Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority

Decorah, Iowa

Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority

The Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority (PHA Code: IA130) is located in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa. This authority administers approximately 499 assisted housing units, primarily managing Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).

Currently, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is open to new applicants. The Public Housing program managed by this authority is presently closed. For a family of four, the very low income limit for eligibility in the Winneshiek County, IA area is $51,050 per year.

Applicants should be aware that program statuses can change. The Housing Choice Voucher program for this authority has previously experienced changes between open and closed status. Prospective applicants are advised to monitor the current status for application availability.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jul 15, 2024

How to Apply

Online

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

Additional Notes

The waiting list is continuously open and applications are pulled by date and time of submission. Income limits apply, with 75% of new admissions at or below the extremely low-income limit. One application per household is allowed, serving Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties.

Other Programs

1 program

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.

Public Housing
Closed

The website states that the Public Housing waiting list is closed and has been for some time. No information about when it will reopen is available.

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

Status History

HCV Opened 3 days ago
HCV Closed Mar 29, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 10, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 6, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 26, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 24, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 24, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 23, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 23, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 22, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 21, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 21, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority 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 325 Washington St
City Decorah, IA 52101
PHA Code IA130
Section 8 Units 499

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 Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority 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 Upper Explorerland Regional 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 $51,050/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 Upper Explorerland Regional 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority manages approximately 499 assisted housing units (499 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Decorah. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Upper Explorerland Regional 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 Decorah. This program serves approximately 499 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Upper Explorerland Regional 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority administers 2 programs (HCV, Public Housing) — 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 325 Washington St, Decorah, IA.
How long is the wait at Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority?
Wait times at Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority depend on demand in Decorah, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 499 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 4, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Upper Explorerland Regional 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 Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority, including Prairie du Chien Housing Authority (37 mi), La Crosse Housing Authority (45 mi), LaCrosse County Housing Authority (47 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 Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority?
You can reach Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority by phone at (563) 382-6171. Their office is located at 325 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101. You can also email them at rhowe@uerpc.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority?
Income limits for Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Winneshiek County, IA (currently $104,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $51,050. 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.

Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Winneshiek County, IA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $51,050. 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 $21,500 $35,750 $57,200
2 Persons $24,550 $40,850 $65,400
3 Persons $27,600 $45,950 $73,550
4 Persons $32,150 $51,050 $81,700
5 Persons $37,650 $55,150 $88,250
6 Persons $43,150 $59,250 $94,800
7 Persons $48,650 $63,350 $101,350
8 Persons $54,150 $67,400 $107,850
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $104,900 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.