What the Wichita Housing Authority does

The Wichita Housing Authority (WHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Wichita, Kansas. It does not build or own most of the rental units it helps pay for — instead, it contracts with private landlords and apartment owners throughout the city. WHA's main job is to distribute federal housing funds to people who meet income limits, and to inspect the units where that money goes.

The agency runs two main programs: public housing (where WHA owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. Both are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but they work differently. Public housing is older and less common now; most of WHA's activity is in vouchers, which let you rent from a private landlord and WHA pays part of your rent directly to them.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wichita Housing Authority manages both public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers, with vouchers being the larger program.
  • You must meet income limits based on household size, and income is verified through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents before you are placed on a waiting list.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed or have long delays, so you should contact WHA directly to learn the current status.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you find your own rental unit and the landlord must agree to participate; WHA inspects the unit and pays the landlord a portion of rent monthly.
  • WHA's office is located at 627 North Main Street in Wichita, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings.

Income limits and who can participate

WHA programs are reserved for households earning below a certain percentage of the area median income. The exact limit depends on household size and changes yearly. A single person might have a different limit than a family of four. You will need to provide recent proof of income — usually the last two months of pay stubs, a recent tax return, or a letter from your employer stating your annual salary.

If you are unemployed or receive benefits, you will need documentation of that income as well. WHA also counts child support, alimony, and Social Security as income. The agency verifies everything before placing you on a waiting list, so bring originals or certified copies of documents when you explore.

How to contact WHA and check waiting list status

The Wichita Housing Authority's main office is at 627 North Main Street, Wichita, Kansas 67202. You can visit in person during business hours or call them to ask about current waiting list status. Phone numbers and hours change, so check the WHA website or call directory information for the current contact information.

Waiting lists are often closed because demand exceeds available vouchers and units. Even when closed, you can ask to be added to a future list or learn when the next opening might occur. Some people wait months or years, so it is worth checking back periodically if you are turned away the first time.

Housing Choice Vouchers explained

A Housing Choice Voucher is a monthly payment from WHA to your landlord. You find an apartment or house on the private market, negotiate a lease with the landlord, and WHA pays a portion of the rent directly to them. You pay the difference out of your own pocket — typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, though this can vary.

The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and participate in the program. Not all landlords do, so you may need to search multiple properties. Once you find a unit, WHA inspects it to make sure it meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, electricity, and safe structure. If the unit passes, the voucher is activated and payments begin.

Public housing units managed by WHA

WHA also owns and operates a smaller number of public housing units scattered throughout Wichita. These are older buildings, often built in the 1970s and 1980s, and they are maintained by WHA staff. Rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of adjusted gross income, and utilities are usually included.

Public housing has the same income limits and waiting lists as vouchers. Many people prefer vouchers because they offer more choice in where to live, but public housing can be faster to access if a unit becomes available. Ask WHA whether any public housing openings are expected soon.

What happens after you receive a voucher

Once WHA approves you and issues a voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a rental unit. You search on your own, using online listings, driving neighborhoods, or asking friends and family. When you find a place, you negotiate the lease terms with the landlord and tell them you will be using a Housing Choice Voucher to help pay rent.

The landlord submits a lease and rent amount to WHA for approval. WHA then inspects the unit. If it passes inspection and the rent is reasonable for the area, WHA and the landlord sign a contract. From that point forward, WHA sends the landlord a check each month for their portion, and you pay your share directly to the landlord.

Inspections and ongoing requirements

WHA inspects units before you move in and then annually while you live there. Inspectors check for things like working appliances, safe electrical systems, no mold or water damage, and adequate heat and cooling. If something fails inspection, the landlord must fix it before you can move in or within a set timeframe if you are already living there.

You are also required to report changes in household income, family size, or employment to WHA. If your income increases significantly, your rent share may go up. If someone moves out or a new person joins your household, you must notify WHA so they can recalculate your portion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher after I am placed on the waiting list?

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available. Some people wait six months to two years. WHA can give you an estimate based on current demand, but there is no may provide timeline. Checking back every few months helps you stay informed about your position.

Can I use a voucher to rent anywhere in Wichita?

You can rent from any private landlord who agrees to participate in the program, anywhere within Wichita's jurisdiction. Some landlords refuse vouchers because of paperwork or because they prefer to set their own rent. You are responsible for finding a willing landlord, though WHA staff can sometimes point you toward landlords known to accept vouchers.

What if my landlord wants to raise the rent while I have a voucher?

Rent increases must be approved by WHA and must be reasonable for the local market. WHA will not approve a rent increase that is significantly higher than comparable units in the area. If your landlord wants to raise rent, they must notify WHA, and WHA will determine whether the new amount is acceptable.

Do I have to stay in the same unit forever?

No. You can move to a different unit as long as you find a new landlord willing to participate and the unit passes inspection. You notify WHA, find your new place, and the process repeats. Some people move every few years; others stay in one unit for decades.

What if I lose my job while I have a voucher?

You must report the job loss to WHA. Your income will be recalculated, and your rent share may decrease. WHA wants to keep you housed, so losing income does not automatically end your voucher. However, if your income becomes zero and stays that way for an extended period, WHA may review your case.