Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Tempe, Arizona
All waiting lists in Tempe are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Tempe, 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 Tempe, 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 Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Tempe are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 32 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Tempe include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Tempe right now, there are 32 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Tempe, Arizona
Affordable housing options in Tempe, Arizona are primarily administered by the Tempe Housing Authority. Currently, there are no open waiting lists for housing assistance programs in the area, with one list presently closed. Individuals and families seeking assistance should be aware that competition for available spots can be significant when lists do open.
The Tempe Housing Authority offers various programs designed to provide rental assistance. These include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Across these programs, there are approximately 1,203 assisted housing units in the Tempe area. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income; for instance, a family of four seeking Very Low Income assistance in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA, would typically need to have an annual income no higher than $56,100 as of FY2025.
Prospective applicants should regularly check with the Tempe Housing Authority for updates on waiting list openings. The Arizona Department of Housing also serves as the state housing agency, providing broader oversight and resources for housing initiatives across Arizona. Staying informed about program announcements and eligibility requirements is crucial for those seeking affordable housing in Tempe.
Housing Authorities in Tempe
How to Apply for Section 8 in Tempe
To apply for housing assistance in Tempe, Arizona, submit an application directly to Tempe Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 Tempe include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream. 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).
Tempe, Arizona Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Tempe, 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 Tempe 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 Tempe and have active housing programs.