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2 days ago

About Tempe Housing Authority

The Tempe Housing Authority (PHA Code: AZ031) is located in Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona. This agency manages approximately 1,203 assisted housing units, primarily through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, for eligible low-income individuals and families within its jurisdiction.

Currently, all waiting lists managed by the Tempe Housing Authority are closed to new applications. This includes the HCV program and any potential Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, or RAD program lists.

For a family of four applying for very low-income assistance, the current annual income limit for the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA area is $56,100. Applicants should monitor for announcements regarding future waitlist openings directly from the authority.

Other Programs

5 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Tempe Housing Authority's HCV waitlist was previously open from February 28, 2023, to March 13, 2023. A lottery system selected 3,000 pre-applications, with preferences for those living or working in Tempe for at least a year, and those terminated from the program due to lack of funding or being victims of certain assaults. 75% of new waitlist admissions are required to be extremely low-income families.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Pending

Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Pending

Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units rather than following the tenant. Landlords or developers partner with the housing authority to reserve units for eligible low-income families. Unlike tenant-based HCV vouchers, PBV assistance stays with the unit if the tenant moves.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Public Housing
Pending

Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Official Application

Contact Tempe Housing Authority directly at (480) 350-8950 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 3500 S Rural Rd
City Tempe, AZ 85282
PHA Code AZ031
Section 8 Units 1,203

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Tempe Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 1 waiting list at Tempe Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Tempe Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $56,100/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Tempe Housing Authority directly at (480) 350-8950 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Tempe Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Tempe Housing Authority manages approximately 1,203 assisted housing units (1,203 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Tempe. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Tempe Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Tempe Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Tempe. This program serves approximately 1,203 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Tempe Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Tempe Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Tempe. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Tempe Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Tempe Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Tempe maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Tempe Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Tempe Housing Authority administers 5 programs (HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, RAD) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ.
How long is the wait at Tempe Housing Authority?
Wait times at Tempe Housing Authority depend on demand in Tempe, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,203 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Tempe Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Tempe Housing Authority, including Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation (4 mi), City of Mesa Housing Authority (6 mi), Scottsdale Housing Agency (7 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Arizona and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Arizona.
How do I contact Tempe Housing Authority?
You can reach Tempe Housing Authority by phone at (480) 350-8950. Their office is located at 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282. You can also email them at housing@tempe.gov. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Tempe Housing Authority?
Income limits for Tempe Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA (currently $109,600). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $56,100. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Tempe Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Tempe Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $56,100. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

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
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.