Section 8 Waiting Lists Open Now (September 2026)

Lists taking applications

Applying is free everywhere. An open list means the authority accepts applications, not that a voucher is available now. Always confirm on the official page linked under each entry before you apply.

• Cambridge Housing Authority (MA003)

  Open

  Section 8 in Boston, MA · checked September 19, 2026 · 617-499-7041

  CHA's own applicant page now lists the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlist as open, and the portal offers a Tenant-Based Voucher application. Income limit is 50% of area median. Apply at cha.myhousing.com; waitlist info line 617-499-7041.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List (Mass.AffordableHousing.com)

  Open

  Section 8 in Boston, MA · checked September 19, 2026 · 866-466-7328

  The centralized Section 8 list shared by 104 Massachusetts housing authorities is always open to new applications online. One application covers all participating authorities; waits are long and each authority pulls names on its own schedule. Support: 866-466-7328.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Gastonia Housing Authority

  Open

  Section 8 in Charlotte, NC · checked September 19, 2026 · 704-349-5149

  All waiting lists, including Section 8, are accepting applications. Download the application at ghanc.org/apply-for-housing, email it to hcvadmissions@ghanc.org or use the dropbox at 340 W Long Avenue. Check your place on the list at 704-675-7677.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Housing Authority of York (York Housing South Carolina)

  Open

  Section 8 in Charlotte, NC · checked September 19, 2026 · 803-684-6004

  Section 8 applications are taken in person every Tuesday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM, at 221 California Street, York. Bring birth certificate, Social Security card and photo ID. An online application is also offered. Call 803-684-6004 first to confirm.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Boone County Assisted Housing Department (KY)

  Open

  Section 8 in Cincinnati, OH · checked September 19, 2026 · (859) 334-2105

  The county's online Housing Choice Voucher application portal shows the waiting list as open and lets you start an application. A third-party tracker still lists it closed, so call (859) 334-2105 to confirm before counting on it. Office: 2950 Washington St, Burlington.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA, OH003)

  Open

  Section 8 in Cleveland, OH · checked September 19, 2026 · 216-431-1471

  Accepting Housing Choice Voucher preliminary applications year-round online. Names are drawn in repeated mini lotteries, so a pick can come in days or take months. An application stays valid for 18 months, then you must reapply. Applications team: 216-431-1471, option 6.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (OH001)

  Open

  Section 8 in Columbus, OH · checked September 19, 2026 · 614-421-6000

  CMHA's site lets you apply for the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist anytime through its RentCafe portal, and says waitlist selections are in process with notices sent by mail and email. CMHA also warns of a projected HCV funding shortfall, so expect a long wait. Help: 614-421-6000.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Dallas Housing Authority (DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas)

  Open

  Section 8 in Dallas, TX · checked September 19, 2026 · 214-951-8300

  Takes Housing Choice Voucher pre-applications online on a rolling basis (continuous enrollment). An application stays on the list until you are selected, or for up to 18 months, after which you can apply again. Being on the list is not a voucher; waits are long.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri (HAKC, MO002)

  Open

  Section 8 in Kansas City, MO · checked September 19, 2026 · 816-968-4100

  HAKC takes housing assistance applications online through its Bob.ai portal or on paper at the office during business hours. HAKC says the average wait for a voucher is 3 years. Office phone 816-968-4100, Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Delaware centralized waiting list (Wilmington Housing Authority, New Castle County Housing Authority and 3 other Delaware PHAs)

  Open

  Section 8 in Philadelphia, PA · checked September 19, 2026 · 855-301-5920

  One shared application for all five Delaware housing authorities is open at Delaware.AffordableHousing.com. Apply to every authority to improve your odds. Applicants who did not update by Feb 10, 2026 were removed and must reapply. Help line: 855-301-5920.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Seattle Housing Authority

  Open

  Section 8 in Seattle, WA · checked September 19, 2026 · 206-239-1674

  Housing Choice Voucher application is ongoing; families and individuals may apply at any time by registering in the SHA Portal. Applying gives a chance at a voucher when one becomes available, not a guaranteed place in line. Questions: 206-239-1674.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Tacoma Housing Authority

  Open

  Section 8 in Seattle, WA · checked September 19, 2026 · (253) 207-4400

  Waiting lists are open continuously, including the voucher list for help paying rent in Tacoma. Apply any time through THA's online service portal; you can apply for a voucher, a THA apartment, or both. Call (253) 207-4400.

  Apply on the official site →Source

• Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC, MD004)

  Open

  Section 8 in Washington, DC · checked September 19, 2026 · 240-627-9400

  Housing Path waitlist is still taking applications online year round. However, HOC says it cannot issue new vouchers right now because of a HUD funding shortfall (notice dated June 30, 2026) and expects to resume in early spring 2027.

  Apply on the official site →Source

Waiting list status by metro area

Each city page lists every housing authority we track there, with its status, how to apply, and phone number.

Don't see your area? Browse every metro and county for its housing authorities and contact details.

If every list near you is closed

Frequently asked questions

Which Section 8 waiting lists are open right now?

When we checked in September 2026, these lists were taking Housing Choice Voucher applications: Cambridge Housing Authority (MA003) (Boston, MA); Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List (Mass.AffordableHousing.com) (Boston, MA); Gastonia Housing Authority (Charlotte, NC); Housing Authority of York (York Housing South Carolina) (Charlotte, NC); Boone County Assisted Housing Department (KY) (Cincinnati, OH); Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA, OH003) (Cleveland, OH); Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (OH001) (Columbus, OH); Dallas Housing Authority (DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas) (Dallas, TX); Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri (HAKC, MO002) (Kansas City, MO); Delaware centralized waiting list (Wilmington Housing Authority, New Castle County Housing Authority and 3 other Delaware PHAs) (Philadelphia, PA); Seattle Housing Authority (Seattle, WA); Tacoma Housing Authority (Seattle, WA); Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC, MD004) (Washington, DC). Housing authorities open and close lists with little notice, so confirm on the authority's own site before you apply.

Does it cost money to apply for a Section 8 waiting list?

No. Applying to a housing authority waiting list is free. A site or person that charges a fee to apply, to hold a place in line, or to "guarantee" a voucher is not the housing authority. Apply only through the authority's own website, portal or office.

Can I apply to more than one Section 8 waiting list?

Yes. You can apply to any housing authority whose list is open, including ones outside the area where you live, and being on several lists improves your odds. Many authorities give preference to local residents. If you did not live in the authority's area when you applied, the authority can require you to lease a unit in its area for the first 12 months before you move the voucher elsewhere (24 CFR 982.353).

What does it mean when a Section 8 waiting list is open?

It means the housing authority is accepting applications. It does not mean vouchers are available now. Your name goes on a list, and the wait for a voucher is often measured in years. Some authorities keep a list open all year; others open for a few days and pick applicants by lottery.

How is a Section 8 lottery different from an open waiting list?

With a lottery, the authority takes applications during a short window and then draws a set number of names at random to place on the waiting list. Applying early in the window gives no advantage. With an open list, applications are accepted continuously and are usually ordered by date, local preferences, or both.