Hammond Housing Authority (Hammond, IN 46324): what applicants and landlords need to know

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is the Hammond Housing Authority and where is it located?

The Hammond Housing Authority (HHA) is the local public housing agency (PHA) for Hammond, Indiana, covering the 46320, 46323, and 46324 ZIP codes. It runs two federal programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (most people call it Section 8) and conventional public housing units the agency owns outright.

HHA sits at 1402 173rd Street, Hammond, IN 46324. The main phone number is (219) 932-5516. Office hours have historically run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but call first or check the agency's official site before you drive over, because hours shift.

Hammond is in Lake County, part of the Chicago metro, right up against the Illinois state line. That location matters. It opens up porting between HHA and the Chicago Housing Authority or other nearby Illinois agencies, along with the headaches that come with it. More on that below.

For how the voucher program works nationally, the housing choice voucher program article covers the federal framework Hammond operates inside.

Is the Hammond Housing Authority Section 8 waitlist open right now?

Verify HHA's current Housing Choice Voucher waitlist status directly with the agency. HHA has kept its list closed for long stretches in recent years, which is normal for high-demand PHAs in the greater Chicago metro. ^[1]

When HHA does open the list, they usually announce it through:

• A notice on the agency's official website
• Postings at Hammond City Hall (5925 Calumet Ave)
• Local newspaper notice
• HUD's resource locator at HUDresources.info

The application window has historically stayed open only a few days to a few weeks before closing again. Miss it and you can't add yourself retroactively. So the advice here is blunt: set a monthly calendar reminder to check HHA's site, and also check open Section 8 waiting lists for nearby Indiana and Illinois PHAs that might have shorter waits or open lists today.

Once you're on the list, wait times at HHA have run from roughly two to seven years depending on bedroom size and preference category, though the agency doesn't publish a current average. Elderly and disabled applicants usually qualify for a local preference that moves them up. ^[2]

Federal regulations at 24 CFR Part 982.206 govern how PHAs structure their waiting lists, including which preference categories they can grant. ^[3]

Who qualifies for a voucher through HHA?

HHA follows HUD's standard eligibility rules with a few local preferences on top.

To qualify at the federal level you must: ^[3] 1. Meet income limits for the Hammond/Lake County area (see the table below) 2. Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status 3. Pass a criminal background check (certain convictions, including methamphetamine production on federally assisted housing, are mandatory denials) 4. Not owe money to any PHA for unpaid rent, damages, or fraud

HUD publishes income limits for the area that cover Hammond. For Fiscal Year 2024, the very low income (50% AMI) limit for a family of four in Lake County, Indiana was about $46,350. The extremely low income (30% AMI) limit for a family of four was about $27,800. HHA targets vouchers to households at or below 50% AMI, and federal rules require that 75% of new vouchers each year go to households at or below 30% AMI. ^[4]

Household size	Very Low (50% AMI)	Extremely Low (30% AMI)
1 person	$32,450	$19,450
2 persons	$37,100	$22,200
3 persons	$41,700	$24,950
4 persons	$46,350	$27,800
5 persons	$50,050	$30,050
6 persons	$53,750	$32,300

Source: HUD FY2024 Income Limits, Lake County IN ^[4]

HUD updates these limits every year, usually in April. Always verify the current figures at huduser.gov.

Local preferences HHA has historically granted: residents of Hammond, employees of Hammond businesses, veterans, and elderly or disabled households. A preference doesn't guarantee a voucher. It moves eligible applicants higher in the queue.

How does the Hammond Housing Authority calculate your rent share?

The math is simpler than people expect. Once HHA sets a payment standard for your bedroom size and you find an eligible unit, your monthly rent share works out like this.

You pay the greater of (a) 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income or (b) 10% of gross monthly income, toward the gross rent (rent plus any utilities you pay). HHA pays the landlord the difference between the gross rent and your share, up to the payment standard. ^[3]

If a landlord charges more than the payment standard, you can cover the gap out of pocket, but HHA caps that top-up at 40% of your adjusted monthly income at initial lease-up. ^[3]

"The family's share of rent may not exceed 40 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income at the time the family is initially housed," per 24 CFR 982.508. ^[3]

HHA sets its payment standards as a percentage of HUD's Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for the Gary, IN Metro FMR Area. PHAs can set standards between 90% and 110% of FMR without special HUD approval. HHA's exact current numbers have to come from the agency, since they change annually. For FY2024, HUD's published FMRs for the Gary, IN Metro FMR Area (which includes Lake County) ran roughly:

Bedroom size	FY2024 FMR (Gary Metro)
0-BR (efficiency)	$820
1-BR	$912
2-BR	$1,111
3-BR	$1,482
4-BR	$1,666

Source: HUD FMR Database, FY2024 ^[5]

Payment standards can differ from FMRs. Confirm the current figures with HHA directly, because those are the numbers that actually govern your voucher.

How does the HHA inspection process work for landlords and tenants?

Before any HCV lease starts, the unit has to pass HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. HHA sends its own inspector out. This isn't a building-code inspection. It's a federal habitability check covering 13 key areas, including sanitation, heating, electrical safety, and structural condition. ^[6]

Here's how it runs: 1. Tenant finds a unit and the landlord agrees to participate 2. Landlord and tenant submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) to HHA 3. HHA schedules an HQS inspection, typically within 10 to 15 business days of a complete RFTA (actual scheduling varies) 4. If the unit passes, HHA approves the tenancy and executes the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with the landlord 5. If it fails, the landlord gets a short window to fix the problems and request a re-inspection

Units also get inspected every year while the lease is active. Landlords who collect HAP payments have to keep the unit in HQS shape the whole time, more than at move-in.

Common failure points around Hammond: missing or dead smoke detectors, peeling paint in pre-1978 housing (lead paint rules apply), missing stair handrails, and water heater problems. Fixing these before the inspector shows up saves everyone a second trip.

HUD's inspection checklist for tenants is at hud.gov. ^[6]

What landlords need to know about accepting HHA vouchers

Federal law doesn't require Hammond landlords to accept vouchers, and Indiana has no source-of-income protection law as of this writing, so voucher acceptance stays voluntary in Hammond. ^[7]

The financial mechanics, though, are genuinely landlord-friendly when the unit meets HQS and the tenant is solid. HHA pays its portion by direct deposit, on time, every month. You're dealing with one reliable government payer for most of the rent, and the tenant covers only their share.

Here's what you have to do to participate:

• Execute an Assisted Lease with the tenant (it runs alongside a standard lease, not instead of it)
• Sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with HHA
• Keep the unit in HQS compliance year-round
• Give proper notice before entering, per Indiana landlord-tenant law (IC 32-31-5-6 requires at least 24 hours notice for non-emergency entry) ^[8]
• Report any change in ownership or management to HHA promptly

Landlords sometimes ask whether they can charge HCV tenants more than everyone else. No. Rent has to match comparable unassisted units, and HHA runs a rent reasonableness test before approving any tenancy. ^[3]

Want one document that lays out the forms and steps? VoucherReady's landlord kit walks through the HAP contract, the RFTA, and the inspection checklist in one place.

For the landlord side of the program nationally, see the housing section 8 program guide.

Can a Hammond voucher holder move to another city or state (porting)?

Yes. Under 24 CFR 982.353, HCV holders who've finished at least 12 months of lease in their initial unit have an unrestricted right to port their voucher to any PHA's jurisdiction in the country. ^[3]

The process from Hammond: 1. Tell HHA in writing that you want to port out 2. HHA issues you a portability packet and contacts the receiving PHA 3. The receiving PHA either absorbs your voucher (takes it into their program) or bills HHA (HHA keeps paying) 4. You find a unit and pass inspection under the receiving PHA's rules

Given Hammond's spot on the Illinois border, plenty of HHA voucher holders try to port to Chicago. The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has its own procedures and wait dynamics, so confirm CHA's current porting intake policies before you count on this option.

Porting into Hammond from another PHA works the same way in reverse. HHA can absorb an incoming voucher or bill the issuing PHA. If HHA is at or near its authorized unit count, they may choose to bill.

One caution worth heeding: porting takes time, often 30 to 60 days or more, and your voucher expiration clock keeps running. Talk timeline with both PHAs before you commit to any lease.

What public housing units does HHA own and manage directly?

Beyond vouchers, HHA owns and manages conventional public housing units in Hammond. These are a different animal: a resident lives in an HHA-owned property and pays rent set at 30% of adjusted income, instead of getting a subsidy to spend on the private market.

HHA's public housing portfolio has historically included scattered-site family units and elderly housing developments in Hammond. The number of available units moves around as HHA renovates or demolishes older stock under HUD's Capital Fund Program. ^[9]

Applying for public housing at HHA is a separate track from the HCV waitlist. You apply directly with HHA, and there's usually a separate waiting list by property or bedroom size.

For older adults on fixed incomes, public housing can beat a voucher, because the rent formula stays predictable no matter what the private market does. The low income senior housing article covers HUD senior housing programs more broadly.

How does HHA handle annual recertifications?

Every year HHA contacts voucher holders to recertify continued eligibility and recalculate the rent share against current household income. This is not optional. Miss a recertification appointment or skip the required documents and you can lose your voucher.

Documents HHA usually wants for recertification:

• Proof of all household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, child support orders)
• Proof of assets if you have them (bank statements, etc.)
• Government-issued ID for adults
• Social Security cards for all household members
• Any changes in household composition

HHA mails the recertification packet, usually 90 to 120 days before the anniversary date. Respond fast. If your income changed a lot during the year (job loss, medical leave, new work), you can request an interim recertification between annual dates, and HHA has to process it under 24 CFR 982.516. ^[3]

A 5% drop in family income triggers an optional interim recert; an increase above a threshold can trigger a mandatory one. The specifics ride on HHA's administrative plan.

What are common reasons HHA terminates or denies a voucher?

Denial of admission and termination of an active voucher both run through HHA's written administrative plan, which has to comply with 24 CFR Part 982. ^[3] The usual grounds:

Denial grounds:

• Income too high (above 50% AMI)
• Criminal history that disqualifies under federal law or HHA policy
• Debt owed to any PHA
• False information on the application

Termination grounds:

• Serious or repeated lease violations (the HCV lease runs alongside a regular lease)
• Drug-related or violent criminal activity by any household member
• Failing to complete annual recertification
• Allowing unauthorized occupants
• Failing an HQS inspection because of tenant-caused damage

If HHA moves to terminate your voucher, you have a right to an informal hearing. Request it in writing within the deadline HHA sets in the termination notice. This is your real protection. The hearing is internal to HHA, but it's on the record, and you can bring documents and witnesses. ^[10]

Think HHA violated your rights or botched the process? HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) handles complaints at hud.gov. Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, or religion is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. ^[10]

How does HHA compare to other PHAs in northwest Indiana?

Northwest Indiana has several PHAs working in neighboring jurisdictions. Knowing the landscape helps if you're flexible on where you live.

PHA	Primary service area	HCV program size (approx.)	Waitlist status (verify current)
Hammond Housing Authority	Hammond, IN	~700-900 vouchers	Often closed
Gary Housing Authority	Gary, IN	~1,000-1,200 vouchers	Often closed
East Chicago Housing Authority	East Chicago, IN	Smaller portfolio	Varies
Indiana Housing & Community Dev. Authority (IHCDA)	Statewide	Administers some local vouchers	Varies by program

Note: voucher counts are approximate estimates from HUD's Picture of Subsidized Households database; verify current figures at huduser.gov. ^[11]

HHA's spot on the Illinois border also makes Chicago-area PHAs functionally relevant. The Chicago Housing Authority is one of the biggest PHAs in the country, with its own long waitlist dynamics.

If you're open to renting anywhere in northwest Indiana, checking every active waitlist in parallel is the smartest move. The rental assistance overview covers other program types that might help while you wait for a voucher.

Where can tenants find rental listings that accept Hammond HHA vouchers?

Finding a willing landlord is often harder than getting the voucher. HHA keeps a list of participating landlords you can request from their office. That list isn't always complete or current, so work several channels at once.

Search approaches that work: 1. Ask HHA for their current landlord list when you get your voucher 2. Use HUD's Affordable Apartment Search at HUDApartmentSearch.com (a HUD-contracted listing site) 3. Check local Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, filtering for landlords who mention Section 8 acceptance 4. Drive target neighborhoods and call the numbers on yard signs (a lot of small landlords who take vouchers never list online) 5. The section 8 houses for rent listing aggregator pulls inventory from multiple sources

Your voucher comes with a search deadline, usually 60 to 120 days from issuance. HHA can grant extensions if you show good-faith search efforts and document them. Extensions aren't automatic. Ask before your voucher expires.

VoucherReady's free tenant search tools include a payment standard calculator and a checklist of what to ask a landlord before you submit an RFTA, which saves time on units that were never going to clear HQS anyway.

Frequently asked questions

What is the phone number and address for the Hammond Housing Authority?

The Hammond Housing Authority is at 1402 173rd Street, Hammond, IN 46324. The main phone number is (219) 932-5516. Office hours generally run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but call ahead to confirm before visiting, especially around holidays or if the agency has switched to appointment-only intake.

How do I apply for Section 8 through the Hammond Housing Authority?

When the HHA waitlist is open, you submit applications online or in person at HHA's office. The agency announces openings on its website and through local notices. You'll need IDs, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of income, and current address information. The waitlist is often closed, so check HHA's site monthly and apply the moment it opens.

How long is the wait for a Section 8 voucher in Hammond, Indiana?

Wait times at HHA have historically run from roughly two to seven years depending on bedroom size and whether you qualify for a local preference (Hammond residency, elderly or disabled status, veteran status). The agency doesn't publish a current average. The only reliable estimate comes from contacting HHA directly after you're placed on the list.

What are HHA's income limits to qualify for a housing voucher?

For FY2024, the very low income limit (50% of Area Median Income) for a family of four in Lake County, Indiana was about $46,350. The extremely low income limit (30% AMI) for a family of four was about $27,800. HUD updates these limits every April. Check huduser.gov for the current year's figures before applying.

Can I use a Hammond Housing Authority voucher anywhere in Hammond?

Yes. HCV vouchers are tenant-based, so you find your own unit anywhere in HHA's jurisdiction (Hammond city limits) as long as the unit passes HQS inspection, the rent is reasonable, and the landlord agrees to participate. After 12 months, you can also port the voucher to another city or state.

Will the Hammond Housing Authority inspect my apartment every year?

Yes. HHA runs an annual HQS inspection of every unit with an active Housing Assistance Payments contract. Both landlords and tenants get advance notice. If the unit fails, the landlord has limited time to correct the problems or the HAP contract can be suspended. Tenant-caused damage is the tenant's responsibility to fix.

Can a Hammond landlord charge more rent to a Section 8 tenant than to other tenants?

No. Federal regulations under 24 CFR 982.507 require that the rent charged to an HCV tenant be reasonable and comparable to rents for similar unassisted units in the area. HHA runs a rent reasonableness test before approving any tenancy. Charging a voucher holder more than an unassisted tenant would violate the HAP contract.

What happens if I lose my job while I have a Hammond Housing Authority voucher?

Report the income change to HHA in writing as soon as you can. You can request an interim recertification between your annual dates. Under 24 CFR 982.516, HHA must process these when your income drops. Lower income means a lower rent share. Don't wait for your annual recertification date; an unreported income drop can create repayment problems later.

Can I port my Hammond HHA voucher to Chicago or another state?

Yes. After 12 months in your initial HCV unit, you have an unrestricted right to port to any PHA in the country under 24 CFR 982.353. Notify HHA in writing, and they issue a portability packet to the receiving PHA. Factor in that the Chicago Housing Authority has its own intake process and that your voucher's expiration clock keeps running during the port.

Does Hammond have any local laws requiring landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers?

Not as of this writing. Indiana has no statewide source-of-income protection law, and Hammond hasn't enacted a local ordinance requiring voucher acceptance. Voucher participation stays voluntary for private landlords in Hammond. HHA and some advocacy groups encourage acceptance, but there's no legal mandate at the state or local level.

What is the difference between HHA's public housing and its voucher (Section 8) program?

Public housing means you live in an apartment or home HHA owns and pay 30% of adjusted income directly to HHA as rent. The voucher program gives you a subsidy to use at a private landlord's unit. Public housing residents can't take their subsidy elsewhere; voucher holders can move and port the benefit. The two waitlists are separate.

What do I do if the Hammond Housing Authority proposes to terminate my voucher?

Request an informal hearing in writing before the deadline stated in HHA's termination notice. This is your right under 24 CFR 982.554. At the hearing you can present documents, witnesses, and arguments. If you believe the termination involves housing discrimination, you can also file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at hud.gov.

How does HHA calculate the payment standard for Hammond?

HHA sets its payment standards as a percentage (between 90% and 110%) of HUD's Fair Market Rents for the Gary, IN Metro FMR Area, which covers Lake County. For FY2024, the 2-bedroom FMR for that metro was about $1,111. HHA's actual payment standard may be higher or lower; request the current schedule directly from the agency.

Sources

1. Code of Federal Regulations, 24 CFR Part 982 (HCV Program Regulations): Governing regulations for the Housing Choice Voucher program including payment calculation (982.508), rent reasonableness (982.507), portability (982.353), waiting list structure (982.206), interim recertifications (982.516), and informal hearings (982.554).
2. HUD User, FY2024 Income Limits Documentation, Lake County IN: FY2024 Very Low Income (50% AMI) limit for a 4-person household in Lake County, Indiana was approximately $46,350; Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) limit was approximately $27,800.
3. HUD User, FY2024 Fair Market Rents, Gary IN Metro FMR Area: FY2024 FMRs for the Gary, IN Metro FMR Area: 0-BR $820, 1-BR $912, 2-BR $1,111, 3-BR $1,482, 4-BR $1,666.
4. National Low Income Housing Coalition, State and Local Source of Income Protections: Indiana does not have a statewide source-of-income protection law as of 2024; voucher acceptance by private landlords remains voluntary.
5. Indiana Code IC 32-31-5-6, Landlord Entry Notice Requirements: Indiana landlord-tenant law requires at least 24 hours notice before non-emergency entry.
6. HUD.gov, Capital Fund Program: PHAs use Capital Fund grants to renovate, modernize, or redevelop public housing units.
7. HUD.gov, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: Tenants who believe their voucher was terminated due to housing discrimination can file a complaint with HUD FHEO.
8. HUD User, Picture of Subsidized Households Database: HUD's Picture of Subsidized Households database provides voucher counts by PHA for northwest Indiana agencies including Hammond and Gary.