Public Housing
The Public Housing waiting list is closed.
Public Housing is a federally assisted rental assistance program. It is project-based and requires a household to live in housing owned by the Olmsted County Housing Authority. The OCHRA manages a total of 110 two, three, and four-bedroom housing units (20 single-family houses and 90 townhouse units). All households pay 30% of their income for rent. Public Housing tenants are responsible for paying their own utilities. A utility allowance is established for each type of unit by address. Rent is paid to the OCHRA.
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) oversees all agencies managing Public Housing. HUD requires each agency to have an Agency Plan. The Plan is a checklist that demonstrates an agency fulfills the requirements listed for both the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher program. HUD uses the Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) to annually rate an agency's performance. Seven elements are reviewed and rated. OCHRA has received no less than a standard rating since the system was established in 1999.
Public Housing rent:
Olmsted County Public Housing rent is detailed in the below table. All rent checks should be written to Olmsted County HRA.
Effective Date |
Two Bedroom |
Three Bedroom |
Four Bedroom |
| 1/1/2019 | $586 | $837 Townhome | $1038 Townhome |
| $807 Single-family dwelling | $1015 Single-family dwelling | ||
| 1/1/2020 | $643 | $929 Townhome | $1178 Townhome |
| $900 Single-family dwelling | $1128 Single-family dwelling | ||
| 1/1/2021 | $639 | $954 Townhome | $1160 Townhome |
| $926 Single-family dwelling | $1136 Single-family dwelling |
Maintenance Needs
If anything in the apartment or on the grounds does not work properly, please contact maintenance at 507-328-6050. This number will take messages 24 hours a day. Please leave your name, apartment number, and what the problem is on the answering machine. Do not call a plumber, electrician, etc., unless you want to be responsible for the bill.
Self-Service Portal- Assistance Connect
We offer to current tenants and property owners a secure, online service called Assistance Connect. This is only for individuals currently receiving services from OCHRA. This service allows you to view information about your assistance, contact us directly and update your case file, any-time of the day or night, saving you the time and trouble it takes to contact us on the phone.
ACOP Report
The Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) includes policies that govern the agency's administration of the Public Housing Program. The current ACOP may be reviewed online. This document is also available for review upon request.
Olmsted County Public Housing Agency and Administrative Plan
Each year, the Olmsted County HRA is required to submit to HUD a Public Housing Agency Plan (PHA Plan). This document is a comprehensive guide to the HRA's policies, programs, operations, and strategies for meeting the housing needs in Olmsted County. The Capital Fund Plan is a document outlining intentional uses for funds that may be used to improve Public Housing units and grounds.
The PHA Plan and the 2020 Capital Fund Plan are available for review during business hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the office located at 2117 Campus Drive SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN, or the document is provided below.