What Thurston County Housing Authority does

Thurston County Housing Authority (TCHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Thurston County, Washington. It does not run the Section 8 voucher program for the county — that is handled by a separate entity — but TCHA directly owns and operates apartment complexes where tenants pay rent based on their income.

TCHA serves households with low to moderate incomes across Thurston County, which includes Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and surrounding areas. The agency owns several hundred units of housing. Tenants in TCHA properties typically pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross income as rent, with TCHA covering the difference between that amount and the actual operating cost of the building.

If you live in a TCHA property, TCHA is your landlord. If you are looking for housing and want to know whether TCHA has units available, you contact TCHA directly — they maintain their own waiting lists separate from other housing programs.

Key Takeaways

  • TCHA owns and manages apartment buildings throughout Thurston County where rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn.
  • You explore directly to TCHA for housing; there is no single county waiting list, and different TCHA properties may have different availability and wait times.
  • TCHA requires proof of income, identification, and a background check; criminal history or eviction records may affect your options but do not automatically disqualify you.
  • Once you are a TCHA tenant, you have the same legal protections as any renter in Washington State, plus TCHA's own lease terms and policies.
  • If you have a dispute with TCHA as your landlord, you can file a complaint with Washington State's Department of Commerce or pursue a case in housing court.

How to contact TCHA and find available units

Thurston County Housing Authority's main office is located in Olympia. You can reach them by phone, email, or by visiting in person to ask about current openings. TCHA's website lists which properties have units available and provides process information.

When you contact TCHA, ask which properties have the shortest wait times and whether any have when ready or near-term openings. Wait times vary by building and can range from a few weeks to several months depending on demand and turnover. Some properties may be full with a waiting list; others may be accepting applications.

TCHA also participates in housing fairs and community events where you can learn about available units and submit an process on the spot. Check TCHA's website or call to find out when these events are scheduled.

What you need to bring when you explore

TCHA requires standard documentation to process your process. You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of current income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and information about any household members who will live with you.

If you are unemployed or receiving benefits, bring documentation of that income — unemployment statements, Social Security award letters, or benefit verification letters from the agency paying you. TCHA also runs a background check and reviews your rental history, so be prepared to discuss any past evictions or lease violations.

Bring proof of your Social Security number for each household member. If you do not have a Social Security number, TCHA can discuss alternative documentation. Have your current address and contact information ready, and if you have a co-signer or guarantor, bring their information as well.

Income limits and rent calculation

TCHA serves households at or below certain income thresholds. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. A single person's limit is different from a family of four. TCHA's website or staff can tell you the current limits for your household size.

Once you are approved and move in, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. If your income changes — you get a raise, lose a job, or have a change in household size — you report it to TCHA, and your rent is recalculated. This means your rent can go up or down depending on your circumstances.

TCHA also considers deductions from income, such as child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and other allowable costs. These deductions lower your calculated income and therefore lower your rent. Ask TCHA staff which deductions you may be able to claim.

Background checks and rental history review

TCHA conducts a criminal background check and reviews your rental history as part of the process process. A criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but TCHA considers the nature and timing of the offense or eviction.

If you have an eviction on your record, TCHA looks at how long ago it happened and the reason. An eviction from five years ago for non-payment may be viewed differently than one from last year. Similarly, a criminal conviction from decades ago may carry less weight than a recent one. TCHA has discretion in these decisions.

If your process is denied based on background or rental history, TCHA must provide you with a written reason. You have the right to dispute the information or provide context. If you believe the decision was unfair, you can request a hearing or appeal within TCHA's process.

Your rights and responsibilities as a TCHA tenant

As a tenant in a TCHA property, you have all the rights may provide to renters under Washington State law. TCHA must provide a habitable unit, make repairs in a timely manner, respect your right to quiet enjoyment of the property, and follow proper eviction procedures if there is a dispute.

You are responsible for paying your rent on time, maintaining the unit in good condition, following lease rules, and notifying TCHA of maintenance issues. If your rent increases because your income increased, you must report the income change. If you fail to report income changes, TCHA can take action against you.

TCHA leases typically include rules about guests, pets, noise, and use of common areas. These rules are part of your lease agreement. Violating lease rules can result in warnings, fines, or eviction, but TCHA must follow Washington's eviction law, which requires written notice and an opportunity to cure the violation before filing in court.

What to do if you have a problem with TCHA

If you have a maintenance issue, contact TCHA's maintenance line or office. Serious problems like no heat, no water, or broken locks should be reported when ready. TCHA has a timeline to make repairs — typically 24 to 48 hours for emergencies and longer for non-urgent issues. If TCHA does not respond, you may have the right to repair and deduct under Washington law, but consult a tenant rights organization first.

If you have a dispute over rent, lease enforcement, or other tenant-landlord issues, try to resolve it directly with TCHA management first. If that does not work, you can file a complaint with Washington State's Department of Commerce, which oversees housing authorities. You can also file a case in Thurston County District Court or Superior Court if you need to pursue a legal remedy.

Thurston County has tenant rights organizations and legal aid services that offer free or low-cost help. Contact Community Action Partnership or the Thurston County Bar Association's lawyer referral service for information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for TCHA housing?

Wait times vary by property and change based on turnover and demand. Some buildings may have openings within weeks; others may have a wait of several months. Call TCHA directly or check their website to learn the current wait time for specific properties you are interested in.

Can I explore to multiple TCHA properties at once?

Yes. You can explore to different TCHA properties, and each property maintains its own waiting list. explore to multiple properties increases your chances of being offered a unit sooner. Ask TCHA staff which properties have the shortest wait times.

What happens if my income goes up after I move in?

You must report income increases to TCHA. Your rent will be recalculated based on the new income, and you will pay a higher percentage of your income as rent. If you do not report an increase, TCHA can pursue back rent or lease violations.

Can TCHA evict me without going to court?

No. Even though TCHA is a public agency, it must follow Washington State's eviction law. TCHA must provide written notice, give you time to cure the violation (if it is curable), and file in court if you do not comply. You have the right to defend yourself in court.

What if I disagree with TCHA's decision to deny my process?

Ask TCHA for a written explanation of the denial. If you believe the decision was based on incorrect information or was unfair, request a hearing or appeal through TCHA's process. You can also contact a legal aid organization or tenant rights group for help challenging the decision.