What the Allegheny County Housing Authority does

The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing and rental information programs across Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it contracts with private landlords and nonprofit organizations to provide units, and it administers vouchers that help tenants pay rent. ACHA operates from its main office in Pittsburgh and serves residents in the city and surrounding municipalities.

The agency runs two main programs: public housing (older apartment complexes it owns directly) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. Both programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but ACHA decides how to allocate those funds within the county and handles day-to-day tenant relations, maintenance, and lease enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • ACHA manages public housing units and administers Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income renters across Allegheny County.
  • The agency maintains waiting lists for both programs, and wait times vary by program and location — some lists are currently closed to new names.
  • ACHA's main office is located in Pittsburgh, and you can reach the agency by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current openings and program rules.
  • Rent in ACHA programs is calculated as a percentage of your household income, typically 30 percent, with ACHA or the voucher covering the difference.
  • ACHA enforces lease terms, handles maintenance requests, and can terminate tenancy for lease violations or non-payment of rent.

ACHA's public housing and Section 8 voucher programs

Public housing consists of apartment buildings and complexes that ACHA owns and operates directly. These are older properties, many built in the 1960s and 1970s, and they are concentrated in Pittsburgh and a few surrounding communities. Tenants in public housing pay rent based on their income — usually 30 percent of gross monthly income — and ACHA covers the rest of the operating costs from federal funding.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) works differently. ACHA gives you a voucher worth a set dollar amount each month, and you use it to rent from any private landlord in the county who agrees to participate. You pay your share of the rent (typically 30 percent of income), and the voucher pays the landlord the difference, up to the voucher's limit. This gives you more choice in where to live than public housing, but it depends on finding a landlord willing to accept the voucher.

Both programs have waiting lists. Some lists are open to new names; others are closed when demand is high. ACHA's website and phone line will tell you which lists are currently accepting names and how long the wait typically is.

How to contact ACHA and find out about openings

The Allegheny County Housing Authority's main office is at 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. You can call the agency at (412) 456-5000 during business hours to ask about waiting list status, program rules, or to request an process. The office is open Monday through Friday, and staff can answer questions about both public housing and voucher programs.

You can also visit ACHA's website to read applications and read current program information. If you are unable to visit in person or prefer to explore by mail, you can request an process by phone or email. Some programs may also accept applications online, though this varies by program and changes over time — calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm what method is currently in use.

If you have questions about a specific property or voucher program, ask ACHA staff which program has openings and what the current wait time is. They can also tell you whether you meet the income limits for each program, which vary based on household size.

Income limits and rent calculations in ACHA programs

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are reserved for low-income households. ACHA uses income limits set by HUD, which change each year and vary by household size. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example. You will need to provide proof of income — recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer — when you explore.

Once you are accepted into a program, your rent is calculated as a percentage of your gross household income. The standard is 30 percent, though some programs or situations may differ. If your income changes, you must report it to ACHA, and your rent will be recalculated. If your income rises above the program's limit, you may be asked to leave the program or transition to market-rate rent.

ACHA also considers deductions for dependents, elderly household members, and medical expenses in some cases. Ask ACHA staff about deductions when you explore, as they can lower your calculated rent.

Lease rules and what happens if you violate them

When you sign a lease with ACHA (in public housing) or with a private landlord using a Section 8 voucher, you agree to follow the lease terms. Common rules include paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean and undamaged, not disturbing neighbors, and not engaging in illegal activity. ACHA or the landlord can terminate your lease if you break these rules.

If you fall behind on rent, ACHA or the landlord will typically send you a notice and may file for eviction if you do not pay. If you are struggling to pay, contact ACHA or your landlord when ready — some situations may allow for a payment plan or a referral to emergency rental information. Waiting until an eviction is filed makes it much harder to stay housed.

If you are evicted from an ACHA program, you may be barred from reapplying for a set period, usually several years. ACHA takes lease violations seriously, so understanding the rules before you sign is important.

Maintenance and repairs in ACHA housing

In public housing, ACHA is responsible for maintaining the building and fixing major problems like heating, plumbing, and structural issues. You report maintenance problems to ACHA's maintenance department, usually by phone or online portal. ACHA aims to respond to emergency repairs (no heat, no water, safety hazards) within 24 hours and routine repairs within a longer timeframe.

If you are using a Section 8 voucher, your landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs. You report problems to the landlord, and the landlord must fix them within a reasonable time. If the landlord does not make repairs, you can contact ACHA's Section 8 program office — ACHA can inspect the unit and may reduce the voucher payment or terminate the landlord's participation if the unit does not meet housing quality standards.

In both cases, keep records of maintenance requests and follow up if repairs are not made. This protects you if a dispute arises later.

Transferring between ACHA properties or programs

If you live in ACHA public housing and want to move to a different ACHA property, you can request a transfer. Transfers are not automatic — ACHA prioritizes based on medical need, safety concerns, and other factors. You will need to submit a written request and may have to wait for an opening at the property you want.

Moving from public housing to a Section 8 voucher, or vice versa, is more complicated. You would typically have to leave one program and reapply to the other, which means going back on a waiting list. Ask ACHA staff whether a direct transfer is possible in your situation, as policies can vary.

If you are moving out of the county, ACHA can help you port your Section 8 voucher to another housing authority in Pennsylvania or another state, though the process takes time and the new authority must have available vouchers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for ACHA housing?

Wait times vary by program and change frequently. Public housing lists may have waits of one to three years or longer, while Section 8 voucher lists can be even longer in some cases. Some lists are currently closed. Call ACHA at (412) 456-5000 to find out the current wait time for the specific program you are interested in.

What if my income is too high for ACHA programs?

If you exceed the income limit, you will not be accepted into the program. ACHA staff can tell you what the current limit is for your household size. If you are close to the limit, ask about deductions for dependents or medical expenses, which can lower your counted income.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher anywhere in Allegheny County?

You can use your voucher with any landlord in Allegheny County who agrees to participate in the Section 8 program. Not all landlords accept vouchers, so you will need to search for willing landlords. ACHA staff can provide a list of properties that have previously accepted vouchers, though availability changes.

What happens if I lose my job while in an ACHA program?

Report the change to ACHA when ready. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income, which will likely be lower. ACHA may also refer you to job training or employment services. Do not wait to report — if ACHA discovers the change later, it can affect your standing in the program.

Can I be evicted from ACHA housing for reasons other than non-payment?

Yes. ACHA can evict you for lease violations such as criminal activity, damage to the unit, disturbing neighbors, or unauthorized occupants. ACHA must follow legal eviction procedures and give you notice, but lease violations are grounds for termination. Read your lease carefully and follow all rules to avoid this.