The Indianapolis Housing Agency is a mess.
Mirror Indy’s investigation into the public housing authority — titled Broken Housing — revealed how IHA has managed its Section 8 voucher program so poorly that some renters have been left homeless.
And even with the federal government now here to take over the agency, renters who should be able to rely on IHA still need answers.
Here are some of the top things Section 8 renters need to know.
How to get ahold of IHA
IHA lists several email addresses and phone numbers on its website, but our reporting found renters and landlords have frequently found it nearly impossible to contact IHA.
Some tenants, however, have found success reaching IHA officials in person.
First, you can talk to your case manager during “Walk-In Wednesdays.” Those are typically held 1-3 p.m. every other Wednesday at IHA headquarters, 1935 N. Meridian St.
The agency, though, has not scheduled walk-in hours for the rest of the year and hasn’t posted a schedule for 2025. IHA’s executive director, Willie C. Garrett, told Mirror Indy the schedule would be made public once it’s created.
Residents also have found success speaking during the public comment portion of the agency’s board meetings, which are typically held at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at 546 E. 17th St.
What if IHA isn’t paying your landlord
The Mirror Indy investigation found that IHA failed to pay its portion of tenants’ rent to multiple landlords.
If that happens to you, you should continue to pay your portion of the rent. Keep written receipts of your payments.
Landlords aren’t allowed to evict a Section 8 tenant because of IHA’s failure to pay. The contract that landlords have with IHA says the agency’s failure to pay is “not a violation of the lease” and can’t be used as a reason to evict you.
If your landlord files an eviction
Going to your court date is crucial. Attorneys say one of the biggest obstacles to helping people through eviction is low attendance at court. If you’re not there, you can’t make your case.
Make sure the judge and the attorney you work with know you have a Section 8 voucher. You cannot be held responsible for IHA’s unpaid portion of the rent.
There are two parts to the eviction process.
The first hearing is for possession. This is when the judge decides if and when you have to move out. The second hearing is for damages and is usually at a later date. This is when the judge decides whether either party owes money for rent or damages.
In most cases, you can access a free attorney at court through the Office of Public Health and Safety’s Tenant Advocacy Project. If you are facing eviction, you can reach the project’s Tenant Information Hotline at 317-327-2228.
Keep a record of communication with your landlord. Show up to court prepared with documentation, including anything from IHA to show you have a voucher. This might be something called a tenant lease addendum that was attached to your lease.
Make three paper copies of evidence you may want to use. One copy is for you, and the other two are for the court and your landlord. You can print documents at your local library branch for as little as 15 cents per page.
And pay attention to which court you have to go to. Most cases are filed in the township court where you live, but landlords are increasingly moving cases to Marion Superior Court at the Community Justice Campus.
You can see information about your case at mycase.in.gov.
How to contact Mirror Indy
Are you a Section 8 voucher holder facing eviction for IHA’s failure to pay your landlord? We want to hear from you. You can contact reporters Tyler Fenwick or Emily Hopkins using the information below.
Tyler Fenwick writes about housing and homelessness for Mirror Indy. You can reach him by phone or on Signal at 317-766-1406. His email address is tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. He’s also on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick and Bluesky @tyfenwick.bsky.social.
Emily Hopkins is a Mirror Indy reporter focused on data and accountability. You can reach them on phone or Signal at 317-790-5268 or by email at emily.hopkins@mirrorindy.org. Follow them on most social media @indyemapolis or on Bluesky @emilyhopkins.bsky.social.
Get the backstory
Broken Housing
Mirror Indy investigates the failures of the Indianapolis Housing Agency: How they’re hurting low-income renters and fueling the Indianapolis housing crisis.
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