Mesa, AZ

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Mesa, Arizona

There are 5 open waiting lists in the Mesa area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Mesa, Arizona and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.

If no lists are currently open in Mesa, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.

1
Agencies
5
Open Now
2
Closed

Affordable Housing in Mesa, Arizona

Mesa, Arizona is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Mesa area. There are also 27 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Mesa include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, VASH, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream.

Latest Opening

City of Mesa Housing Authority opened its Emergency Rehabilitation Program / Homeowner Rehab waitlist .

About Housing in Mesa, Arizona

Affordable housing assistance in Mesa, Arizona, is primarily managed by the City of Mesa Housing Authority. This agency oversees a range of programs aimed at helping residents access stable and affordable housing options. The Mesa area currently provides approximately 1,833 assisted housing units, reflecting the ongoing efforts to address local housing needs. Prospective applicants should note that demand for these resources is significant, and specific eligibility criteria, including income limitations, are a standard part of the application process.

The City of Mesa Housing Authority currently has five open waiting lists, with two others closed. Available programs with open lists include the Emergency Rehabilitation Program, which encompasses Emergency Rehabilitation Program / Homeowner Rehab initiatives, and several Security and Utility Deposit Assistance Programs, such as the Security Deposit and Utility Deposit Program and the Security and Utility Deposit Assistance Program. An "Other" assistance category also has an open list. Many other programs, including HCV, Public Housing, and PBV, currently have closed waitlists. As an example, the very low income limit for a family of four in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA area for FY2025 is $56,100 annually. Applicants should always verify the most current income and eligibility requirements directly with the housing authority for each program. The Arizona Department of Housing also supports broader state-level housing initiatives.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Mesa

To apply for housing assistance in Mesa, Arizona, submit an application directly to City of Mesa Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $56,100/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

Housing programs available in Mesa include Security Deposit and Utility Deposit Program, Emergency Rehabilitation Program, Other, Security and Utility Deposit Assistance Program, Emergency Rehabilitation Program / Homeowner Rehab, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Utility Deposit Assistance, RAD, Mainstream, VASH, FUP, Homeowner Rehab, Security Deposit Assistance. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).

Mesa, Arizona Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Mesa, Arizona, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $56,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $109,600.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $23,600 $39,300 $62,850
2 Persons $26,950 $44,850 $71,800
3 Persons $30,300 $50,500 $80,800
4 Persons $33,650 $56,100 $89,750
5 Persons $37,650 $60,600 $96,950
6 Persons $43,150 $65,100 $104,150
7 Persons $48,650 $69,600 $111,300
8 Persons $54,150 $74,100 $118,500
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $109,600 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Mesa use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Mesa?
Yes — there are currently 5 open waiting lists in Mesa, Arizona. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Mesa if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Mesa?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Mesa wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Arizona