Housing Authority
The King County Housing Authority (KCHA) helps residents access affordable rental housing and housing assistance programs throughout King County. This article explains how KCHA housing options work, where to find available programs, how Housing Choice Vouchers and subsidized housing differ, what applicants and residents need to know about waiting lists and applications, and which KCHA offices handle different housing questions.
Role of the Housing Authority
The King County Housing Authority provides affordable rental housing and housing assistance for more than 50,000 people. The agency works to support stable communities by offering housing options designed for households with different income levels and housing needs.
KCHA manages several housing programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers, subsidized housing, moderate-income housing, other rental housing, manufactured home opportunities, and housing resources for people experiencing homelessness. Residents can review available programs through the King County Housing Authority website.
The agency also supports current residents through services related to household changes, resident responsibilities, education programs, job training, and programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
Housing Options Through KCHA
KCHA provides multiple housing programs rather than a single housing application. The right program depends on household circumstances, income, housing needs, and program availability.
Housing Choice Vouchers
Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as Section 8 vouchers, help eligible households with lower incomes rent homes from participating landlords in the private rental market. The voucher is a federal subsidy funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while KCHA manages the local program.
With a Housing Choice Voucher, an eligible household generally pays around 30 percent of household income toward rent and utilities. KCHA pays the remaining approved amount directly to the landlord.
Housing Choice Vouchers can be used for rental units throughout King County except Seattle and Renton. After holding a voucher for at least one year, a household may use it to rent anywhere in the United States if program requirements are met.
The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed. KCHA does not know when the waiting list will reopen. Applications are not accepted year-round. When the waiting list opens, applicants must apply during a specific period before a random lottery drawing, and only selected applications are added to the waiting list.
More information about the program, eligibility, waiting list status, and application process is available through KCHA Housing Choice Vouchers information.
Subsidized Housing
Subsidized housing, sometimes called public housing, provides affordable rental housing for households with lower incomes. In most cases, residents pay no more than about 30 percent of their income toward rent and utilities.
KCHA owns and manages most subsidized housing properties. The program includes more than 80 properties, and many communities provide on-site social services. These properties do not accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
Subsidized housing communities may serve different groups of residents. Some properties are designed mainly for families, while others may serve seniors or people with disabilities. Applicants must meet income, age, and suitability requirements.
The subsidized housing waiting list is temporarily closed while KCHA reviews waiting list procedures and implements new housing-management software. Information about the program is available through KCHA Subsidized Housing.
Housing Search Tools
KCHA provides online tools that allow residents to review housing options based on household information and preferences. The KCHA Housing Search tool asks about household size, income, preferred cities, and other housing needs.
When users enter their information, the system compares their household details with KCHA housing program requirements. The search tool can show which KCHA communities a household may qualify for and whether the household may be eligible for certain programs when waiting lists reopen.
The search tool does not replace an active application when a waiting list is closed. Residents must follow KCHA application procedures during available application periods.
Residents can access the housing search system through KCHA Housing Search.
Application Requirements and Changes
KCHA uses different application processes depending on the housing program. Applicants should review the requirements for the specific program they are interested in before submitting information.
Housing Choice Voucher Eligibility
Housing Choice Voucher applicants must meet income requirements based on household size. The household income must be at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI) for the family size.
Applicants must also meet additional program requirements, including:
Meeting at least one KCHA housing selection preference.
Having at least one household member who is under age 18, elderly, or disabled.
Being a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with eligible immigration status.
Not currently living in subsidized housing.
Meeting KCHA screening requirements related to criminal history that may affect the health, safety, or welfare of other tenants or employees.
KCHA housing selection preferences may include households experiencing homelessness, living in substandard housing conditions, paying more than 50 percent of household income toward rent and utilities, or having household income at or below 30 percent of AMI.
Application Updates
Applicants who are already on a KCHA waiting list must keep their information current. Changes to household details or contact information should be reported to KCHA as soon as possible.
For subsidized housing applicants, KCHA may contact households when their name approaches the top of a waiting list. At that time, applicants may need to provide updated household information, including income and family composition details. Additional screening information, including background and credit history information, may also be required.
Applicants should respond to KCHA notices by the deadline shown in the paperwork. Missing required responses may affect the application process.
Emergency Housing Assistance
KCHA does not provide temporary housing or emergency shelter. Individuals who need emergency housing information are directed to call 2-1-1 or visit wa211.org for information about homelessness services and emergency shelter options.
Resident Services and Support
Current KCHA residents and Housing Choice Voucher households can access services through the resident section of the agency website. These services include information about reporting household and income changes, resident responsibilities, hardship policies, and program requirements.
KCHA also provides access to education programs, job training, and programs for seniors and people with disabilities. Residents can review available information through KCHA Resident Services.
Housing Choice Voucher Contacts
Residents with Housing Choice Voucher questions can contact the Section 8 Office. KCHA housing specialists assist with income changes, family changes, and program requirements.
Residents who need to reach their assigned housing specialist can use KCHA’s contact system. The system requires the head of household’s birth date and the last four digits of the Social Security number to locate specialist contact information.
The Section 8 front desk can help with general Housing Choice Voucher questions. KCHA also has staff who assist with intake and briefing, portability for households moving into KCHA’s service area, fraud reporting, and landlord-related questions.
Details about Section 8 staff contacts are available through KCHA Section 8 Staff contacts.
Office Locations and Contact Methods
KCHA has different offices for administrative services, Housing Choice Voucher assistance, and subsidized housing application questions. Selecting the correct office can help residents reach the appropriate staff member.
The Main Office handles general KCHA administration. The Section 8 Office handles Housing Choice Voucher program questions. The Central Applications Center provides assistance related to subsidized housing applications.
Departments and Offices
King County Housing Authority Main Office
600 Andover Park W.
Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 574-1100
King County Housing Authority Section 8 Office
700 Andover Park W.
Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 214-1300
Central Applications Center — Subsidized Housing
(206) 574-1248
Housing Authority FAQs
How can I check if I may qualify for King County Housing Authority housing?
Residents can use the KCHA Housing Search tool to compare household details with available housing program requirements. The search asks for information such as household size, yearly income, preferred cities, and housing needs. It can help users understand which KCHA communities they may qualify for when waiting lists reopen.
When will King County Housing Authority waiting lists open again?
KCHA waiting lists for Housing Choice Vouchers and subsidized housing are currently closed. The agency does not provide a specific reopening date for the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. For subsidized housing, KCHA is reviewing waiting list procedures and updating housing-management software before reopening the list. Updates are posted on the official Find a Home section when new application opportunities become available.
What should I do if my KCHA application information changes?
Applicants who are already on a waiting list should keep their information current. Changes to household details, income, family composition, or contact information should be reported to KCHA as soon as possible. When a household approaches the top of a subsidized housing waiting list, KCHA may request updated information and additional screening documents before offering available housing.
Can I apply for emergency housing through King County Housing Authority?
KCHA does not provide temporary housing or emergency shelter. Individuals seeking immediate housing assistance should use emergency housing resources available through local services. KCHA applicants can also review available housing options, including rental housing programs, manufactured homes, and other housing opportunities through the agency’s official housing pages.
What services are available for current KCHA residents?
Current residents and Housing Choice Voucher households can access support for reporting household or income changes, understanding resident responsibilities, and reviewing program requirements through the KCHA Residents page. Residents may also find information about education programs, job training, and services for seniors and people with disabilities.