What the Nashville Housing Authority does

The Nashville Housing Authority (NHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Nashville and Davidson. It does not provide emergency rental funds or homelessness services — those come from separate city and nonprofit programs. NHA's main job is to own and manage public housing units and distribute vouchers that subsidize rent at private landlords.

NHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means income limits, rent calculations, and lease terms are standardized, but wait times and available units vary based on funding and local demand. Nashville's wait lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed to new applicants, which means you cannot add your name until NHA reopens intake.

Key Takeaways

  • NHA runs two separate programs: public housing (units it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (subsidies you use at private landlords), each with its own wait list.
  • Both programs have income limits based on area median income, and NHA calculates your rent as a percentage of your gross household income, usually 30 percent.
  • Nashville's wait lists are frequently closed, so you will need to contact NHA directly to learn when intake reopens for the program you need.
  • You must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check before NHA will process your paperwork.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis right now, contact the Metro Nashville Homeless Services office or call 211 — NHA programs are not emergency information.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers: which program NHA runs

NHA owns and manages public housing buildings and complexes throughout Nashville. These are apartments where NHA is the landlord. You pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of gross household income), and NHA covers the rest from federal funding. Public housing has its own wait list, its own income limits, and its own lease terms.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are different: NHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to a private landlord of your choice. The landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and NHA pays them the subsidy portion while you pay the tenant portion (again, usually 30 percent of your income). The voucher is portable — if you move within the Nashville area, you can use it at a different landlord. Both programs have separate wait lists and separate income limits, though the income thresholds are usually similar.

Income limits and how NHA calculates your rent

NHA uses area median income (AMI) to set income limits for both programs. For public housing and vouchers, the limit is usually 80 percent of AMI, but it varies by household size. Metro Nashville's AMI changes annually, so the exact dollar amount shifts each year. You can find the current year's limits on NHA's website or by calling their main office.

Once you are accepted into either program, NHA calculates your monthly rent contribution as a percentage of your gross household income. The standard is 30 percent, but some households may pay a minimum rent (usually around $50 to $100 per month) if 30 percent of their income falls below that floor. NHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to verify income. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or receiving benefits, bring documentation of those as well.

What documents you need to provide to NHA

NHA requires the same core documents for both public housing and vouchers. You will need a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have a valid immigration status that HUD recognizes — NHA will ask for your green card, work permit, or other immigration documents.

You also need proof of income for all household members age 18 and older. Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), W-2 forms, or a letter from your employer work. If you receive unemployment, disability, child support, or other benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement. NHA will run a background check and may contact previous landlords or employers. If you have an eviction history, criminal record, or outstanding debt to a housing authority, disclose it upfront — NHA will review it, but it does not automatically disqualify you.

Wait lists: when they are open and how long they take

Nashville's wait lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are frequently closed. When a list is closed, NHA is not accepting new applications. You can call NHA's main office or visit their website to learn the current status. Some people wait years once their name is on the list, depending on how many people are ahead of them and how many units or vouchers become available each year.

When a list reopens, NHA usually sets a important date (a few weeks or a few months) and then closes it again once they reach a target number of applications. If you miss the window, you will have to wait for the next opening. There is no way to jump the queue or expedite the process — NHA processes applications in the order they are received, with some priority given to people experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing.

How to contact Nashville Housing Authority and check your status

NHA's main office is located at 711 South Sixth Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37206. You can reach them by phone at (615) 252-8800 during business hours (usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). They also have a website where you can find current wait list status, income limits, and process forms.

If you have already applied and want to check where you are on the wait list, call NHA and have your process number ready. They can tell you your position, but they cannot predict when you will be called. If your contact information changes, call NHA to update your file — if they cannot reach you when your name comes up, they may skip you and move to the next person.

What to do if you need housing help right now

NHA programs are not emergency information — even if your name is on the wait list, it may be months or years before you are called. If you are facing eviction, living in unsafe conditions, or experiencing homelessness, contact Metro Nashville's Homeless Services office or call 211 (a free referral line). They can connect you to emergency rental funds, temporary shelter, or rapid rehousing programs that move faster than NHA.

You can be on NHA's wait list and also use emergency programs at the same time. In fact, some emergency programs will help you while you wait for NHA to call. The key is not to wait passively — reach out to 211 or your local community action agency to learn what is available right now in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate wait lists, so you can put your name on both. If you are called for one program, you can still stay on the other list. Let NHA know if your circumstances change while you are waiting.

What happens if I have an eviction on my record?

NHA will review it, but an eviction does not automatically disqualify you. They look at how long ago it happened, why it happened, and whether you have stable housing now. Be honest about it when you explore — hiding it will hurt you more than disclosing it.

Do I have to live in Nashville to use NHA's Section 8 voucher?

You must live and work in the Nashville area to be accepted into the program. Once you have a voucher, you can use it anywhere within NHA's jurisdiction (Nashville and Davidson). If you move outside that area, you will need to transfer your voucher to a different housing authority.

How much will I pay in rent if I get a voucher or public housing?

You will pay 30 percent of your gross household income, or the minimum rent if that is higher. NHA will calculate the exact amount once they verify your income. The subsidy covers the rest, but you are responsible for utilities unless your lease says otherwise.

What if the wait list is closed when I want to explore?

Check NHA's website or call them regularly to learn when intake reopens. You can also ask to be notified when the list opens again. In the meantime, contact 211 or Metro Nashville Homeless Services to explore other housing programs that may have shorter wait times.