Cedar Falls Housing Commission

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Last Updated

21 hours ago

About Cedar Falls Housing Commission

The Cedar Falls Housing Commission (PHA Code: IA113) serves Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, Iowa. This commission manages approximately 406 assisted housing units, primarily through the administration of 406 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).

Currently, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is open for applications. The status of other potential programs, including Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration), is not specified. Applicants should note that for a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area is $46,000 per year.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Preferences are given to elderly (62+) or disabled applicants, and families with dependents. Residency preferences prioritize those who live or work in Cedar Falls, followed by Iowa residents outside Cedar Falls, then non-Iowa residents. Applicants must meet income limits and pass a criminal background check; non-Cedar Falls residents may be required to move to Cedar Falls for assistance.

Other Programs

4 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.

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.

Status History

HCV Opened Feb 19, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Cedar Falls Housing Commission portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 220 Clay St
City Cedar Falls, IA 50613
PHA Code IA113
Section 8 Units 406

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 Cedar Falls Housing Commission

1

Check Current Status

Cedar Falls Housing Commission currently has 1 open waiting list (HCV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Cedar Falls Housing Commission, 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 $46,000/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

Apply directly through the official Cedar Falls Housing Commission 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Cedar Falls Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Cedar Falls Housing Commission manages approximately 406 assisted housing units (406 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Cedar Falls. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Cedar Falls Housing Commission

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Cedar Falls Housing Commission 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 Cedar Falls. This program serves approximately 406 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 Cedar Falls Housing Commission 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 Cedar Falls Housing Commission are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Cedar Falls. 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 Cedar Falls Housing Commission 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 Cedar Falls Housing Commission converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Cedar Falls maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Cedar Falls Housing Commission free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Cedar Falls Housing Commission 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's official portal or in person at their office at 220 Clay St, Cedar Falls, IA.
How long is the wait at Cedar Falls Housing Commission?
Wait times at Cedar Falls Housing Commission depend on demand in Cedar Falls, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 406 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 19, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "open" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Cedar Falls Housing Commission 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 Cedar Falls Housing Commission, including Waterloo Housing Authority (6 mi), Evansdale Municipal Housing Authority (9 mi), Low Rent Housing Agency Of Waverly (13 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Iowa and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Iowa.
How do I contact Cedar Falls Housing Commission?
You can reach Cedar Falls Housing Commission by phone at (319) 273-8669. Their office is located at 220 Clay St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. You can also email them at robyn.cusmano@cedarfalls.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Cedar Falls Housing Commission?
Income limits for Cedar Falls Housing Commission are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $90,400). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $46,000. 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.

Cedar Falls Housing Commission Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Cedar Falls Housing Commission are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,000. 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 $19,350 $32,200 $51,550
2 Persons $22,100 $36,800 $58,900
3 Persons $26,650 $41,400 $66,250
4 Persons $32,150 $46,000 $73,600
5 Persons $37,650 $49,700 $79,500
6 Persons $43,150 $53,400 $85,400
7 Persons $48,650 $57,050 $91,300
8 Persons $54,150 $60,750 $97,200
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $90,400 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.