Tampa Housing Authority's Cypress program provides rental information to low-income households in the Tampa area

Cypress is a rental information program run by the Tampa Housing Authority (THA), a public agency that manages housing resources for Hillsborough County. The program helps households pay rent when income is too low to cover housing costs on their own. Unlike some information programs that require you to be behind on rent, Cypress can help prevent eviction by covering rent before you fall behind — though the exact rules depend on your situation and current program funding.

THA administers Cypress alongside other housing programs, including public housing units and Section 8 vouchers. Cypress is separate from those programs and has its own income limits, process process, and waiting list. The program is funded through a mix of federal and local sources, which means availability and funding levels can change.

Key Takeaways

  • Cypress is run by Tampa Housing Authority and covers rent for households below a certain income threshold, which varies by household size.
  • You will need a signed lease, proof of income, and documentation of your current housing costs to explore.
  • THA maintains a waiting list for Cypress, and the list may be open or closed depending on current funding and demand.
  • You can contact THA directly by phone or visit their office to learn whether the program is currently accepting new applications.
  • Cypress rent information is paid to your landlord, not to you, so your landlord's cooperation is necessary for the program to work.

Income limits and household size requirements

Cypress sets income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for the Tampa metropolitan area. These limits change annually and are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Most rental information programs, including Cypress, serve households at or below 80% of AMI, though some funds may target lower-income households at 50% or 60% of AMI.

Income limits are calculated per household size. A single person has a different limit than a family of four. When you contact THA, ask them for the current income limits by household size — they can tell you when ready whether your household income falls within the range. Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular sources of money coming into your household.

If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to use Cypress. THA staff can tell you about other programs that may have higher income limits or serve different populations.

What documents you need to bring

THA will ask for proof of several things before you can move forward with Cypress. You will need a signed lease showing the monthly rent amount and the names of all tenants. If you do not have a written lease, THA may ask you to get one or provide a letter from your landlord confirming the rent amount and tenancy.

You will also need proof of income for all adults in the household. This usually means recent pay stubs (typically the last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, or a letter from your employer stating your income. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank statements showing income.

THA will ask for proof of residency in Hillsborough County, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. You may also need to provide identification for all household members and proof of citizenship or legal residency status. Ask THA for a complete list of required documents when you first contact them, so you can gather everything before your appointment.

How to contact Tampa Housing Authority about Cypress

The fastest way to learn whether Cypress is currently open and what the next steps are is to call THA directly. Their main office is located in Tampa, and staff can answer questions about income limits, waiting lists, and the process process over the phone.

You can also visit THA's office in person to ask about Cypress and pick up an process if the program is open. Some housing authorities allow you to submit applications online or by mail, but THA's specific process may vary — ask when you call. Having your lease and income documents ready before you contact them will speed things up.

If you cannot reach THA directly, you can also contact your local 211 service by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone. 211 is a free referral line that connects people to local housing programs and can tell you whether Cypress is currently open and how the process works.

Waiting list status and how long the process takes

Cypress operates a waiting list when the program is open. This means that even if you meet the income requirements and have all the right documents, you may not receive information when ready. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how much funding THA has available in a given month.

Some months THA may move quickly through the list; other months the list may not move at all if funding is limited. You can ask THA how long the current wait is when you call. If the waiting list is closed, THA will tell you when it may reopen — this information changes and is worth checking back on periodically.

Once you are approved and THA begins paying your rent, the payment usually goes directly to your landlord each month. THA will work with you and your landlord to set up the payment arrangement. The process from process to first payment typically takes several weeks, depending on how quickly you provide documents and how busy THA is.

What happens if you are behind on rent

Cypress can help with back rent (arrears) in some cases, though the program's primary focus is preventing future homelessness by covering current rent. If you are already behind, tell THA when you explore — they will let you know whether the program can cover what you owe and how much of your information will go toward arrears versus future rent.

If you have an eviction notice, contact THA when ready. Some programs prioritize households facing eviction, and THA may be able to move your process faster. Bring the eviction notice with you when you explore, as it shows the court date and the amount owed. THA can sometimes contact the court on your behalf to let them know information is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Cypress if I am renting a room in someone's house instead of an apartment?

Possibly, but it depends on whether you have a signed lease or rental agreement. THA needs proof of a legal tenancy and the monthly rent amount. A handshake agreement or informal arrangement usually will not work. If you rent a room, ask the homeowner to put the arrangement in writing with the monthly rent, and then bring that to THA.

What if my landlord will not cooperate or refuses the payment?

THA pays the landlord directly, so their cooperation is important. If a landlord refuses to work with the program, THA may be able to pay you instead in some cases, though this is less common. Before you explore, it is worth asking your landlord whether they will accept rental information payments. If they refuse, ask THA what options remain.

Does Cypress help with utilities or other housing costs besides rent?

Cypress is designed to cover rent only. If you need help with utilities, security deposits, or other housing-related costs, ask THA about other programs they run or can refer you to. Some communities have separate utility information programs through local nonprofits or government agencies.

What if I move to a different apartment while waiting for Cypress approval?

Tell THA about the move as soon as it happens. You will need to provide a new lease for your new apartment, and THA will update your file. Moving may delay your approval slightly while they process the new lease, so it is best to stay in your current housing if you are close to approval.

Can I use Cypress if I am not a U.S. citizen?

THA will ask about citizenship or legal residency status. Federal housing programs have specific rules about who can receive information. Ask THA directly about their requirements — they can tell you whether your immigration status affects your ability to use Cypress.