What the Wilmington Housing Authority does

The Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Wilmington, Delaware, and administers federal housing vouchers for low-income residents. It does not set policy for all housing in the city — it runs specific programs and properties. If you are looking for housing in Wilmington, the WHA is one source; if you already rent from them or hold a voucher through them, they are your landlord or voucher administrator.

The WHA operates three main programs: public housing (apartments the agency owns directly), the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8, which subsidizes rent at private landlords), and special programs for seniors and people with disabilities. Each program has its own rules, waiting lists, and income limits. The agency's main office is located in Wilmington, and that is where you go to ask questions about your account or to request documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wilmington Housing Authority runs public housing, voucher programs, and specialized housing for seniors and disabled residents — these are separate programs with different waiting lists.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, and the WHA verifies income annually, so your circumstances must stay within their thresholds to keep your housing.
  • Waiting lists for WHA housing are typically long and may be closed; you can call the main office to ask whether a list is open and how long the wait currently is.
  • If you receive a voucher, you find your own apartment and the WHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent; the landlord must pass a housing inspection before you can move in.
  • Rent is calculated as a percentage of your income (usually 30 percent), and you pay the difference between that amount and the market rent, if any.

Public housing owned and managed by WHA

WHA public housing consists of apartments in complexes throughout Wilmington. The agency owns the buildings, sets the rent based on your income, and handles maintenance and repairs. Rent is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. You must meet income limits to move in and must report changes in income or household size within 30 days.

To get on the waiting list for public housing, you contact the WHA directly. The list is not always open — when it closes, you cannot add your name until it reopens. Call the main office to find out the current status. If the list is open, you will be asked to provide proof of income, identification, and information about your household. Processing takes several weeks.

Once you are housed, the WHA is your landlord. You pay rent on time, follow the lease, and report maintenance problems through their system. If you fall behind on rent or violate the lease, the WHA can begin eviction proceedings. You have the right to a hearing before eviction, and the WHA must follow Delaware's eviction law.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program works differently from public housing. The WHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to a private landlord. You find an apartment on the open market, the landlord agrees to rent to you, and the WHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent directly. You pay the rest, usually 30 percent of your income. The landlord must pass a WHA housing inspection before you can sign the lease.

The voucher waiting list is also managed by the WHA and is often closed due to high demand. When it is open, you can request to be added. The WHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available, which can take months or years depending on the list length. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find an apartment and have it inspected.

As a voucher holder, you are responsible for finding a landlord willing to accept the voucher. Some landlords refuse vouchers, which is illegal under Delaware law, but enforcement is difficult. The WHA can help you understand your rights and may have a list of landlords who have worked with the program before. Once you are housed, the WHA remains your voucher administrator — they recalculate your rent annually and handle disputes between you and the landlord.

Income limits and annual recertification

To live in WHA housing or hold a voucher, your household income must fall below the limit set by the federal government for your area and family size. These limits change yearly. For example, the limit for a family of four in New Castle County (where Wilmington is located) is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and varies based on area median income.

Every year, the WHA recertifies your income. You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing what you earn. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your housing or voucher, though some programs allow a brief period of "over-income" status before termination. If your income drops, your rent goes down. You must report changes within 30 days — failing to do so can result in lease violations.

How to contact the Wilmington Housing Authority

The WHA main office is located at 901 North Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. You can reach them by phone at (302) 571-9850 during business hours. The office handles applications, waiting list inquiries, rent disputes, maintenance requests, and lease questions. If you are a current resident or voucher holder, you may also have a tenant services coordinator assigned to your case.

For specific questions about your account — such as your rent amount, what you owe, or the status of a repair request — have your lease or voucher number ready. If you are calling about the waiting list, ask whether it is currently open and what the estimated wait time is. The WHA website may also have forms and information, though the phone line is often the fastest way to get a direct answer.

Special programs for seniors and people with disabilities

The WHA operates housing specifically for seniors (usually age 62 and older) and for people with disabilities of any age. These programs often have shorter waiting lists than general public housing because they serve a smaller population. The rent structure and income limits are the same, but the apartments may be designed with accessibility features or located near services.

If you are interested in senior or disability housing, ask the WHA whether these programs have open waiting lists. You may need to provide documentation of disability (such as a letter from a doctor) or proof of age. The process process is the same as for regular public housing.

Your rights as a WHA resident or voucher holder

Delaware law and federal housing law give you specific rights. As a public housing resident, you have the right to a lease, notice before eviction, and a hearing before the WHA can remove you. The WHA must maintain the property in habitable condition — this means working heat, plumbing, electricity, and a roof free of leaks. If the WHA fails to make repairs, you can contact the Delaware Housing Authority or file a complaint with HUD.

As a voucher holder, you have the right to choose your own apartment (within the voucher payment limit), and the landlord cannot discriminate against you based on your voucher status. If a landlord refuses to rent to you because of the voucher, that is illegal. You also have the right to dispute your rent calculation if you believe the WHA made an error. Both residents and voucher holders can request a hearing if they disagree with a WHA decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for WHA housing?

Wait times vary by program and change frequently. Public housing and voucher lists are often closed or have waits of one to three years or longer. Call the WHA at (302) 571-9850 to ask the current status and estimated wait time for the program you are interested in.

What if I cannot afford the rent the WHA calculated?

Rent is set at 30 percent of your adjusted income, so if your income drops, your rent should drop too. Report income changes when ready. If you believe the WHA made an error in calculating your income or rent, request a hearing. If you are temporarily unable to pay, contact your case manager to discuss options before you fall behind.

Can I be evicted from WHA housing?

Yes, if you violate the lease (such as not paying rent, causing damage, or breaking house rules) or if your income exceeds the limit for an extended period. The WHA must give you notice and a chance to respond before filing for eviction. You have the right to a hearing in court before you are removed.

What happens if my landlord will not accept my voucher?

Refusing a voucher is illegal under Delaware law. If a landlord refuses, document the refusal in writing and report it to the WHA. The WHA can investigate and may take action. You can also file a fair housing complaint with HUD if you believe the refusal was based on discrimination.

Do I have to report changes in my household or income?

Yes. You must report changes within 30 days. This includes a new job, a job loss, a household member moving in or out, or a change in benefits. Failing to report can result in a lease violation or overpayment of rent that you will owe back.