What the Aurora Housing Authority does

The Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Aurora, Colorado. It does not run a single office where you walk in and request housing — instead, it owns and operates apartment buildings across the city and maintains a waitlist for people who want to rent from them. The Authority also administers federal housing vouchers (Section 8) that let you rent from private landlords while the program subsidises part of your rent.

AHA serves people whose income falls below certain thresholds set by federal law. Those thresholds change each year and depend on household size. The Authority prioritises people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with children, though it accepts applications from anyone who meets income limits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aurora Housing Authority manages its own apartment buildings and also distributes Section 8 vouchers that work with private landlords.
  • You must meet income limits based on your household size, and those limits are set by federal law and updated annually.
  • The Authority maintains separate waitlists for public housing and for Section 8 vouchers, and both typically have long waits.
  • You can contact AHA directly by phone or through their website to learn current waitlist status and what documents you will need to provide.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis now, local emergency rental information or homeless services may move faster than the Authority's waitlist.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The Aurora Housing Authority runs two separate programs. Public housing means AHA owns the building and you pay rent to them. Section 8 means you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and the program pays part of your rent directly to that landlord. You choose which rent you can afford, and the voucher covers the difference up to a maximum amount set by the program.

Public housing apartments are owned and maintained by AHA. Section 8 gives you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher. Some landlords refuse Section 8 tenants, so the search can take longer. Both programs have income limits, and both have waitlists.

Income limits and who can explore

The Aurora Housing Authority sets income limits based on the federal Area Median Income (AMI) for the Denver-Aurora region. Typically, you must earn no more than 50 percent of AMI for public housing and no more than 80 percent of AMI for Section 8, though some units may have different limits. For a single person in 2024, the 50 percent AMI limit is roughly $35,000 to $40,000 per year; for a family of four, it is roughly $50,000 to $57,000. These numbers change annually.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular payments. The Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to verify what you earn. If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be placed on the waitlist, though you can reapply if your circumstances change.

How to get on the waitlist

Contact the Aurora Housing Authority directly to ask whether they are accepting new applications. You can reach them by phone at (720) 944-3400 or visit their office at 9955 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO 80010. You can also check their website at aurorahousing.org for current information about waitlist status.

When the Authority opens applications, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income, and a signed lease if you are already renting. You may also need to provide information about any criminal history or prior evictions, as the Authority has screening criteria. Once you submit your process, you are placed on the waitlist in the order applications were received, though the Authority may prioritise certain groups such as people experiencing homelessness.

Waitlists for both public housing and Section 8 are typically long. The wait can range from several months to several years depending on the program and the size of unit you need. The Authority will contact you when a unit becomes available.

What happens after you are offered a unit

When the Aurora Housing Authority offers you a unit, you will have a limited time to accept or decline. If you accept, you will sign a lease and pay a security deposit. For public housing, your rent is calculated based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on the lease terms. For Section 8, you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the market rent, which is usually 30 percent of your income as well.

You are responsible for utilities unless they are included in your lease. You must maintain the apartment in good condition and follow all lease rules. The Authority can terminate your lease if you violate the terms, including if you engage in criminal activity or fail to pay rent.

If you need housing right now

The Aurora Housing Authority waitlist does not help if you need a place to live within days or weeks. If you are facing eviction, homelessness, or an when ready housing crisis, contact the City of Aurora's Office of Homeless Initiatives or the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services. They manage emergency shelter, rapid rehousing programs, and emergency rental information that can move much faster than the Authority's waitlist.

You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) to reach a local referral service that knows which emergency programs are currently open and can tell you the next steps. These programs are separate from the Aurora Housing Authority but may help you stabilise your housing while you wait for an Authority unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waitlist for the Aurora Housing Authority?

Waitlist length varies by program and unit size. Public housing and Section 8 waitlists are typically measured in months to years. Contact AHA directly at (720) 944-3400 to ask the current wait time for the type of unit you need.

Can I be denied housing because of my criminal record?

The Aurora Housing Authority has screening criteria that may disqualify you for certain crimes, particularly violent felonies or drug-related convictions. However, they consider the nature and age of the conviction and may make exceptions. Ask the Authority about their specific policy when you explore.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing?

Your rent will increase if your income rises above certain thresholds. The Authority will recalculate your rent based on your new income. You are required to report income changes to AHA.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different city?

Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be used outside Aurora, but the voucher amount is based on the Aurora area rent limits. If you move to a place with higher rents, you may pay more out of pocket. Contact AHA before you move to understand how your voucher will work in a new location.

What if I am denied housing by the Aurora Housing Authority?

The Authority must provide a reason for denial in writing. If you believe the decision was wrong, you have the right to request a hearing. Contact AHA to ask about their appeal process and important date.