What Adams County Housing Authority does

Adams County Housing Authority is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs in Adams County, Colorado. It administers Section 8 vouchers (rental information that pays part of your rent), owns and operates public housing units, and runs programs for people with low to moderate incomes. The Authority is not a landlord-finding service or an process processor for other agencies — it runs its own housing stock and its own information programs.

The Authority serves residents across unincorporated Adams County and some incorporated municipalities within the county, depending on the program. Coverage areas vary: some programs serve the whole county, while others focus on specific cities or regions. You can contact the Authority directly to find out whether your address falls within their service area for the program you are interested in.

Key Takeaways

  • Adams County Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and other affordable housing programs — you must contact them directly to learn which programs serve your address.
  • Section 8 waiting lists in Adams County are often closed and can have multi-year waits when they reopen, so check their website or call to see current status.
  • Public housing units are separate from Section 8 vouchers and have their own waiting lists and income limits, which differ by property.
  • The Authority's offices are located in Commerce City, and most inquiries are handled by phone or mail rather than walk-in appointments.
  • Income limits and rent calculations change yearly, so the amount you pay or whether you may have access to depends on the current year's figures.

Section 8 vouchers and waiting lists

Section 8 is a federal rental information program that pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. The Authority holds the vouchers for Adams County and maintains a waiting list. When you are selected from the list, you receive a voucher that you can use with any landlord who accepts Section 8 — the landlord does not have to be on an Authority list.

The waiting list for Adams County Housing Authority's Section 8 program is frequently closed. When it is closed, you cannot add your name. The Authority reopens the list periodically, usually for a limited time window. You must check their website or call their office to learn whether the list is currently open. If it is open, the process process typically involves submitting a form, proof of income, and identification. Processing times vary depending on how many applications arrive during the open period.

Wait times from the day you are selected to the day you receive your voucher can range from several months to several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you on the list. During the wait, your circumstances may change — income, household size, or address — and you are responsible for reporting those changes to the Authority.

Public housing units owned by the Authority

Adams County Housing Authority owns and operates public housing properties throughout the county. These are separate from Section 8 vouchers. If you live in a public housing unit, the Authority is your landlord and sets your rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of your adjusted gross income). Public housing units have their own waiting lists, income limits, and lease terms.

Each property may have different rules, unit sizes, and income thresholds. Some properties serve families, others serve seniors or people with disabilities. You can contact the Authority to ask which properties have units available and whether your household type and income level match their requirements. Like Section 8, public housing waiting lists can be long, and you may need to wait months or years for a unit to become available.

If you are accepted into public housing, you sign a lease with the Authority as your landlord. You pay rent monthly, and the Authority handles maintenance and repairs. If you have a dispute with the Authority as your landlord, you have the same tenant rights as you would with a private landlord, plus additional protections under federal public housing law.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both Section 8 vouchers and public housing use income limits to determine who can participate. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vary by family size and area. Adams County's limits change each year, usually in April. A family of four might have a different income limit than a single person, and the limit for Adams County differs from limits in other Colorado counties.

If you are in Section 8, your rent contribution is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, and the voucher pays the difference between that amount and the actual rent (up to the voucher's payment standard). If you are in public housing, your rent is also usually 30 percent of adjusted income. The Authority calculates your adjusted income by taking your gross income and subtracting certain deductions — such as child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and disability information expenses.

You must report income changes to the Authority. If your income increases, your rent may go up. If your income decreases, your rent may go down. The Authority will ask for proof of income — pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer — when you explore and when you recertify your income each year.

How to contact Adams County Housing Authority

The Authority's main office is located in Commerce City, Colorado. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about program availability in your area, current waiting list status, and what documents you need to explore. The phone number and office hours are on their official website.

Most initial inquiries are handled by phone. If you need to submit documents or have a complex question, the Authority may ask you to mail materials or schedule an appointment. Do not assume you can walk in without an appointment — call first to confirm how they are handling visits.

You can also visit the Adams County Housing Authority's website for information about current programs, waiting list status, and downloadable forms. The website will tell you whether Section 8 or public housing waiting lists are open and provide contact information for specific programs.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

If your name is drawn from the Section 8 waiting list, the Authority will contact you to begin the next step. You will need to provide detailed information about your household, income, and housing history. The Authority will verify your information and conduct a background check. This process typically takes several weeks.

Once you are approved, you receive your voucher and a list of rules about how to use it. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on the Authority's policy) to find a landlord and a unit. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection before you can move in. If you cannot find a unit within the time allowed, your voucher may be returned to the Authority.

For public housing, the process is similar: the Authority contacts you, verifies your information, and if you are approved, your name moves to an active waiting list for units. When a unit matching your household size becomes available, the Authority offers it to you. You can decline an offer, but if you decline too many times, you may lose your place on the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Adams County Housing Authority serves my address?

Call the Authority's main office and provide your address. They will tell you which programs serve your area. Some programs cover all of unincorporated Adams County, while others serve only specific cities or regions within the county.

What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?

Section 8 is a voucher you use with any landlord who accepts it; the Authority pays the landlord, and you pay the difference. Public housing means the Authority is your landlord and owns the building you live in. Both use income-based rent, but the rules and waiting lists are separate.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. The waiting lists are separate, and being on one does not affect your place on the other. You can be selected from one list while still waiting on the other. If you are selected for both, you can choose which program to enter.

What documents do I need to explore?

You will need proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency. The Authority will provide a complete list when you call or visit their website. Requirements may vary slightly by program.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

You must report income changes to the Authority within 30 days. If your income increases, your rent will likely increase. If it decreases, your rent may decrease. You will need to provide proof of the change — a new pay stub, a letter from your employer, or updated tax information.