Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many complexes does the Watervliet Housing Authority have?

A: The Watervliet Housing Authority consists of 5 Multi-Family housing complexes. Michael J. Day, Abram Hilton, and Edwin Joslin are family complexes. Daniel P. Quinn and Eugene Hanratta are senior and disabled housing complexes. In total, the WHA manages over 400 apartments: 191 one-bedrooms, 102 two-bedrooms, 93 three-bedrooms, and 14 four-bedrooms. Our properties are managed by an office staff of five and a four person maintenance department.

Q: How do I know if I am eligible for Multi-Family Housing?

A: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (or HUD) sets the income limits for Multi-Family housing in each county. In order to qualify for Public Housing, 30% of your gross annual income must be less than the gross rent for your appropriate bedroom size. Multi-Family Housing Authorities must abide by these limits. Multi-Family Housing, Section 8, and Van Rensselaer Village all have different income limits. You can view the Multi-Family housing limits on the HUD website.

Q: Can I have pets?

A: Yes, the Watervliet Housing Authority allows pets in accordance to our pet policy. In addition, a $150 pet deposit is also required at the time the pet enters your home.

Q: Is there a waiting list?

A: Yes, there is a waiting list for all Watervliet Housing Authority programs. The wait time varies for each application, depending on family composition and bedroom size. Keeping this in mind, a wait time can be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, or even longer. The waiting list is not numbered. Applicants are selected by application date for Multi-Family housing units. The waiting lists for Van Rensselaer Village and Section 8 are prioritized by residency. Watervliet residents are of highest priority, then former residents, then non-residents. These waiting lists tend to be longer. Because of the variance in wait time, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. To learn more about the waiting list process, check out this video.

Q: How do I check the status of my application?

A: A staff member at the administrative office cannot give you an accurate estimated wait time. They can only inform you if you are still on our waiting list and that your information is up to date in our computer system. If you ever have a change in address, phone number, email, family composition, or income, you must notify the housing office as soon as possible. If we attempt to contact you by mail and the mail is returned to sender, we will remove you from the waiting list. To make changes to your application, you can call the housing office at 273-4717. You may also use our applicant portal on our website. If you have an application in our system, login into our applicant portal using the first initial of your first name followed by your last name as your username and the last four digits of your social security number as your password to view your account. We also send out still interested letters once a summer to update applicant information. If your letter is returned to sender or not completed and returned in a timely manner, you will be removed from the waiting list.

Q: What is the cost of living at the Watervliet Housing Authority?

A: Rent is generally calculated as 30% of your gross annual income, however other determinants are factored in. This includes utility costs, medical expenses, and cost of childcare. The lease is monthly, automatically renewed each month when the rent is paid.

Q: What is needed to move in?

A: A security deposit and one month’s rent is needed at the time of your move in. The security deposit is equal to one month’s gross rent or $50, whichever is greater. VEV tenants must pay a flat security deposit of $500. All tenants must also be able to put the utility bill in their name prior to admission.

Q: Are the apartments furnished?

No, all apartments only come with a range and refrigerator. No apartments come with other furniture. There are laundry facilities at the Edwin Joslin, Eugene Hanratta, Daniel P. Quinn, Abram Hilton, Van Rensselaer Village, and Green Island Senior Housing sites. Only some complexes provide washer or dryer hookups in the apartments for you to install your own washer or dryer.

Q: Are the apartments on a bus line?

All complexes are either directly on a bus line or within a few blocks from one. School buses pick up children at each of the three family complexes.

Q: What is the neighborhood like?

The Watervliet Housing Authority prides itself on being a safe and beautiful place to live. To learn more about the City of Watervliet, check out our city brochure.

Q: Are there accommodations available for tenants with disabilities?

Yes, the Watervliet Housing Authority provides accommodations to all tenants with disabilities. If anyone needs accommodations made, they must contact the office to determine what services are needed. We do offer a few handicap accessible apartments in our complexes.