What the Topeka Housing Authority does

The Topeka Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Shawnee County, Kansas. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it administers federal programs that help low-income residents afford rent, and it oversees properties owned by private landlords who participate in those programs. The two main programs are public housing (older buildings THA owns directly) and Housing Choice Vouchers, which let you rent from any landlord who accepts the voucher.

THA is separate from the city of Topeka and from the state. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are looking for affordable housing in Topeka or Shawnee County, THA is the local body that manages the waiting lists and processes requests.

Key Takeaways

  • The Topeka Housing Authority manages two main programs: public housing units it owns, and Housing Choice Vouchers that work with private landlords.
  • Both programs require you to meet income limits set by HUD, which change yearly and depend on household size.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically long, and THA may close them when demand is high.
  • You can contact THA directly by phone, mail, or in person to learn current waiting list status and what documents you will need to provide.
  • THA also runs other smaller programs, including Family Self-Sufficiency and homeownership counseling, which may have shorter waiting periods.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

THA owns and manages public housing units — apartments and townhouses scattered across Topeka. You pay rent based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. THA sets the rent, maintains the building, and handles repairs. The trade-off is that you live in a THA-owned building, and THA has rules about who can live with you and how you use the unit.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. THA gives you a voucher worth a certain dollar amount each month. You find a rental home or apartment from any landlord willing to accept the voucher, and THA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. This gives you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord who will work with the program — not all do.

Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists are often longer because the supply of THA-owned units is fixed. Voucher waiting lists also fill up, but THA sometimes opens them when funding allows. The wait time varies; THA can tell you the current status when you call.

Income limits and who can participate

To participate in either THA program, your household income must fall below a limit set by HUD. The limit depends on your household size and changes each year. For example, a single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. THA uses your gross income — what you earn before taxes — to determine whether you may have access to.

You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits like Social Security or unemployment, bring documentation of those. THA will also run a background check and verify your rental history.

Some people are prioritized on waiting lists — for instance, people experiencing homelessness or those being displaced by a disaster. Ask THA whether your situation qualifies for priority placement.

How to contact the Topeka Housing Authority

THA's main office is located at 1515 West 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66606. You can reach them by phone at (785) 233-7900. They also accept mail and walk-in visits during business hours. When you call or visit, ask about current waiting list status for both public housing and vouchers, and what documents you need to bring.

THA's website may have additional information about programs, process forms, and community resources. If you cannot reach THA directly, you can also contact the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation or your local community action agency, which may have information about THA programs and other housing resources in the area.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, THA will verify your income, check your background, and contact previous landlords. This process typically takes several weeks. If you are approved, THA will place you on the active list for the program you chose. You will then wait for a unit (public housing) or a voucher to become available.

If you are on a waiting list, THA may contact you periodically to confirm you still want housing and to update your information. It is important to respond to these contacts — if you do not, THA may remove you from the list. Keep your phone number and address current with THA so they can reach you.

If you are denied, THA will tell you why. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Ask THA for details about the hearing process if this happens.

Other THA programs and services

Beyond public housing and vouchers, THA runs smaller programs that may have shorter waiting periods. The Family Self-Sufficiency program helps participants increase income and savings while receiving housing information. THA also offers homeownership counseling and down payment help for people ready to buy.

THA may also partner with nonprofits to offer job training, financial literacy classes, or other support services. Ask THA staff what programs are currently running and whether you might be a fit for any of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Topeka?

Wait times vary and change as units become available and people move. THA can tell you the current wait time when you call (785) 233-7900. In some cases, the list may be closed temporarily if demand is very high.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Topeka?

You can use a voucher with any landlord in Topeka or Shawnee County who agrees to participate in the program. Not all landlords accept vouchers, so you will need to search for willing landlords. THA staff can point you toward resources that list participating properties.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing?

THA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. Your rent may increase, but you will not be evicted. Eventually, if your income stays above the program limit, you may be asked to leave, but THA typically gives you time to find other housing.

Do I have to live in a specific neighborhood if I get a voucher?

No. You can search for rental housing anywhere in Topeka or Shawnee County. The landlord must be willing to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a THA inspection for safety and quality. Beyond that, the choice is yours.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

THA considers your full background, not just one incident. Some offenses or recent evictions may disqualify you, but others may not. The best approach is to ask THA directly about your situation. They can tell you whether you are likely to be approved before you spend time on a full process.