Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
Des Moines, Iowa
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (HUD agency code IA020) is the public housing agency serving Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. It administers 410 public housing units and 3,702 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 4 waiting lists at this agency, covering Public Housing, HCV, Mainstream, PBV. As of Aug 13, 2026, 1 is open and 2 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 1 further list.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $57,250 per year, and as Low Income at or below $91,600 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 23 status changes at this agency, most recently on Jun 17, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 14, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist is open for household sizes of two persons or less, including elderly and disabled families and single individuals; it is closed for 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units. Applicants are placed on the waiting list by date and time of application, with preferences for victims of physical violence, hate crime, natural disaster, involuntary displacement, and working.
Other Programs
3 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 waiting list is currently closed and was last open in October 2025. The waiting list is managed by lottery.
The waiting list is closed as of October 2026, and was last open in October 2025. Preferences apply to non-elderly persons (under 62) with a disability who previously experienced homelessness and are current clients in a HUD-funded permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing program.
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.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency directly 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
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 Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
Check Current Status
Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency, 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 $57,250/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
Contact Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency manages approximately 4,112 assisted housing units (3,702 Section 8, 410 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Des Moines. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency manages approximately 410 Public Housing units in Des Moines. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency 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 Des Moines. This program serves approximately 3,702 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 Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency 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 (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Des Moines. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency free?
How long is the wait at Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency?
What are the income limits for Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency?
Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $57,250. 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 | $24,050 | $40,100 | $64,150 |
| 2 Persons | $27,500 | $45,800 | $73,300 |
| 3 Persons | $30,950 | $51,550 | $82,450 |
| 4 Persons | $34,350 | $57,250 | $91,600 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $61,850 | $98,950 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $66,450 | $106,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $71,000 | $113,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,600 | $120,950 |
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 Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency — including across state lines.