Allentown Housing Authority
1339 W Allen Street Allentown, PA 18102
Phone: 610-439-8678
TDD: 610-439-1586
The Allentown Housing Authority currently offers more than 1,100 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) throughout the City of Allentown. These properties are owned by private landlords who participate in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program that provides subsidized rent for low-income individuals and families in homes that are not part of a designated public housing development.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, senior citizens and persons with disabilities afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Families or individuals are free to find their own housing with participating landlords, whether in single-family homes, townhouses or apartments.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program offers multiple benefits to tenants, landlords and the neighborhood, including:
Applicants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and they are not limited to housing located in standard public housing communities or buildings – housing which may include the family’s current residence. The selected housing option must meet minimum standards of health and safety as determined by AHA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
All units considered for Housing Choice Vouchers eligibility MUST first meet City of Allentown rental standards and pass a city rental inspection.
Under the Housing Choice Vouchers Program (Section 8), a housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord by AHA on behalf of the tenant family. The family pays the difference between the actual rent and the amount subsidized by AHA.
Tenants are responsible for all rent payments and landlords are responsible for rent collection. The AHA does not pay or collect the resident portion of the monthly rent.
Tenants are also responsible for all other obligations, including utilities, trash and other bills not included in the rental agreement or lease; and the cleanliness of the unit.
To apply for Housing Choice Vouchers, please contact the Allentown Housing Authority.*** We are not currently issuing Project Based Vouchers.