Public Housing Program
This program provides housing to families and individuals at a reduce rate. Olathe owns 66 one- bedroom units in a four story high-rise complex in downtown Olathe and 64 duplexes and single family units scattered throughout Olathe.
 Public Housing Eligibility Requirements
- Annual gross income is within the eligible limits.
- Priority given to families that qualify for local working preference or are elderly or Head of Household is disabled.
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- Not owing money to landlords, other housing authority's, utility company, child support and/or have recent drug charges, violent criminal charges or a register sexual predictor.
- Pass background investigations.
Pets in Public Housing
Tenants are allowed to have birds and fish in public housing units without paying a pet deposit. Families are limited to one dog or cat as a pet. Pets are subject to size and weight limits and other regulations. If you have a question about a pet, please contact the housing authority at 913-971-6260. Bringing a pet into the home prior to approval may result in termination of lease. A copy of the pet policy and vet forms are available at office. Pets must also be licensed and current on all shots annually.
Pets not allowed in public housing:
- Dangerous or venomous reptiles
- Ferrets
- Non-domestic animals
- Vicious animals
- Dogs and cats not meeting size and weight requirements
Service Animals
Services animals are allowed in all public housing units. Tenant must show proof from a doctor recommending the need for a service animal and the proof the animal has be trained to be a service animal. to top
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Olathe Housing Authority administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program commonly referred as Section 8. This program is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides rental subsidy to low income families, the elderly and the disabled. This subsidy enables families to afford decent, safe and affordable housing in Olathe. Program participants rent privately owned rental units located anywhere within the City of Olathe eligible.
 Eligibility Requirements
- Families income guidelines
- Qualifying as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family
- Meeting OHA's local working preference or qualify as exempt for elderly and disabled Head of households.
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Pass a criminal background check.
Section 8 Program Requirements
Rental subsidy provides families the opportunity to rent and live in better housing or remain in their existing housing if landlord is willing to participate in program.
Housing Authority's responsibilities include the following:
- Ensure family meet program requirements and does not pay more than 40% of their total adjusted gross income toward rent and utilities.
- Make payments on behalf of HUD to participating landlords monthly.
- Annually recertify families for rental assistance.
- Inspect rental units prior to lease up and annually thereafter to ensure unit meets Housing Quality Standards.
- Conduct briefings with eligible families.
Tenants responsibilities include the following:
- Comply with the terms of the voucher and the lease with landlord.
- Report changes in income or family composition throughout the year
- Keep the unit clean and free of damage.
- Allow OHA to conduct annual and special inspections with proper notice.
- Allow landlord access to unit to make repairs with proper notification.
- Notify landlord and housing authority of intent to move, give up voucher or move to another housing authority jurisdiction. to top
Family Self-Sufficiency Program 
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program, also known as FSS, is intended to assist Section 8 families achieve economic self-sufficiency. Participating families work with the Housing Authority and a FSS Case Manager to develop a 5-year contract that identifies employment, educational, and personal goals that will help them achieve financial independence.
Participation Requirements
- The head of the household must seek and maintain suitable employment and/or education.
- Execute a five year contract of participation outlining the steps required to achieve self-sufficiency.
- Meet with a Case Manager on a regular basis (at least once a month).
- All family members that are of school age must remain in school until completion of a high school diploma.
- During the last year of the contract, the family must not receive welfare assistance. to top
Homeownership Program
Section 8 Voucher holders have the option of working toward the American dream of owning their own home. Family's eligible for Homeownership Assistance must participate in the Family Self Sufficiency Program. Families purchasing homes through this program may still qualify for some financial housing assistance from the housing authority.
Program Requirements
- Must be a current Section 8 participant.
- Must be enrolled in the Family Self Sufficiency Program.
- Annual earned household income must be at least $10,300.**
- One or more adult members of family must be employed full-time for the last year (working at least 30 hours per week).**
- Must qualify as a first-time homeowner.
- Have ability to secure a mortgage loan from a lender.
- Provide a down payment of 3% of the purchase price of the home.
**Elderly and disabled households are exempt to top
Properties
OHA owns 130 public housing units. Sixty six one bedroom units are located in the Parkview Manor high-rise and the other sixty four units are scattered throughout Olathe. These units are duplexes and single family units. We have three different styles of housing as illustrated on this page. to top
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