlist

To explore for THA housing or vouchers, you must first contact THA directly. You can visit the office in person, call, or check the website to see if applications are currently open. THA frequently closes its waitlists when demand is very high, and reopens them periodically. There is no online process portal — you explore through THA's office.

When you explore, bring proof of income, identification, Social Security cards for all household members, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease). THA will give you an process form to complete. You will be placed on the waitlist in the order your process is received, unless THA gives priority to certain groups (such as people with disabilities or victims of domestic violence).

Waitlist times vary widely. Public housing waitlists in Tallahassee can be several years long, depending on the property type and bedroom size you need. Voucher waitlists are also long. THA will tell you your position when you explore, though the list can change if people ahead of you are housed or withdraw.

Rent, lease terms, and your responsibilities

Once you are housed, your lease with THA (or the private landlord, if you have a voucher) sets out your rights and responsibilities. You must pay rent on time, keep the unit clean and in good condition, follow all lease rules, and report maintenance problems to THA or the landlord. You cannot sublet or let anyone else live in the unit without THA's written permission.

THA can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. THA must follow Florida eviction law, which means giving you written notice and a chance to cure (fix) the problem before filing in court. If THA files an eviction case, you have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. Eviction from THA housing also means losing your voucher if you have one.

If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, the private landlord handles day-to-day management, but THA still enforces the lease terms and can terminate your voucher if you violate the lease. You are responsible for finding a new unit if your landlord asks you to leave, and you must stay within THA's rent limits and quality standards.

Maintenance, inspections, and quality standards

THA properties are inspected regularly to may support they meet federal housing quality standards. These standards cover things like working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, safe stairs and railings, and freedom from pests and mold. If THA finds violations, it must fix them within a set timeframe. You can report maintenance problems by contacting THA's maintenance line or office.

If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, THA inspects the private rental property before you move in and periodically afterward. The landlord is responsible for repairs, but if the unit fails inspection and the landlord does not fix it, THA can terminate the voucher and you must move. You have the right to request an inspection if you believe the unit is not meeting standards.

THA can also inspect your unit to check for damage beyond normal wear and tear. If you damage the unit, you may be charged for repairs. Normal wear and tear — like faded paint or worn carpet after years of use — is THA's responsibility, not yours.

Disputes, denials, and your right to a hearing

If THA denies your process, terminates your lease, or takes action against you (such as raising your rent or reducing your voucher), THA must give you written notice explaining the reason. You have the right to request a hearing before an independent hearing officer who does not work for THA. This is called an informal hearing or grievance hearing.

To request a hearing, you must do so in writing within a set time (usually 10 days from the notice). THA will tell you the important date and how to submit your request. At the hearing, you can present evidence, call witnesses, and challenge THA's decision. The hearing officer will make a decision based on the facts and THA's policies. If you disagree with the hearing officer's decision, you may have the right to appeal to a higher level, depending on the issue.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can contact the Community Legal Services Center in Tallahassee or the Florida Justice Center, which provide free legal help to low-income people. They can advise you on your rights and help you prepare for a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get housed after I am on the waitlist?

Waitlist times depend on the type of housing and your priority. Public housing waitlists in Tallahassee typically take several years. Voucher waitlists are also long. THA will give you an estimate when you explore, but the timeline can change. Contact THA directly to ask about current waitlist length for the specific unit type you need.

Can I own a car or have savings if I live in THA housing?

Yes. THA does not limit how much money you can have in savings or how many cars you own. THA only counts income when calculating your rent. However, if you receive certain benefits (like Supplemental Security Income), those programs may have asset limits, so check with the benefit program itself.

What happens to my rent if my income changes?

THA recertifies your income once a year. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. You must report major income changes (like a job loss or new job) to THA within 30 days. If you do not report and THA finds out later, you may owe back rent at the higher rate.

Can I be evicted for something other than not paying rent?

Yes. THA can evict you for violating the lease, such as having unauthorized occupants, criminal activity, or damaging the unit. THA must give you written notice and a chance to fix the problem (called "cure") before filing for eviction. Some violations, like drug use or violence, may not be curable and can lead to when ready eviction proceedings.

What if I disagree with THA's decision to deny me or evict me?

You have the right to request a hearing before an independent hearing officer. Submit your request in writing within the important date THA gives you (usually 10 days). At the hearing, you can present your side of the story and challenge THA's evidence. The hearing officer will decide based on the facts and THA's policies. If you lose, you may have the right to appeal, depending on the issue.