Waukesha Housing Authority

Waukesha, Wisconsin

Last Updated

19 hours ago

About Waukesha Housing Authority

The Waukesha Housing Authority (WHA), located in Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, manages approximately 1,592 assisted housing units. This includes 1,331 Housing Choice Vouchers (often referred to as Section 8 vouchers) and 261 Public Housing units, providing crucial housing assistance to the community.

Currently, the WHA is accepting applications for its Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Saratoga Heights programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed to new applicants. For a family of four, the very low income limit for the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA area is $55,350 per year.

Applicants should be aware that program statuses and income limits can change. It is advisable to always confirm the latest information directly from the housing authority when considering an application.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The waiting lists for Saratoga Heights and Public Housing Scattered Sites will remain open at this time.

View original notice — whaonline.com

Saratoga Heights Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This 6-story highrise offers 1-bedroom units with a preference for disabled families, single persons 62+, and veterans.

Other Programs

2 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list will not be accepted after March 26, 2025. Names are selected from the waiting list based on preferences and date of application. Income may not exceed 50% of the county median income.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

This Project-Based Voucher waiting list for Gander Apartments, which requires a referral from a contracted agency and has preferences for homeless and disabled individuals, closed on January 20, 2025.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

PBV Closed 19 hours ago
PBV Opened Mar 31, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 29, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 18, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 16, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Waukesha Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 600 Arcadian Ave
City Waukesha, WI 53186
PHA Code WI142
Section 8 Units 1,331
Public Housing Units 261

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Waukesha Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Waukesha Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (Public Housing, Saratoga Heights). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Waukesha Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $55,350/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Waukesha Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Waukesha Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Waukesha Housing Authority manages approximately 1,592 assisted housing units (1,331 Section 8, 261 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Waukesha. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Waukesha Housing Authority

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Waukesha Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Waukesha Housing Authority manages approximately 261 Public Housing units in Waukesha. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Saratoga Heights open

The Saratoga Heights program at Waukesha Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Waukesha. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Waukesha Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Waukesha. This program serves approximately 1,331 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Waukesha Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Waukesha. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Waukesha Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Waukesha Housing Authority administers 4 programs (Public Housing, Saratoga Heights, HCV, PBV) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 600 Arcadian Ave, Waukesha, WI.
How long is the wait at Waukesha Housing Authority?
Wait times at Waukesha Housing Authority depend on demand in Waukesha, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,592 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 7, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Waukesha Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Waukesha Housing Authority, including CDA of the City of West Allis (11 mi), Milwaukee County DHHS - Housing Division (15 mi), Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (16 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Wisconsin and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Wisconsin.
How do I contact Waukesha Housing Authority?
You can reach Waukesha Housing Authority by phone at (262) 542-2262. Their office is located at 600 Arcadian Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186. You can also email them at dstimart@whaonline.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Waukesha Housing Authority?
Income limits for Waukesha Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA (currently $110,700). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $55,350. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Waukesha Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Waukesha Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $55,350. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $23,250 $38,750 $62,000
2 Persons $26,600 $44,300 $70,850
3 Persons $29,900 $49,850 $79,700
4 Persons $33,200 $55,350 $88,550
5 Persons $37,650 $59,800 $95,650
6 Persons $43,150 $64,250 $102,750
7 Persons $48,650 $68,650 $109,850
8 Persons $54,150 $73,100 $116,900
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $110,700 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.