What the Yakima Housing Authority does

The Yakima Housing Authority (YHA) is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs in Yakima County, Washington. It administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and other programs that help lower-income households afford rent. The Authority does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it maintains a waiting list for people seeking vouchers or public housing.

The YHA is separate from the City of Yakima government, though it receives some federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Yakima County and need affordable housing information, the YHA is the local body that handles applications and program rules.

Key Takeaways

  • The Yakima Housing Authority manages Section 8 vouchers and public housing for lower-income households in Yakima County.
  • Most YHA programs have waiting lists that open and close based on funding, so you need to contact them directly to learn when you can join.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays part of your rent; you pay the difference based on your income.
  • Public housing units are owned or managed by YHA and have income limits and lease terms set by the Authority.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, and citizenship or immigration status to be considered for any YHA program.

How to contact the Yakima Housing Authority

The YHA office is located in Yakima and handles all inquiries about vouchers, public housing, and waiting lists. You can reach them by phone, visit in person, or check their website for current program information. The office staff can tell you whether a waiting list is open, what documents you need to bring, and how long the wait typically is for each program.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and a photo ID ready. If you are explore for a household, you will need information about all members living with you, including their ages and relationships to you.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord. You find your own rental unit, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord directly each month. You pay the difference between the Authority's payment and the actual rent — typically 30 percent of your household income, though this varies based on your lease and local rules.

The voucher is only valid for units that pass a housing inspection and rent within the Authority's payment standard for your area. Not all landlords accept vouchers, so finding a unit can take time. Once you have a voucher, you have a limited window (usually 60 to 120 days) to locate a rental and have it inspected before the voucher expires.

Section 8 vouchers are in high demand in Yakima County. The waiting list often closes when it reaches a certain size, and it may take months or years to reach the top. The YHA can tell you the current wait time and whether the list is open.

Public housing managed by YHA

The Yakima Housing Authority also owns or manages public housing units — apartments and homes rented directly to low-income households. These units have income limits, and rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or a minimum amount set by the Authority). Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8.

Public housing leases include house rules about maintenance, guest policies, and lease violations. The Authority can evict you for breaking the lease, so it is important to understand the terms before you sign. Public housing is often faster to move into than Section 8, depending on the current waiting list and available units.

Income limits and who can be considered

The Yakima Housing Authority serves households at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Yakima County. The exact income limit depends on household size and changes each year based on HUD calculations. A household of one might have a different limit than a household of four, and limits are higher for larger families.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a valid Social Security number, and live in Yakima County. The Authority will verify your income through tax returns, pay stubs, or other documents. If your income is above the limit, you will not be considered, even if you are on the waiting list.

What documents you need to bring

When you contact the Yakima Housing Authority or submit an process, have these documents ready: a photo ID, proof of Social Security number, recent pay stubs or tax returns (to verify income), proof of residency in Yakima County, and information about all household members. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. If you receive benefits (TANF, SSI, unemployment), bring award letters or recent statements.

If you have an eviction history or criminal record, bring documentation about the circumstances. The Authority considers these factors but does not automatically deny you. Having the documents organized before you explore speeds up the process.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both Section 8 and public housing have waiting lists. The length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available each month. In some cases, the wait is a few months; in others, it can be a year or longer. The YHA can give you a realistic estimate based on current conditions.

Waiting lists open and close based on funding. When a list is closed, you cannot join until it reopens, which may be months or years later. The YHA website or a phone call will tell you the current status. Some people join the list, move away or find other housing, and then rejoin later — you can ask about this option if circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Yakima to use the Yakima Housing Authority?

You must live in Yakima County and intend to live there to be considered. Some programs may have specific city or neighborhood requirements. Contact the Authority to confirm whether your address falls within their service area.

What happens if my income goes above the limit after I get a voucher?

If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your voucher or be required to pay more rent. The Authority will recertify your income periodically. Report income changes to the Authority as soon as they happen — hiding an increase can result in overpayment and debt.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Yakima County?

Section 8 vouchers are portable in some cases, meaning you can move to another county and use the voucher there if the new housing authority agrees. Contact the Yakima Housing Authority before you move to learn the process and whether your new location will accept your voucher.

How do I know if a landlord will accept my Section 8 voucher?

You have to ask the landlord directly. Not all landlords accept vouchers, and they can refuse for reasons unrelated to the voucher itself (such as credit or rental history). The Authority can provide a list of landlords who have worked with Section 8 in the past, though this list is not exhaustive.

What if I am denied for public housing or a voucher?

The Authority will tell you the reason for denial. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, or disqualifying criminal history. You can ask about the appeal process or reapply later if your circumstances change.