Public Housing

Public housing is housing which a public housing authority owns and directly or indirectly manages (e.g., via contract with a property management firm). Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to highrise apartments for elderly families. Individuals must meet the program’s income limits, and those who meet the program’s selection preferences will move up the waitlist faster. Rent is generally based on a percentage of income. Individuals who live in public housing and choose to move cannot take this rent subsidy with them.