Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Phoenix, Arizona
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Phoenix area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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.
Affordable Housing in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Phoenix area. There are also 25 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Phoenix include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open), PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
City of Phoenix Housing Department opened its Public Housing waitlist on Jul 1, 2017.
About Housing in Phoenix, Arizona
Finding affordable housing in Phoenix, Arizona involves understanding programs offered by three key housing authorities: the City of Phoenix Housing Department, the Arizona Department of Housing, and the Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation. These agencies administer programs that collectively provide approximately 10,077 assisted housing units throughout the Phoenix area. While there are twelve known waiting lists for various programs, currently four are open for applications, with eight lists being closed.
Open waiting lists typically include programs such as Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Permanent Supportive Housing. Other programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD, and various Tenant-Based Rental Assistance programs, currently have closed waiting lists. The AHCCCS Housing Program (AHP) is also offered, though its specific waiting lists may vary in status. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income; for example, a family of four seeking very low-income housing in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler MSA would need an annual household income of $56,100 or less as of FY2025.
Prospective applicants should regularly monitor the status of waiting lists as they can change. It is advisable to directly contact the City of Phoenix Housing Department, the Arizona Department of Housing (the state's housing agency), or the Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation to inquire about current opportunities, specific application requirements, and detailed eligibility criteria for any open programs.
Housing Authorities in Phoenix
Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation
Phoenix, Arizona · AZ880
City of Phoenix Housing Department
Phoenix, Arizona · AZ001
Arizona Department of Housing
Phoenix, Arizona · AZ901
How to Apply for Section 8 in Phoenix
To apply for housing assistance in Phoenix, Arizona, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Phoenix area (listed above). Right now, 4 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 Phoenix include Permanent Supportive Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD, Tenant Based Rental Assistance Programs, Tenant Based Rental Assistance, AHCCCS Housing Program (AHP), other, Other (AHCCCS Housing Program), AHCCCS Housing Program, AHCCCS Housing Programs. 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).
Phoenix, Arizona Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Phoenix, 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Phoenix 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.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Phoenix and have active housing programs.