Section 8 Housing in Indianapolis, IN

In Marion County, the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) runs Section 8. Its voucher waiting list has been closed since its 2016 lottery, and IHA is still processing names drawn back then. New openings are announced on Indyhousing.org. Do not pay anyone to apply, applications are always free. If you live in a surrounding county (Johnson/Greenwood, Shelby, Bartholomew, and others), the state agency IHCDA and its local subcontractors handle vouchers, but those lists are also closed. IHCDA does not cover Indianapolis or Marion County at all. Apply to multiple housing authorities when any list opens, there is no limit on how many you join.

In April 2024, HUD and the City of Indianapolis took control of IHA after HUD ruled the agency was in substantial default. HUD found the voucher program was barely functioning, with about 1,500 of roughly 9,000 vouchers going unused because the waitlist had stalled and staff were not issuing vouchers, setting rents, or inspecting units. A Mirror Indy investigation documented tenants landing in eviction court even though their rent should have been covered. If you already hold an IHA voucher, keep every piece of paper, document all contact with IHA, and get legal help fast if your assistance is threatened. The new leadership under CEO Yvonda Bean is rebuilding the agency, but progress is slow.

Yes. Indiana is one of only a few states that bans local governments from requiring landlords to take Section 8. Indiana Code 36-1-3-8.5 preempts any city or county source-of-income ordinance, so Indianapolis, Carmel, and Greenwood cannot pass voucher-acceptance rules. A landlord can legally say 'no Section 8.' What is still illegal is discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (children), disability, or ancestry. If a landlord uses 'no voucher' as a cover for one of those, that may be an unlawful practice you can report. Focus your search on properties that already advertise Section 8, and get any acceptance or rejection in writing.

On average, a Housing Choice Voucher pays Indianapolis landlords about $600 per month, with the tenant paying roughly $300. For a two-bedroom, the most a voucher will cover is between about $1,214 and $1,484, depending on the unit and utilities. You generally pay no more than 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The unit must pass an inspection and meet IHA's rent-reasonableness standard before your lease is approved. Expect a long wait to even get a voucher, households in Indianapolis average about 33 months on the list.

Once you have a voucher, use IHA's listing service at indyhousingnow.org or call 1-877-428-8844 to search available Section 8, affordable, and tax-credit units by location, size, and rent. Voucher-accepting apartments cluster on the east and far east sides (complexes like Farmington Lake and Stonybrook Commons advertise Section 8) and in some near-north areas (Indy Flats south of 16th Street). Suburban areas like Carmel and Fishers have almost no subsidized units and higher market rents, so your search will be harder there. Look at the property, not just the listing, before signing anything.

Indianapolis has one of the highest eviction rates in the country. If you get an eviction notice, call the Indianapolis Tenant Hotline at 317-327-2228 right away, it explains your rights and refers you to free legal aid. Free attorneys and tenant advocates staff most Marion County township small claims courts through the Eviction Diversion Initiative and Tenant Advocacy Project. Indiana Legal Services (1-844-243-8570) handles civil legal problems including housing for low-income residents. For suspected discrimination, contact the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (317-644-0673) or file with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission or HUD within one year.