Open Low Income Housing Waiting List in Wisconsin

Find applications for 9 open low-income apartment waiting lists in Wisconsin. Get the information needed to apply for HUD rental housing that can’t be found anywhere else.

Wisconsin Housing Authorities

Abbotsford Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Abbotsford Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Abbotsford Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Albany Housing Authority

Albany Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Algoma Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Algoma Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Algoma Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Altoona Housing Authority

Altoona Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Amery Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Amery Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Amery Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Antigo Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Antigo Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Antigo Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Appleton Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Appleton Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Appleton Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Ashland County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Ashland County Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Ashland County Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Ashland Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Ashland Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Ashland Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Baraboo Community Development Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Baraboo Community Development Authority Open Until Further Notice

Baraboo Community Development Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Barron County Housing Authority

Barron County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Beloit Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Beloit Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Beloit Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Boscobel Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Boscobel Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Boscobel Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Brillion Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Brillion Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Brillion Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Brown County Housing Authority

Brown County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Bruce Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Bruce Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Bruce Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Burnett County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Burnett County Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Burnett County Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council Inc

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council Inc serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Chetek Housing Authority

Chetek Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Chilton Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Chilton Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Chilton Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Chippewa County Housing Authority

Chippewa County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

City of Edgerton Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
City of Edgerton Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

City of Edgerton Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

City of Mauston Housing Authority

City of Mauston Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

City of Washburn and County of Bayfield Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
City of Washburn and County of Bayfield Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

City of Washburn and County of Bayfield Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Clintonville Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Clintonville Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Clintonville Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Community Development Authority of the City of Madison

Waiting ListStatus
Truax Park Apartments Closed
Family Open Until Further Notice
Community Development Authority of the City of Madison Open Until Further Notice

Community Development Authority of the City of Madison is accepting applications for 2 waiting lists now.

Get The Applications

Community Development Authority of the City of West Allis

Waiting ListStatus
Beloit Road Senior Apartments Open Until Further Notice

Community Development Authority of the City of West Allis is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Crawford County Housing Authority

Crawford County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Dane County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Dane County, Wisconsin Closed
Dane County Housing Authority Closed
Valor on Washington, 2 and 3-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice

Dane County Housing Authority is accepting applications for a waiting list now.

Get The Application

Deforest Housing Authority

Deforest Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Depere Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Depere Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Depere Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Dodge County Housing Authority

Dodge County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Dodgeville Housing Authority

Dodgeville Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Door County Housing Authority

Door County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Dunn County Housing Authority

Dunn County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Eau Claire County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Eau Claire County Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice
Fairchild Senior Living Apartments, 55+ Open Until Further Notice

Eau Claire County Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Eau Claire Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Eau Claire Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Eau Claire Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Evansville Housing Authority

Evansville Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Fond Du Lac County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Fond Du Lac County Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Fond Du Lac County Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Fond du Lac Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Fond du Lac Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Fond du Lac Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Frederic Housing Authority

Frederic Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Grantsburg Housing Authority

Grantsburg Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Green Bay Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Green Bay Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Green Bay Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Greenwood Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Greenwood Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Greenwood Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Housing Authority of Cumberland

Waiting ListStatus
Housing Authority of Cumberland Open Until Further Notice

Housing Authority of Cumberland is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Housing Authority of Trempealeau County

Waiting ListStatus
Housing Authority of Trempealeau County Open Until Further Notice

Housing Authority of Trempealeau County is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Housing Authority of the City of Barron

Waiting ListStatus
Housing Authority of the City of Barron Open Until Further Notice

Housing Authority of the City of Barron is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee

Waiting ListStatus
Veteran Open Until Further Notice
Family Open Until Further Notice
Family Open Until Further Notice
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee Open Until Further Notice
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee Open Until Further Notice

Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Housing Authority of the City of New Richmond

Waiting ListStatus
Housing Authority of the City of New Richmond Open Until Further Notice

Housing Authority of the City of New Richmond is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Housing Authority of the City of Shell Lake

Housing Authority of the City of Shell Lake serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Hudson Housing Authority

Hudson Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Hurley Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Hurley Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Hurley Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Integrated Community Solutions

Integrated Community Solutions serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Janesville Neighborhood and Community Services

Janesville Neighborhood and Community Services serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Jefferson Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Jefferson Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Jefferson Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Kaukauna Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Kaukauna Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Kaukauna Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Kenosha Housing Authority

Kenosha Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

La Crosse County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
La Crosse County Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

La Crosse County Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

La Crosse Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Hi-Rise Open Now
Family Open Now
Hi-Rise Open Until Further Notice
Family Open Until Further Notice

La Crosse Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Ladysmith Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Ladysmith Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Ladysmith Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Lafayette County Housing Authority

Lafayette County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Lake Mills Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Lake Mills Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Lake Mills Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Lincoln County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Lincoln County Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Lincoln County Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Luck Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Luck Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Luck Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Manitowoc Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Manitowoc Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Manitowoc Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Marinette County Housing Authority

Marinette County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Marinette Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Marinette Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Marinette Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Marshfield Community Development Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Marshfield Community Development Authority Open Until Further Notice

Marshfield Community Development Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Menomonie Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Family Units, 2, 3 and 4-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice
Open Until Further Notice

Menomonie Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Merrill Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Merrill Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Merrill Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Milwaukee County Housing Division

Milwaukee County Housing Division serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Mondovi Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Mondovi Housing Authority Closed

Mondovi 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 More

Monroe County Housing Authority

Monroe County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Monroe Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Monroe Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Monroe Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

New Berlin Housing Authority

New Berlin Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

New London Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
New London Housing Authority Open Now

New London Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Newcap

Newcap serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

North Central Community Action Program

North Central Community Action Program serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Oconto County Housing Authority

Oconto County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Oconto Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Oconto Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Oconto Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Osceola Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Osceola Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Osceola Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Oshkosh Housing Authority

Oshkosh Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Park Falls Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Park Falls Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Park Falls Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Peshtigo Housing Authority

Peshtigo Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Platteville Housing Authority

Platteville Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Plymouth Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Plymouth Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Plymouth Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Portage County Housing Authority

Portage County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Prairie du Chien Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Prairie du Chien Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Prairie du Chien Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Pulaski Housing Authority

Pulaski Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Racine County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Ajax, Arabella, Gold Meal Lofts Closed
Levi Barnes Manor Closed
Mt. Pleasant Manor Open Until Further Notice
Levi Barnes Manor Open Until Further Notice

Racine County Housing Authority is accepting applications for 2 waiting lists now.

Get The Applications

Reedsville Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Reedsville Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Reedsville Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Rhinelander Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Rhinelander Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Rhinelander Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Rice Lake Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Rice Lake Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Rice Lake Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Richland Center Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Richland Center Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Richland Center Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Richland County Housing Authority

Richland County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

River Falls Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
River Falls Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

River Falls Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Sauk City Housing Authority

Sauk City Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Sauk County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Sauk County Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Sauk County Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Sawyer County Housing Authority

Sawyer County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Shawano City Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Shawano City Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Shawano City Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Shawano County Housing Authority

Shawano County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Sheboygan Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Sheboygan Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Sheboygan Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Slinger Housing Authority

Slinger Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

South Milwaukee Community Development Authority

Waiting ListStatus
South Milwaukee Community Development Authority Closed
South Milwaukee Community Development Authority Closed

South Milwaukee Community Development 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 More

Sparta Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Sparta Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Sparta Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Spooner Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Spooner Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Spooner Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Stanley Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Stanley Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Stanley Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Stevens Point Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Stevens Point Housing Authority Unknown

Stevens Point 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 More

Superior Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
2, 3, 4 and 5-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice
1-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice
Grand Central Plaza, New York Building and Washington Apartments, 55+ Open Until Further Notice

Superior Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Taylor County Housing Authority

Taylor County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Thorp Housing Authority

Thorp Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Tomah Public Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Tomah Public Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Tomah Public Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Viroqua Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Viroqua Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Viroqua Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Walworth County Housing Authority

Walworth County Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Watertown Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Watertown Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Watertown Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Waukesha Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Gander Apartments Homeless and Disabled Open Until Further Notice
Scattered Sites Open Until Further Notice
Berkshire Kensington Near Elderly Open Until Further Notice
Breezewood Village Open Until Further Notice

Waukesha Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Waukesha Housing Authority

Waukesha Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Wausau Community Development Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Scattered Sites Open Until Further Notice
Riverview Terrace, Affordable Assisted Living Open Until Further Notice

Wausau Community Development Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Wausaukee Housing Authority

Wausaukee Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

West Bend Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
West Bend Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

West Bend Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

West CAP

West CAP serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Westby Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Westby Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Westby Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Winnebago County Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Waite Rug Place 1 and 2-Bedroom Project-Based Voucher and Closed

Winnebago 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 More

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Wisconsin Rapids Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Huntington House Apartments RAD Open Until Further Notice
Parkview Apartments, Huntington House Apartments, 10th Avenue Apartments and Scattered Site Open Until Further Notice

Wisconsin Rapids Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Wittenberg Housing Authority

Wittenberg Housing Authority serves Wisconsin.

Learn More

Woodville Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Woodville Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Woodville Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

Get The Application

Are Public Housing Waiting Lists Open in Wisconsin?

As of March 4, 2024, AHO is tracking 9 Public Housing waiting lists open right now.

AHO encourages you to apply continuously to open waiting lists as soon as possible. These waiting lists may close without sufficient notice.

How many Public Housing waiting lists were open in Wisconsin in the last few years?

During the last three years, there were 107 Public Housing waiting lists open for at least a day in Wisconsin.

How long were Public Housing waiting lists kept open in Wisconsin in the last few years?

Public Housing waiting lists in Wisconsin were kept open an average of 911 days over the last three years.

Many waiting lists were kept open only a short time. In the last three years, 0.9% were open seven days or less . 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 Public Housing unit if I don't currently live in the area the housing authority serves?

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 unit becomes available, if at all.

Over the last three years, 9.3% of Public Housing waiting lists in Wisconsin that opened had a preference for local residents.

To what extent do housing authorities in Wisconsin 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 26.2% of waiting list applications in in Wisconsin over the last three years.

How fair is waiting list placement in Wisconsin?

Random lotteries were used by 0.9% of housing authorities in Wisconsin 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 a Public Housing waiting list in Wisconsin before being offered a unit?

Households spend an average of 24 months on a waiting list before a unit becomes available for them in Wisconsin.

Who is served by Public Housing programs offered through housing authorities in Wisconsin?

Public Housing households served by housing authorities in Wisconsin include:

  • 41% headed by seniors
  • 30% with a person with a disability
  • 27% with children
  • 25% where the majority of household income comes from wages earned

What is the income level of households served by Public Housing programs offered through housing authorities in Wisconsin?

Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals, with "low-income" usually defined as income at or below 80% of the median income (80% AMI) for the county or metropolitan area in which the Public Housing units are located. However, most housing authority Public Housing programs serve households with much lower incomes.

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 Public Housing programs of housing authorities in Wisconsin, VLI households make up 90% of voucher-holding households.

ELI households make up 68% of voucher-holding households.

What is a low-income apartment?

A low-income apartment has a federal, state, or local government housing program that makes rent affordable for those who are in need of housing assistance.

These apartments may have rental assistance that allows tenants to pay a portion of their income for rent, or pay a fixed rent amount that is affordable to renters.

Are there different types of housing assistance for low-income apartments?

Yes, there are many different types of housing assistance programs for low-income apartments. Some housing programs, such as Public Housing, allow tenants to pay a portion of their income for rent. Others, like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, provide fixed rents that are affordable to many renters.

The most common housing programs for low-income apartments include:

  • Public Housing
  • Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance
  • Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
  • RAD Project-Based Voucher
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing For The Elderly
  • Section 811 Supportive Housing For Persons With Disabilities
  • Section 515 Rural Rental Housing
  • Section 521 USDA Rental Assistance

Why is there a waiting list for low-income apartments?

There is a higher demand for low-income apartments than available units, so housing agencies have waiting lists. Building a waiting list allows the agency to quickly fill units that are no longer being occupied.

Who can apply for a low-income apartment waiting list?

To apply for a low-income apartment 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 low-income apartment, 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 low-income apartment waiting list?

To apply for a low-income apartment 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 low-income apartment?

Applications for a low-income apartment can only be submitted when the housing agency opens the waiting list.

Waiting lists in many areas are kept open indefinitely, but there are also apartments with waiting lists that are only open for certain periods. Depending on the area, if a waiting list is closed, it may not reopen for many months or years.

How do I apply for a low-income apartment waiting list?

When a low-income apartment waiting list is open, there can be a number of different ways to submit an application. In most cases, applications are available online, in person, by mail, or a variety of these options.

Contact the agency that manages the apartment to find out how to submit an application.

Where can I apply for a low-income apartment waiting list?

Renters can apply to most open low-income apartment 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. There are also some apartments with a housing program that is restricted for certain populations. If the apartment or waiting list is restricted, it means that the housing agency is targeting a specific demographic (such as elderly 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.

Can I apply for multiple low-income apartment waiting lists?

Yes, renters can apply for multiple low-income apartment 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.

Is there an application fee for low-income apartment waiting lists?

Unlike Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, there are many low-income apartment waiting lists that charge a fee to apply. This depends on type of housing assistance for the apartment.

It is against HUD policy for a housing authority to charge an application fee for Public Housing or Section 8 apartments (including Project Based rental Assistance and Project Based Vouchers). If anyone is charging a fee for an application to these apartment types, they are either violating federal law, or a scammer.

But there may be an application fee for apartments with other housing programs.

How long is a waiting list for a low-income apartment?

After being placed on a low-income apartment waiting list, the wait may be anywhere between weeks, months, or even years.

There is no typical wait time for an apartment, but waiting lists are usually shorter than those for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. The amount of time spent on a waiting list depends on many factors, including how many preferences are met, and the location of rental assistance. An applicant in one area of the country may wait for months, while someone in another area is awaiting for years.

Is there any way to get priority placement on a low-income apartment waiting list?

Yes, many housing agencies 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 low-income apartment waiting lists include seniors, persons with disabilities, and those who live and work locally. Applicants who qualify for preferences will have a shorter wait time than those who don't.

How can I get more information about a low-income apartment waiting list?

The easiest way to get more information about many low-income apartment waiting lists is to contact the property manager directly. Most managers can be reached by phone, email, or both methods of communication.

Many housing agencies have websites, but not all sites have in-depth details about their apartments. So, contacting the agency directly is usually the most effective way to find out if a waiting list is open, how to apply, and other important apartment requirements.

How does a waiting list for low-income apartments work?

Renters must first submit an application to a housing agency with an open waiting list for a low-income apartment. If a apartment's waiting list is not currently open, applications cannot be submitted.

After applying and getting qualified for the waiting list, the household will be added to the list. Waiting lists that are open indefinitely are almost always sorted by date and time the application is received. If the waiting list for a low-income apartment is only open for a specific period of time, it may be sorted by either random lottery, or date and time.

If the household is selected for the waiting list, the housing agency 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. Waiting lists for low-income apartments are usually shorter than those for the Section 8 HCV program, but applicants may still wait weeks, months, or years, depending on the area.

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 low-income apartment.