What the Tampa Housing Authority does

The Tampa Housing Authority (THA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Hillsborough County. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income residents, and it runs public housing complexes it owns directly. The agency also administers the Section 8 voucher program, which is the largest rental subsidy program in the country.

THA serves residents in Tampa, Temple Terrace, and unincorporated Hillsborough County. If you live outside those areas, you will need to contact a different housing authority. The agency's main office is at 1529 W. Main Street, Tampa, FL 33604, and you can reach it by phone at (813) 253-0551.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tampa Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and other rental information programs for low-income households in Hillsborough County.
  • Section 8 vouchers are not first-come, first-served — THA maintains a waiting list that opens and closes based on funding, and you must meet income limits to be added to it.
  • Public housing units are owned and managed by THA directly, and rent is based on 30 percent of your household income, not a fixed amount.
  • You will need proof of income, identity, residency, and citizenship or immigration status to explore for any THA program.
  • THA also runs emergency information programs that vary by year and funding availability, so calling ahead is the fastest way to learn what is currently open.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

The Section 8 program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's property. You pay the difference — usually 30 percent of your household income — and the voucher pays the rest directly to the landlord. This is the most common rental subsidy program in the country, but it has a waiting list because demand far exceeds funding.

THA opens and closes its Section 8 waiting list based on how much federal money it receives each year. When the list is open, you can submit an process in person at the main office or online through THA's website. The waiting list is not first-come, first-served — THA uses a lottery system to select names randomly when it is time to process applications. This means the order you explore does not determine when you get a voucher.

Once your name is selected from the waiting list, THA will contact you to verify your income and household composition. Income limits vary by family size but are roughly 50 to 80 percent of the area median income for Hillsborough County. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer, plus proof of identity and residency. The entire process from selection to receiving a voucher typically takes two to four months.

Public housing units and rent calculation

THA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Hillsborough County. These are apartment buildings or townhouses where THA is the landlord. Rent in public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, not a fixed dollar amount. This means your rent changes if your income changes.

To move into public housing, you must be on THA's public housing waiting list. Like Section 8, this list opens and closes based on funding and available units. When you are selected, THA will verify your income, household size, and background. Most public housing complexes have income limits, though some are designated for elderly residents or people with disabilities and may have different rules.

Public housing units are inspected regularly by THA staff, and maintenance is THA's responsibility. If something breaks — a plumbing leak, a broken window, a heating problem — you report it to THA's maintenance department, not a private landlord. This is one key difference from renting with a Section 8 voucher, where the landlord handles repairs.

Income limits and household composition

THA programs have income limits based on family size and the area median income for Hillsborough County. These limits change each year. For example, a household of one person might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, while a household of four might be around $55,000 to $65,000, but these figures vary and you should confirm current limits by calling THA or visiting its website.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other sources of money. Some income is excluded — for example, income of children under 18, and certain education benefits. THA will ask you to document all household income when you explore.

Household composition matters because it affects both your income limit and your rent calculation. THA counts anyone who lives with you and is related to you, plus any dependents. If your household changes — someone moves in or out, a child is born — you must report it to THA within 30 days.

Documents you need to bring

When you explore for any THA program, bring originals or certified copies of the following:

  • Photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return)
  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer)
  • Proof of residency in Hillsborough County (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document)
  • Birth certificates for all children in your household

If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your last employer stating your final date of work, or documentation of unemployment benefits. If you receive Social Security or disability benefits, bring a benefit statement. THA will make copies of these documents and return the originals to you.

Background checks and criminal history

THA conducts a criminal background check on all adult household members when you explore. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but certain crimes — particularly drug-related offenses and violent felonies — may result in denial. THA has specific policies about which convictions bar you from housing, and these policies are available on its website or by request at the main office.

If you have a criminal history and are concerned about your status, you can call THA before explore to ask whether your specific situation would likely result in denial. This is not a formal information, but it can help you understand your chances. If you are denied, THA will provide a written reason and information about how to appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list?

THA does not publish the exact length of its waiting list, but it typically takes several years from the time your name is selected until you receive a voucher. The waiting list opens and closes based on funding, so you may need to reapply if the list closes and reopens. Call THA at (813) 253-0551 to ask about current wait times.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of Hillsborough County?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other counties if you move. However, you must first receive your voucher from THA, and then you can request a transfer to another housing authority. The process takes time, so plan ahead if you are considering a move.

What happens if my income increases while I am in public housing?

Your rent will increase because it is based on 30 percent of your income. You must report income changes to THA within 30 days. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to move out, though THA usually gives you time to find other housing.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a voucher or public housing?

No. You must have a valid immigration status, and at least the head of household must be a citizen or permanent resident. Some household members can be undocumented, but THA will verify everyone's status. Bring documentation of your immigration status when you explore.

How do I report a maintenance problem in public housing?

Call THA's maintenance department at the number on your lease or housing agreement. For emergencies like no heat in winter or a gas leak, call when ready. THA aims to respond to routine repairs within 5 to 10 business days and emergencies within 24 hours, though response times vary.