D.C Housing Authority
Washington, District of Columbia
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About D.C Housing Authority
The D.C Housing Authority (DCHA), located in Washington, District Of Columbia County, District of Columbia (PHA Code: DC001), manages approximately 25,355 assisted housing units. This includes 16,501 Section 8 vouchers and 8,854 Public Housing units.
DCHA administers several housing programs, such as Emergency Rental Program, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP), Moderate Rehabilitation, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. Currently, all DCHA waiting lists are closed. Recent activity indicates that both the Public Housing and HCV programs have changed from an open to a closed waitlist status.
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for this area is $81,950 per year. Since all programs are closed, prospective applicants should monitor DCHA for any announcements regarding future openings.
Other Programs
8 programsThese 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.
The District of Columbia Housing Authority Emergency Rental Program waiting list is currently closed. There are no current plans to re-open the waiting list.
Applications for a voucher can be submitted using the forms at the provided link starting February 1, 2024. Only complete an application if you received a notification from DCHA, a DC government agency, or your caseworker. Preference is given to persons with mobility impairments.
The Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) is a locally funded voucher program administered by DCHA. Its waiting list is implied to be closed to new applicants, consistent with other DCHA voucher programs. New applications are only accepted if an individual receives a direct notification. For those...
Applications for a voucher can be submitted using the forms at the provided link starting February 1, 2024. Only complete an application if you received a notification from DCHA, a DC government agency, or your caseworker.
The waitlist is currently closed. Preferences may be given to locals, veterans, disabled individuals, or those experiencing homelessness. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible legal status and pass a criminal background check.
The waitlist is currently closed to new applicants.
While DCHA may create site-based Project-Based Voucher waiting lists, all PBV waitlists in the District of Columbia are currently closed.
The D.C. Housing Authority's Public Housing waiting list is currently closed to new applicants, with no scheduled time to reopen. Preferences may be given to those who live, work, or attend school locally, and to persons with mobility impairments, especially heads of household, for accessible units.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official D.C Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
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 D.C Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 8 waiting lists at D.C 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.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at D.C 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 $81,950/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official D.C Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at D.C Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. D.C Housing Authority manages approximately 25,355 assisted housing units (16,501 Section 8, 8,854 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Washington. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at D.C Housing Authority
Emergency Rental Program closed
The Emergency Rental Program program at D.C Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Washington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at D.C 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 Washington. This program serves approximately 16,501 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Local Rent Supplement Program closed
The Local Rent Supplement Program program at D.C Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Washington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) closed
The Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) program at D.C Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Washington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation closed
The Moderate Rehabilitation program at D.C Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Washington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation Program closed
The Moderate Rehabilitation Program program at D.C Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Washington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at D.C Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Washington. 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 D.C Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. D.C Housing Authority manages approximately 8,854 Public Housing units in Washington. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at D.C Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at D.C Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact D.C Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for D.C Housing Authority?
D.C Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the D.C Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $81,950. 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 | $34,450 | $57,400 | $74,800 |
| 2 Persons | $39,350 | $65,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 Persons | $44,250 | $73,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 Persons | $49,150 | $81,950 | $106,800 |
| 5 Persons | $53,100 | $88,550 | $115,350 |
| 6 Persons | $57,050 | $95,100 | $123,900 |
| 7 Persons | $60,950 | $101,650 | $132,450 |
| 8 Persons | $64,900 | $108,200 | $141,000 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to D.C Housing Authority — including across state lines.