Open Section 8 Waiting Lists in Florida
Find applications for 1 open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in Florida. There are 106 housing authorities with voucher programs serving about 2,896,593 renter households in Florida. Among these, 24.5 percent of housing authorities run larger voucher programs serving thousands of renters. Over the last three years, there have been 42 waiting lists open in Florida.
swipeSwipe or Drag to view housing waiting list updates
View Florida Housing Authorities by the Cities They Serve
Florida Housing Authorities
Alachua County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Alachua County, Florida General | Closed |
Alachua County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreBaker County Housing Assistance Program
Baker County Housing Assistance Program serves Florida.
Learn MoreBoca Raton Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Palm Beach County, Florida | Closed |
Boca Raton Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreBoley Center for Behavioral Healthcare
Boley Center for Behavioral Healthcare serves Florida.
Learn MoreBradenton Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Bradenton, Florida | Closed |
Bradenton Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreBroward County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Broward County, Florida General | Closed |
Broward County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreCitrus County Housing Services Division
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Citrus County, Florida | Closed |
Citrus County Housing Services Division is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreCity of Pensacola Division of Housing
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Escambia County, Florida | Closed |
City of Pensacola Division of Housing is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreClearwater Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Clearwater, Florida | Closed |
Clearwater Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreCocoa Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Brevard County, Florida | Closed |
Cocoa Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreCollier County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Collier County Housing Authority | Closed |
Collier County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreCrestview Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Crestview, Florida | Closed |
Crestview Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreDania Beach Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Dania Beach, Florida | Closed |
Dania Beach Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreDaytona Beach Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Daytona Beach, Florida | Closed |
Daytona Beach Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreDeLand Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
DeLand, Florida | Closed |
DeLand Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreDelray Beach Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Delray Beach, Florida | Closed |
Delray Beach Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreFlagler County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Clay and Flagler County, Florida | Closed |
Flagler County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreFort Walton Beach Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority | Closed |
Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreGainesville Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Gainesville, Florida | Closed |
Gainesville Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHernando County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Hernando County, Florida | Closed |
Hernando County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHialeah Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Hialeah, Florida | Closed |
Hialeah Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHollywood Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Hollywood, Florida | Closed |
Hollywood Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHomestead Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Homestead, Florida | Closed |
Homestead Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Bartow
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Bartow, Florida | Closed |
Housing Authority of Bartow is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Brevard County
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Brevard County, Florida | Closed |
Housing Authority of Brevard County is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of City of Fernandina Beach
Housing Authority of City of Fernandina Beach serves Florida.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Pompano Beach
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Pompano Beach, Florida | Closed |
Housing Authority of Pompano Beach is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Springfield
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Elderly or Disabled | Closed |
Springfield, Florida | Closed |
Housing Authority of Springfield is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Apalachicola
Housing Authority of the City of Apalachicola serves Florida.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Eustis
Housing Authority of the City of Eustis serves Florida.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, Florida | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Fort Myers
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Lee County, Florida | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Fort Pierce
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Pierce | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Pierce is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Key West
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Housing Authority of Key West | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Key West is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Live Oak
Housing Authority of the City of Live Oak serves Florida.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Marianna
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Jackson County, Florida | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Marianna is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Miami Beach
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Miami Beach, Florida | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Miami Beach is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Mulberry
Housing Authority of the City of Mulberry serves Florida.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Stuart
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Housing Authority of the City of Stuart | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Stuart is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Titusville
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Titusville, Florida Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) | Closed |
Titusville, Florida General | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Titusville is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreIndian River County Rental Assistance
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Indian River County, Florida | Closed |
Indian River County Rental Assistance is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreJacksonville Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Jacksonville, Florida Elderly/Disabled | Closed |
Jacksonville, Florida General | Closed |
Jacksonville Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreJefferson County Board of County Commissioner
Jefferson County Board of County Commissioner serves Florida.
Learn MoreLake Wales Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Lake Wales, Florida | Closed |
Lake Wales Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreLakeland Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Lakeland, Florida | Closed |
Lakeland Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreLee County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Lee County Housing Authority | Closed |
Lee County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreManatee County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Manatee County, Florida | Closed |
Manatee County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreMiami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Miami-Dade County, Florida | Closed |
Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreNorth Central Florida Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Levy and Gilchrist County, Florida | Closed |
Wakulla County, Florida | Closed |
North Central Florida Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreNorthwest Florida Regional Housing Authority
Northwest Florida Regional Housing Authority serves Florida.
Learn MoreOcala Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Marion County, Florida | Closed |
Ocala Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreOrange County Housing and Community Development Division
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Orange County, Florida | Closed |
Orange County Housing and Community Development Division is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreOrlando Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Orlando, Florida | Closed |
Orlando Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreOrmond Beach Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Ormond Beach, Florida | Closed |
Ormond Beach Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreOsceola County Housing Agency
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Osceola County, Florida | Closed |
Osceola County Housing Agency is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MorePahokee Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Pahokee, Florida | Closed |
Pahokee Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MorePalatka Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Putnam County, Florida | Closed |
Palatka Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MorePalm Beach County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Palm Beach County, Florida | Closed |
Palm Beach County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MorePanama City Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Panama City, Florida | Closed |
Panama City Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MorePasco County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Pasco County, Florida | Closed |
Pasco County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MorePinellas County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Pinellas County, Florida | Closed |
Pinellas County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MorePlant City Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Plant City, Florida | Closed |
Plant City Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MorePunta Gorda Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Charlotte County, Florida | Closed |
Punta Gorda Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreSarasota Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Sarasota County, Florida | Closed |
Sarasota Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreSeminole County Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Seminole County, Florida | Closed |
Seminole County Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreSt Petersburg Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
St. Petersburg, Florida | Closed |
St Petersburg Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreTallahassee Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Leon County, Florida | Open Now |
Tallahassee Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.
Get The ApplicationTampa Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Hillsborough County, Florida | Closed |
Tampa Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreVolusia County Community Assistance Division
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Volusia County, Florida | Closed |
Volusia County Community Assistance Division is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreWest Palm Beach Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
West Palm Beach, Florida | Closed |
West Palm Beach Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreWinter Haven Housing Authority
Waiting List | Status |
---|---|
Winter Haven Housing Authority | Closed |
Winter Haven Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreAre Section 8 Waiting Lists Open in Florida?
As of November 3, 2024, AHO is tracking 0 waiting lists open right now that are scheduled to close in the near future. Additionally, AHO is monitoring 0 waiting lists that are open until further notice.
AHO encourages you to first apply to the waiting lists that are scheduled to close, as most housing choice voucher programs do not have a set schedule for when they will reopen their waiting lists.
AHO still encourages you to apply to continuously open waiting lists as soon as possible. These waiting lists may close without sufficient notice.
In total, there are 0 waiting lists you can apply to right now and 1 waiting lists you can apply to soon.
How many HCV waiting lists were open in Florida in the last few years?
During the last three years, there were 42 HCV waiting lists open for at least a day in Florida.
How long were HCV waiting lists kept open in Florida in the last few years?
Section 8 HCV waiting lists in Florida were kept open an average of 134 days over the last three years.
Many waiting lists were kept open only a short time. In the last three years, 64.3% were open seven days or less and 16.7% were open for only one day (or a few hours) . This means that it is important for low-income renters to apply right away when they find an open waiting list.
How hard is it to get a voucher if I don't currently live in the area the housing authority serves?
Renters can apply to any open HCV waiting list in the country. The program is supposed to promote mobility so that renters can move to places with more opportunity.
Some housing authorities have a preference for local residents in their waiting list placement. If you live outside the area you can get on the waiting list, but you will likely wait a long time before a voucher is offered, if at all.
Over the last three years, 31% of waiting lists in Florida that opened had a preference for local residents.
To what extent do housing authorities in Florida increase access with online applications?
Online applications make it easier for low-income renters to apply for open waiting lists, especially when applying to different communities or when waiting lists are only kept open a short time.
Online applications were used for 71.4% of waiting list applications in in Florida over the last three years.
How fair is waiting list placement in Florida?
Random lotteries were used by 45.2% of housing authorities in Florida to place applicants on their waiting lists over the last three years.
Applicants placed at the bottom of a waiting list may wait up to two or three years before being offered a voucher. Placing applicants on a waiting list using a random lottery gives everyone a fair chance to be near the top of the list.
Many housing authorities place applicants according to the date and time of their submission. Applicants who apply later will have a long wait for assistance, which is especially unfair in cases where waiting lists are kept open just few days or less.
How long do households spend on an HCV waiting list in Florida before receiving a voucher?
Households spend an average of 26 months on a waiting list before receiving a voucher in Florida.
Who is served by HCV programs offered through housing authorities in Florida?
HCV households served by housing authorities in Florida include:
- 37% headed by seniors
- 25% with a person with a disability
- 40% with children
- 29% where the majority of household income comes from wages earned
What is the income level of households served by HCV programs offered through housing authorities in Florida?
According to HUD, in general, in order to receive a voucher, a household's income may not exceed 50% of the median income (50% AMI) for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, a housing authority must provide 75% of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30% of the area median income (30% AMI).
A 50% AMI household is considered very low-income (VLI) and a 30% AMI household is considered extremely low-income (ELI). ELI households are a subset of the VLI households served by a housing authority.
In the voucher programs of housing authorities in Florida, VLI households make up 91% of voucher-holding households.
ELI households make up 70% of voucher-holding households.
Is there an application fee for Section 8 waiting lists?
It is against HUD policy for an agency to charge for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher application. If anyone is charging a fee for an application, they are either violating federal law, or a scammer with an empty promise. Do not pay for an application.
Why are there Section 8 waiting lists?
Like most low income housing programs, renters are placed on a waiting list to get a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher because there is a very high demand for vouchers, and a limited supply.
Waiting lists for a Section 8 voucher also tend to be longer than those for other housing programs because renters can live in an apartment or house of their choice. Most of the other rental housing programs require the household to live in a pre-determined apartment.
How does a Section 8 waiting list work?
Renters must first submit an application to a housing authority with an open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. If a waiting list is not currently open, applications cannot be submitted.
After applying, the housing authority will create a list of qualified applicants that is sorted by random lottery, or the date and time applications were received. Many of these waiting lists have limited spots, so some applicants may not be selected for the waiting list, even if they are qualified.
If the household is selected for the waiting list, the housing authority will send confirmation. Be aware that some waiting lists have preferences (such as elderly or local applicants), and qualified households are given priority placement over others.
After getting placed on a waiting list, prepare to wait for some time. Because of the high demand of the HCV program, waiting lists may be many months or years long.
Once the household reaches the top of the waiting list, an eligibility interview will be held to make sure that everyone is qualified. If the household does not meet the qualifications, they can continue applying to other open waiting lists for a chance to get a voucher.
Who can apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
To apply for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, the head of the household must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant. If the head of household cannot submit an application, another person can submit one on their behalf.
There are many qualifications to get a Section 8 voucher, including income, housing, and criminal history. But those requirements do not prevent a person from applying for an open waiting list.
What is needed to apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
To apply for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, renters must usually provide their first and last name, date of birth, Social Security Number or Alien ID, and the total gross income of all household members (with exceptions).
Applications may ask for additional information, including housing history, criminal history, proof of income, and preference verification. Applicants may also be asked for demographic information, like gender, disability status, or race and ethnicity.
When can I apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
Applications for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher can only be submitted when the housing authority opens the program's waiting list.
For many areas, waiting lists are only open for a brief period. And depending on the area, when a waiting list closes, it may not reopen for many months or years. But there are also many housing authorities that keep their waiting lists open indefinitely, which means that there is no scheduled close date. These waiting lists can close at any time, but they sometimes stay open for months or years.
Can I apply for multiple Section 8 waiting lists?
Yes, renters can apply for multiple Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists. There is no limit to how many waiting lists a household may be on.
But, it's usually not allowed to submit multiple applications for the same waiting list. If more than one application is submitted for the same waiting list, the household risks getting disqualified.
What is a Section 8 waiting list lottery?
In many areas, the demand for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers is so great that the managing housing authority cannot add all applicants to its waiting list. To give all applicants an equal chance of being placed on the waiting list, many agencies draw names by random lottery from the entire pool of applicants.
Housing authorities will usually state if they are doing a lottery drawing on the public notice for the waiting list. If there is not a lottery, applicants will be placed on the waiting list by the date and time the application is received.
How long is a waiting list for Section 8 housing?
Once a household is placed on a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, they may wait anywhere between many months or years before being offered a rental assistance voucher.
There is no typical wait time for a voucher. The amount of time spent on a waiting list depends on various factors, including how many preferences are met, and the location of rental assistance. An applicant in one area of the country may wait less than a year, while someone in another area is on a waiting list for five years or more.
How can I get more information about a Section 8 waiting list?
The easiest way to get more information about many Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting lists is to visit the housing authority's website. Most housing authorities with a website will have a dedicated Section 8 HCV page with details about the program.
However, not all housing authorities have a website. And some that do may provide a limited amount of information. If this is the case, contact the housing authority for help. The agency can tell you if a waiting list is open, how to apply, and other important application requirements.
Is there any way to get priority placement on a Section 8 waiting list?
Yes, many housing authorities use preferences to give a priority to applicants who are part of groups in the area that are in great need of assistance.
Common preference categories for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists include seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, homeless persons, and those who live and work locally. Applicants who qualify for preferences will have a shorter wait time than those who don't.
What is Section 8?
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program gives low income rental assistance to individuals and families who need help affording monthly rent. Households with a Section 8 voucher may choose to live in any home that meets the program requirements, including apartments and single-family homes. It is a federal housing program that is run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Renters with a Section 8 voucher usually pay 30% of their income for rent. The rest is paid to the landlord by the managing housing authority.
When looking for housing options, be aware that there are other housing programs that use the name "Section 8," including the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) programs. However, the name "Section 8" on its own usually refers to the HCV program.
How do I apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
When a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is open, there can be a number of different ways to submit an application. In most cases, Section 8 applications are available online, in person, by mail, or a variety of these options.
Online applications are often submitted through a form on a website. Printable applications may be available on the internet, as well. If an application can be sent by mail, a request for one is usually done by phone, mail or email.
In rare situations, applications may also be submitted by fax, or directly by phone. These outdated methods have been phased out by many housing authorities, but there are still some applications that operate this way.
Where can I apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
Renters can apply to most open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in the country. You do not have to live in the area to apply to most waiting lists, but there are some with restrictions. If the waiting list is restricted, it means that the housing authority is targeting a specific demographic (such as homeless applicants), and documentation or a reference may be required to apply.
However, even if a waiting list is available to the general public, applicants who do not live in the area should check if there are preferences. Preferences give qualified applicants priority placement on the waiting list. And one of the most common preferences is for local residents. This means that non-local applicants may have a very long wait for a voucher, or may not get a voucher at all because of the local demand.