What the Allentown Housing Authority does

The Allentown Housing Authority (AHA) is a public agency that runs affordable rental housing programs in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It administers public housing units, manages waiting lists, and handles tenant issues like maintenance requests and lease violations. The Authority is separate from the city government but works with it on housing policy.

The AHA's main job is to keep rental housing affordable for people whose income falls below certain thresholds. It does this by owning and managing apartment buildings, subsidizing rent through voucher programs, and maintaining standards for habitability. If you live in an AHA property or hold an AHA voucher, the Authority is your landlord or the entity that pays part of your rent to a private landlord.

The Authority is located in Allentown and serves only Allentown residents. It does not serve surrounding townships or boroughs, so if you live outside the city limits, you would contact your own local housing authority instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Allentown Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and rental voucher programs for low-income residents of Allentown only.
  • To get on a waiting list, you must live or work in Allentown, meet income limits, and complete an process in person or by mail.
  • Waiting lists for public housing can be years long, and the Authority may close them when demand is high.
  • Maintenance requests and lease questions go directly to your AHA property manager or the main office, not to the city.
  • The Authority has specific rules about who can live in your unit, how rent is calculated, and what happens if you break your lease.

How to contact the Allentown Housing Authority

The main office is located at 1117 West Linden Street, Allentown, PA 18102. You can reach them by phone at 610-434-7933 during business hours. The Authority's website has forms, policy documents, and information about current programs, though the phone line is usually faster for questions about your specific situation.

If you are a current tenant with an urgent maintenance issue, call the same number and ask for the emergency maintenance line. Non-emergency repairs are typically reported through your property manager or a work order system. The response time depends on whether the repair affects heat, water, or safety—those are prioritized.

For questions about waiting lists, income limits, or whether you meet the basic requirements, call the office directly. Staff can tell you whether a list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you need to bring.

Income limits and who can live in AHA housing

The Allentown Housing Authority sets income limits based on family size and the federal poverty guidelines. These limits change yearly. A single person might have a limit around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $50,000 to $60,000, but you should verify the current year's numbers with the Authority directly because they vary.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Authority will ask for proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and documentation of income. If you are unemployed, you may still be considered, but you will need to show that you are looking for work or receiving benefits.

The Authority has rules about who can live in your unit. Generally, only people listed on your lease can reside there. If you want to add a family member, you must request a lease modification in writing. Subletting or allowing unauthorized occupants is a lease violation and can result in eviction.

How rent is calculated in AHA housing

The Allentown Housing Authority uses income-based rent, which means what you pay depends on your household income, not the market rate of the apartment. Typically, you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income as rent, though the Authority sets a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month) even if 30 percent of your income is lower.

When your income changes—you get a job, lose a job, or receive a raise—you must report it to the Authority. They will recalculate your rent at your next lease renewal or when you notify them of the change. If your income goes up significantly, your rent will increase. If it goes down, your rent may decrease.

Rent covers your unit only. Utilities are either included in rent or billed separately depending on your lease and the building. Ask your property manager which utilities you are responsible for and whether the Authority covers any of them.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Most Allentown Housing Authority programs have waiting lists because demand exceeds available units. When you explore, you are added to the list in the order your process is received. The Authority may prioritize certain groups—such as people experiencing homelessness, elderly residents, or people with disabilities—depending on the program.

Wait times vary widely. Public housing waiting lists in Allentown can be several years long, sometimes five years or more. Voucher program lists may move faster or slower depending on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you. The Authority can tell you the current average wait time when you call.

The Authority may close waiting lists temporarily when they are too long to manage. If a list is closed, you cannot explore until it reopens. Call the office to find out whether lists are currently open and when they might reopen if they are closed.

Voucher programs and how they differ from public housing

The Allentown Housing Authority runs two main types of programs: public housing, where the Authority owns the building, and voucher programs, where you find a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent. The most common voucher program is the Housing Choice Voucher program, sometimes called Section 8.

With a voucher, you search for an apartment on the private market, and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. The Authority pays the landlord directly, and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Vouchers give you more choice in where you live, but landlords are not required to accept them, and some refuse.

Public housing apartments are owned by the Authority, so you do not have to convince a landlord to accept you. However, you have less choice about location and unit type. Both programs use income-based rent, and both have waiting lists.

Maintenance, repairs, and lease violations

If something breaks in your AHA apartment—a leaky faucet, broken window, heating problem—report it to your property manager or the main office. The Authority is responsible for maintaining the building structure, roof, plumbing, and heating system. You are responsible for damage you cause and for keeping the unit clean.

For emergencies like no heat in winter or a burst pipe, call the emergency maintenance line. The Authority has legal obligations to provide habitable housing, which includes adequate heat, working plumbing, and a roof that does not leak. If repairs are not made in a reasonable time, you have the right to file a complaint with the Authority or contact a legal aid organization.

Lease violations—such as unauthorized occupants, subletting, property damage beyond normal wear, or failure to pay rent—can result in a warning, a fine, or eviction. The Authority must give you notice and an opportunity to cure the violation before starting eviction proceedings. If you receive a notice, contact the office when ready to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You must live or work in Allentown to be served by the AHA. If you live in a surrounding township or borough, you would contact your own local housing authority instead. The AHA can tell you which authority serves your area if you are unsure.

What documents do I need to bring to explore?

You will need proof of identity (driver's license or passport), Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), and proof of residency or employment in Allentown. Bring your lease if you are currently renting. Call ahead to confirm the current list, as requirements can change.

Can I be evicted from AHA housing?

Yes. The Authority can evict you for lease violations, non-payment of rent, or other breaches. However, they must follow legal procedures, which include giving you written notice and a chance to respond. If you receive an eviction notice, contact the Authority or a legal aid organization when ready.

What happens if my landlord will not accept my voucher?

Landlords are not required to accept vouchers, even though it is illegal to discriminate based on source of income in some states. If a landlord refuses, you can look for another property. The Authority can provide a list of landlords who have accepted vouchers in the past, though they cannot force anyone to participate.

How often does the Authority review my income and rent?

The Authority recalculates your rent at lease renewal, which is typically once per year. If your income changes significantly during the year, you should report it so your rent can be adjusted. Some changes, like a job loss, may lower your rent when ready rather than waiting for renewal.