What the Waukesha Housing Authority does

The Waukesha Housing Authority (WHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It operates public housing units, administers the Section 8 voucher program, and runs other affordable housing programs for low-income residents. The WHA does not set housing policy for the city — it carries out federal and state housing law within Waukesha's boundaries.

The agency is governed by a board of commissioners and employs staff to manage leases, collect rent, maintain buildings, and process voucher applications. If you rent from WHA or hold a WHA voucher, the WHA is your landlord or the agency that pays your landlord on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waukesha Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for low-income households in Waukesha.
  • You can contact WHA directly to ask about waiting lists, current openings, and what documents you will need to provide.
  • Public housing and Section 8 vouchers have separate waiting lists, and both typically have long wait times in Wisconsin.
  • WHA enforces lease terms, collects rent, and handles maintenance requests — you report problems to WHA, not to a private landlord.
  • If you have a dispute with WHA over your lease or housing conditions, you have the right to a hearing before the agency can evict you.

Public housing units managed by WHA

WHA owns and operates apartment buildings and scattered-site homes throughout Waukesha. These are public housing units, meaning the federal government subsidizes the building costs and WHA sets the rent based on your income. You pay roughly 30 percent of your adjusted gross income as rent; WHA covers the rest of the operating cost.

To live in WHA public housing, you must meet income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income limits change yearly and depend on family size. You also must pass a background check and have a history of paying rent on time. WHA maintains a waiting list for public housing, and wait times vary depending on the type of unit you need and current vacancies.

Contact WHA directly to learn whether the waiting list is open, what the current wait time is, and what documents you need to bring. The agency can tell you in one conversation whether you meet the income threshold and what the next step is.

Section 8 vouchers and the Housing Choice Voucher Program

WHA also administers Section 8 vouchers (formally called Housing Choice Vouchers), which are federal subsidies that help you rent from a private landlord. When you hold a Section 8 voucher, WHA pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. Like public housing, your share is based on your income — typically 30 percent of adjusted gross income.

The Section 8 waiting list in Waukesha is separate from the public housing waiting list. Both lists are typically long, and both may be closed to new applications at any given time. WHA decides when to open or close the waiting list based on funding and current caseload. If the list is closed, you can ask WHA when it might reopen, though the agency cannot may provide a date.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you search for your own rental unit (the landlord must agree to accept the voucher), and WHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. Once approved, WHA pays the landlord and you pay your share of the rent.

How to contact the Waukesha Housing Authority

The Waukesha Housing Authority is located at 2151 Casper Drive, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186. You can reach the main office by phone at (262) 548-7500. The agency also maintains a website where you can find information about waiting lists, current programs, and how to submit questions.

When you call or visit, have your household income information, family size, and any documentation of current housing ready. WHA staff can tell you whether you meet income limits, what the waiting list status is, and what the timeline looks like. If you need an interpreter, ask WHA whether interpretation services are available.

You can also visit in person during business hours. Many people find it faster to get a clear answer about waiting list status and next steps by speaking directly with WHA staff rather than waiting for a written response.

Your rights as a WHA tenant or voucher holder

If you live in WHA public housing or hold a Section 8 voucher through WHA, you have legal rights under federal housing law and Wisconsin state law. WHA must give you written notice before raising your rent, and the increase must follow federal rules. WHA must also maintain the building in habitable condition — that means heat, hot water, working plumbing, and no serious code violations.

If WHA wants to evict you, the agency must follow Wisconsin eviction law, which requires written notice and a court hearing. You have the right to appear in court, present your side, and challenge the eviction. WHA cannot evict you without a judgment from a judge.

If you have a maintenance problem — broken heat, leaking roof, pest infestation — report it to WHA in writing and keep a copy. Document the date you reported it and what the problem is. If WHA does not respond within a reasonable time, you may have the right to repair-and-deduct (fixing the problem yourself and deducting the cost from rent) or to withhold rent, depending on Wisconsin law and your lease. Consult a legal aid organization before taking these steps, because the rules are strict.

What happens if you have a dispute with WHA

If you disagree with WHA over your lease, rent amount, or a maintenance issue, you can request a hearing before the agency. This is called a grievance hearing and is a formal process where you can present your case to someone other than the staff member you are in conflict with. WHA must provide you with written notice of your right to a hearing and the steps to request one.

Grievance hearings are free and you do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one if you choose. The hearing officer will listen to both sides and make a decision. If you lose at the grievance hearing and believe WHA violated federal law, you may be able to appeal to HUD or file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

If WHA files for eviction, you will have a court hearing in Waukesha County Circuit Court. This is separate from the grievance process. At the court hearing, you can defend yourself against the eviction claim. Legal aid organizations in Waukesha may be able to help you prepare for court.

Other resources and legal help

If you need help understanding your lease, your rights, or how to respond to WHA, contact Community Advocates, a legal aid organization serving Waukesha County. They provide free legal information and representation to low-income residents. You can also contact the Wisconsin Tenants Union for information about tenant rights under state law.

If you believe WHA has discriminated against you based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, you can file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Discrimination complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for WHA public housing?

Wait times vary and change based on vacancies and funding. Call WHA at (262) 548-7500 to ask the current wait time for the type of unit you need. The agency can tell you whether the list is open and when you might expect to be contacted.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Waukesha?

You can rent from any private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher, as long as the unit meets WHA's housing quality standards and the rent is within the program's payment limit for that area. WHA will inspect the unit before approving it. Some landlords refuse vouchers, so you may need to contact multiple properties.

What if WHA says I make too much money to get public housing or a voucher?

Income limits are set by HUD and change yearly. If you are over the limit now, you may fall back under it in a future year if your income drops. You can ask WHA to keep your process on file and contact you if your circumstances change. You can also explore other affordable housing options in Waukesha, such as tax-credit apartments or nonprofit housing programs.

Can WHA evict me without going to court?

No. WHA must file for eviction in Waukesha County Circuit Court and you must have a court hearing. You have the right to appear, present evidence, and defend yourself. If the judge rules in WHA's favor, you will receive a written eviction order with a date you must leave.

What should I do if WHA is not making repairs to my unit?

Report the problem in writing to WHA and keep a copy with the date. If WHA does not respond within a reasonable time (typically 14 days for urgent problems like no heat), contact Community Advocates or the Wisconsin Tenants Union for information on your next step. Do not withhold rent without legal guidance, as this can trigger an eviction case.