Reno Housing Authority (RHA) — Washoe County Housing Resource Guide
The Reno Housing Authority (RHA) is the public housing authority serving Reno, Sparks, and unincorporated Washoe County in Northern Nevada. RHA administers federally funded rental assistance programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), and partners on affordable housing development in the Truckee Meadows region.
Disclaimer: Section8Finder is an independent directory. We do not process applications, assign vouchers, or guarantee housing. Program eligibility, waitlist status, and income limits are determined by RHA and federal HUD rules—always check with the housing authority before you apply.
What Reno Housing Authority Does
RHA’s role is to connect eligible low-income households with safe, affordable housing in Northern Nevada. Core functions typically include:
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) administration — tenant-based subsidies that help qualified renters lease from participating private landlords, subject to housing quality standards (HQS) and rent reasonableness reviews.
- Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and affordable housing partnerships — assistance tied to specific developments or unit inventories rather than a fully portable voucher.
- Public housing and modernization programs where RHA or partners manage federally assisted units.
- Landlord outreach — recruiting property owners to accept vouchers, conducting inspections, and processing housing assistance payments.
- Annual recertifications — verifying household income, composition, and program compliance for active participants.
RHA is not a general apartment listing service. Most renters enter through waitlists or program-specific intake when those pathways are open.
Areas Served
RHA primarily serves Washoe County, including:
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| City of Reno | Largest concentration of voucher activity and RHA offices |
| Sparks | Included in Washoe County service area for most RHA programs |
| Unincorporated Washoe County | Many addresses outside city limits still fall under RHA jurisdiction |
| Nearby communities | Do not assume Douglas County, Carson City, or rural counties are covered—verify your address |
The Truckee Meadows housing market has seen strong demand and rent volatility in recent years. Waitlist openings can attract heavy online traffic—plan ahead when RHA announces intake.
Related pages:
Voucher & Affordable Housing Programs
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) — tenant-based
- Subsidy follows the household when program rules allow portability.
- Applicants usually need to join a waitlist when RHA opens intake.
- Landlords must agree to participate and pass inspection requirements.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
- Subsidy is linked to specific buildings or units.
- Waitlists may open separately from the general HCV list.
- Moving rules differ from mobile vouchers—ask RHA before you sign a lease.
Public housing & other federal programs
RHA may operate or partner on additional affordable housing models. Program names, unit types, and application steps vary. Confirm which program you are applying for on each notice.
| Program | Best for | Waitlist pattern |
|---|---|---|
| HCV (mobile) | Renters seeking flexibility among participating landlords | Authority-wide list when open |
| PBV | Renters willing to live in a named affordable community | Property-specific openings |
| Public housing | Renters seeking RHA-managed or partnered units | Program-specific intake |
Waitlist & Application Notes
Waitlist status changes without advance public notice in many housing authorities. For Reno-specific opening dates, portal links, and preparation checklists, see the dedicated Reno, NV Section 8 Waitlist page.
General guidance when RHA opens a waitlist:
- Use official channels only — start at renoha.org and follow links RHA publishes for that opening.
- Prepare household data — legal names, birth dates, Social Security information (where required), and gross annual income for all members.
- Save confirmations — screenshot or print acknowledgment screens and watch the email account you register.
- Avoid duplicate applications — submitting multiple entries can disqualify you under RHA policy; confirm rules on the official notice.
- Ask about preferences — some waitlists use local preferences (disability, veteran, homeless referral, etc.) that affect selection order—verify whether you must submit documentation.
If intake is closed, ask RHA about referral partners, emergency housing resources, and whether other Nevada authorities have open lists if you plan to relocate.
How to Contact Reno Housing Authority
Verify hours and department routing on the official website before visiting.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1525 E 9th Street, Reno, NV 89512 |
| Phone | (775) 329-3630 |
| info@renoha.org | |
| Website | https://www.renoha.org/ |
| HUD PHA ID | NV901 |
Landlord inquiries: RHA maintains separate resources for owners considering voucher participation—use landlord-specific contacts listed on renoha.org.
Documents Applicants May Need
Requirements vary by program and household type. RHA may request:
- Government-issued photo ID for adults
- Social Security verification for household members
- Birth certificates or guardianship orders for dependents
- Income proof: pay stubs, unemployment, Social Security awards, child support, pensions, or self-employment records
- Asset documentation where applicable
- Rental history or landlord references
- Immigration eligibility documents (if applicable)
- Disability or reasonable-accommodation documentation (if requesting accommodations)
Never email sensitive identity documents to unofficial third parties.
Tips Before Applying
- Confirm the waitlist is open on renoha.org—not every “Section 8” website lists legitimate openings.
- Register early if RHA offers pre-registration before a high-traffic opening window.
- Use stable contact information — returned mail or bounced email can delay selection.
- Report changes promptly after you apply if income, household size, or address changes.
- Research participating landlords while you wait, but understand you generally cannot lease with a voucher until RHA issues a voucher and approves the unit.
Scam Warning
Waitlist announcements attract fraud. Protect yourself:
- RHA does not charge a fee to join a legitimate public waitlist.
- Reject anyone promising “guaranteed” voucher placement for payment.
- Do not share SSN or bank passwords with unsolicited callers or social media accounts.
- Bookmark renoha.org instead of clicking paid search ads with unfamiliar domains.
Section8Finder never charges applicants to access housing authority information.
Related Las Vegas / Clark County Resources
Renters comparing Northern and Southern Nevada should note that SNRHA administers most Clark County voucher programs—not RHA.
Applying in Reno does not place you on a Las Vegas waitlist automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RHA the same as the City of Reno?
No. RHA is a housing authority administering federal programs. The City of Reno provides separate municipal services. Housing program questions should go to RHA directly.
Can I apply if I work full time?
Many assisted households include employed adults. Income limits still apply based on household size and AMI.
How long is the waitlist?
Wait times depend on funding, turnover, and preferences. RHA may share general information publicly, but no specific timeline is guaranteed here. Check with the housing authority.
Can I move to Reno with a voucher from another state?
Portability (port-in) is possible under federal rules but requires coordination between housing authorities. Contact RHA and your current administrator.
Does this page guarantee housing?
No. This page is educational only. RHA makes eligibility and leasing decisions.
Confirm all program details, income limits, and waitlist status with Reno Housing Authority before applying.