Essex Low Rent Housing Agency

Essex, Iowa

Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Essex Low Rent Housing Agency

Essex Low Rent Housing Agency (PHA Code: IA025) provides housing assistance in Essex, Page County, Iowa. The agency manages approximately 16 assisted housing units. Both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing program are currently open for applications.

Applicants must meet income guidelines. For a family of four in the Page County, IA area, the Very Low Income limit is $46,000 per year. Prospective applicants should confirm current income limits with the agency directly. The agency recently updated the status of its programs, with the HCV program changing from unknown to open, and the Public Housing program changing from closed to open.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Pre-applications for voucher programs are currently being accepted. Family needs are considered, and declining two invitations will result in the application being purged from the waitlist. Contact the agency at 712-829-2504 for application details.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone

Additional Notes

Pre-applications are currently being accepted. Family needs are considered, and declining two invitations will result in the application being purged from the waitlist. Contact the agency at 712-829-2504 for application details.

Status History

HCV Opened Mar 30, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 30, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 27, 2026

Official Application

Contact Essex Low Rent Housing Agency directly at (712) 379-3510 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

Address 604 South Ave
City Essex, IA 51638
PHA Code IA025
Public Housing Units 16

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 Essex Low Rent Housing Agency

1

Check Current Status

Essex Low Rent Housing Agency currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Essex Low Rent 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 $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

Contact Essex Low Rent Housing Agency directly at (712) 379-3510 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Essex Low Rent Housing Agency, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Essex Low Rent Housing Agency manages approximately 16 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Essex. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Essex Low Rent Housing Agency

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Essex Low Rent 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 Essex. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Essex Low Rent Housing Agency are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Essex Low Rent Housing Agency manages approximately 16 Public Housing units in Essex. 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 Essex Low Rent Housing Agency free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Essex Low Rent Housing Agency 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 or in person at their office at 604 South Ave, Essex, IA.
How long is the wait at Essex Low Rent Housing Agency?
Wait times at Essex Low Rent Housing Agency depend on demand in Essex, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 16 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 30, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "unknown" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Essex Low Rent Housing Agency 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 Essex Low Rent Housing Agency, including Shenandoah Low Rent Housing Agency (6 mi), Low Rent Housing Agency Of Farragut (12 mi), Low Rent Housing Agency Of Red Oak (14 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 Essex Low Rent Housing Agency?
You can reach Essex Low Rent Housing Agency by phone at (712) 379-3510. Their office is located at 604 South Ave, Essex, IA 51638. You can also email them at southviewvill@heartland.net. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Essex Low Rent Housing Agency?
Income limits for Essex Low Rent Housing Agency are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Page County, IA (currently $82,100). 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.

Essex Low Rent Housing Agency Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Essex Low Rent Housing Agency are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Page County, IA. 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: $82,100 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.