What the Aurora Housing Authority does

The Aurora Housing Authority is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Aurora, Illinois. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it leases units from private landlords and pays a portion of the rent on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. The Authority also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, which works the same way: you find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays part of your rent directly to that landlord.

The Authority's main job is to process applications, verify income and household size, conduct inspections of rental units, and manage the waiting list. It does not decide who gets housing based on preference or need — it works through a waiting list in the order applications arrive, with some priority given to people experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence. Wait times vary depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aurora Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 voucher programs that pay part of your rent to a private landlord.
  • You must meet income limits based on household size, and income is verified through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents the Authority requests.
  • The Authority maintains a waiting list for both programs, and you cannot move to the top by calling or visiting — you move through the list in order.
  • Once you receive a voucher or are placed in public housing, you pay a portion of rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and the Authority pays the rest to the landlord.
  • The Authority inspects units before you move in and annually after, to may support the property meets housing quality standards.

Income limits and how they are calculated

The Aurora Housing Authority sets income limits based on the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted for household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. These limits change each year, usually in April, and the Authority publishes them on its website or will tell you over the phone. Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular money coming into your household. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or money from selling a car.

When you explore, the Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns from the last two years, and proof of any other income. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide business tax returns. If your income changes after you are placed in housing, you must report it — the Authority reviews your income annually and may adjust your rent portion or remove you from the program if you exceed the limit.

How to get on the waiting list

You explore in person at the Aurora Housing Authority office, located at 1 East Downer Place, Aurora, Illinois 60505. Bring a photo ID, proof of income, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease). The Authority will give you an process form to complete. You do not need to have a job or a current address to explore — you can list a shelter, a friend's address, or a mailing address where the Authority can reach you.

Once you submit your process, the Authority assigns you a place on the waiting list based on the date and time you applied. There is no fee to explore. The Authority will contact you when your name reaches the top of the list, which can take months or years depending on the program and how many people are waiting. If your contact information changes, you must notify the Authority so they can reach you when it is your turn.

What happens when your name is called from the waiting list

When the Authority contacts you, you will attend an orientation and interview. Bring all the documents you used to explore, plus any updates — new pay stubs, a new lease, proof of a job change. The Authority will verify your income again, confirm your household size, and explain the program rules. You will learn how much rent you will pay (usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income) and how much the Authority will pay the landlord.

For Section 8 vouchers, you then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord willing to rent to you using the voucher. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and allow the Authority to inspect the unit. Once you find a place and the Authority approves it, you sign a lease and move in. For public housing, the Authority will show you available units and you choose one, subject to the same inspection process.

Rent calculation and what you actually pay

Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, rounded to the nearest dollar. If your household earns $2,000 per month, you pay $600 and the Authority pays the landlord the rest (minus any utilities you cover). If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. The Authority reviews your income once a year and adjusts your rent accordingly.

You are responsible for paying your portion of rent on time, every month. If you do not pay, the landlord can file for eviction just as they would with any tenant. The Authority does not pay late rent or cover eviction costs. You are also responsible for utilities unless the lease states otherwise, and for following the lease terms and the Authority's program rules.

Housing quality standards and inspections

Before you move into any unit — whether public housing or a Section 8 rental — the Authority will inspect it. The inspector checks that the unit has working heat, electricity, plumbing, and appliances; that walls and ceilings are not damaged; that there is no mold, pests, or lead paint hazards; and that the unit meets local building codes. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in. The Authority will not pay rent for a unit that does not pass.

After you move in, the Authority inspects annually. If the unit fails, the landlord has a set time to fix the problems. If they do not, the Authority can stop paying rent until repairs are made. You can also request an inspection if you believe the unit is not being maintained properly.

What to do if you are removed from the program

The Authority can remove you from public housing or a Section 8 voucher program if you violate program rules. Common reasons include not paying your rent, allowing unauthorized people to live in the unit, using or selling drugs in the unit, or damaging the property beyond normal wear. You will receive written notice and a chance to respond before removal. If you are removed, you lose your housing information and must find another place to live on your own.

If your income rises above the limit, you may be given a grace period to find new housing, or you may be asked to leave when ready depending on how far over the limit you are. The Authority will explain your options in writing. If you believe you were removed unfairly, you can request a hearing to present your side of the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get housing after I explore?

Wait times vary widely. Some programs have wait lists of several years; others may move faster depending on demand and funding. The Authority cannot tell you an exact date when your turn will come, only your position on the list. You can call to ask how many people are ahead of you, but your position does not change unless someone ahead of you withdraws.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Aurora?

You can rent any unit where the landlord agrees to accept the voucher and the unit passes inspection. The rent cannot exceed the Authority's payment standard for that area, which is set annually. Some landlords refuse vouchers, so you may have fewer options than someone paying with their own money, but you are not limited to specific buildings or neighborhoods.

What happens if I lose my job while I am in the program?

Report the job loss to the Authority when ready. Your income will drop, so your rent portion will drop too. The Authority will not remove you for losing a job. You must continue to pay your portion of rent, which will be recalculated based on your new income or zero income if you have no earnings.

Can I move to a different unit while I have a voucher?

Yes, but you must notify the Authority and find a new landlord willing to accept the voucher. The new unit must pass inspection and the rent cannot exceed the payment standard. You cannot move without the Authority's approval, and if you move without permission, your voucher may be terminated.

What if the landlord stops maintaining the unit?

Contact the Aurora Housing Authority and request an inspection. If the unit fails, the Authority will notify the landlord in writing that repairs are required. If the landlord does not make repairs within the important date, the Authority can withhold payment. You can also contact the City of Aurora's building department to file a complaint about code violations.