Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Denver, Colorado
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Denver area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Denver, Colorado 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 Denver, 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 Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Denver area. There are also 61 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Denver include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, VASH, Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Colorado Division of Housing opened its Rental Assistance waitlist on Mar 9, 2026. Applications close Mar 11, 2026 — apply early.
About Housing in Denver, Colorado
Affordable housing in Denver, Colorado is managed by three primary entities: the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver, the Colorado Division of Housing, and the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). These organizations collectively support approximately 19,840 assisted housing units in the area. Access to these programs is currently limited, with only 2 out of 16 waitlists presently open for applications, and the remaining 14 closed.
Programs available in Denver include various types of assistance such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream Vouchers, Mental Health – State Housing Voucher (MH-SHV), and other State Housing Vouchers (HSP-SHV, ROHP-SHV). While most waitlists are closed, applicants should monitor for openings in Rental Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance programs, which currently have active lists. Eligibility for many programs is income-based; for example, a family of four in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA area must have an annual income below $70,050 to qualify as Very Low Income for FY2025 programs. Prospective applicants are encouraged to regularly check for updates on waitlist statuses.
Housing Authorities in Denver
Colorado Division of Housing
Denver, Colorado · CO911
Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver
Denver, Colorado · CO001
Colorado Housing Finance Authority
Denver, Colorado · CO921
How to Apply for Section 8 in Denver
To apply for housing assistance in Denver, Colorado, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Denver area (listed above). Right now, 2 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 $70,050/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 Denver include Rental Assistance, Public Housing, Other Administered Programs, RAD, VASH, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), State Housing Vouchers, State Housing Vouchers (MH-SHV, HSP-SHV, ROHP-SHV), Emergency Rental Assistance, Mainstream, State Housing Vouchers (HSP-SHV, ROHP-SHV), other, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), FUP, Mental Health – State Housing Voucher (MH-SHV). 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).
Denver, Colorado Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Denver, Colorado, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $70,050 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $140,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $29,450 | $49,050 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $33,650 | $56,050 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $37,850 | $63,050 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $42,050 | $70,050 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $45,450 | $75,700 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $48,800 | $81,300 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $52,150 | $86,900 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $55,550 | $92,500 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Denver 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 Denver and have active housing programs.