Last Updated
3 days ago
About Iowa City Housing Authority
The Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA), located in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa (PHA Code: IA022), manages approximately 1,517 assisted housing units. This includes 1,431 Housing Choice Vouchers and 86 Public Housing units available within its service area.
ICHA administers two primary housing programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing program. All waiting lists for both the HCV program and Public Housing program are currently closed. The Public Housing waiting list has consistently remained closed.
For prospective applicants, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Iowa City, IA HUD Metro FMR Area is $59,100 per year. Due to the closure of all waiting lists, the Iowa City Housing Authority is not currently accepting applications for any of its housing assistance programs.
Other Programs
2 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 Housing Choice Voucher program is not currently accepting applications. Preferences include individuals displaced by government action or disaster in Iowa, and residents within Johnson, Iowa, and parts of Washington Counties.
The waitlist for the Public Housing Program closed on October 1. Preferences are given to elderly, disabled, or households with children, and residents within Johnson, Iowa, and parts of Washington Counties.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Iowa City Housing Authority directly at (319) 356-5400 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 Iowa City Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 2 waiting lists at Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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 $59,100/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 Iowa City Housing Authority directly at (319) 356-5400 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 Iowa City Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Iowa City Housing Authority manages approximately 1,517 assisted housing units (1,431 Section 8, 86 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Iowa City. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Iowa City Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Iowa City 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 Iowa City. This program serves approximately 1,431 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 Iowa City Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Iowa City Housing Authority manages approximately 86 Public Housing units in Iowa City. 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 Iowa City Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Iowa City Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Iowa City Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Iowa City Housing Authority?
Iowa City Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Iowa City Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Iowa City, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $59,100. 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 | $24,850 | $41,400 | $66,200 |
| 2 Persons | $28,400 | $47,300 | $75,650 |
| 3 Persons | $31,950 | $53,200 | $85,100 |
| 4 Persons | $35,450 | $59,100 | $94,550 |
| 5 Persons | $38,300 | $63,850 | $102,150 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $68,600 | $109,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $73,300 | $117,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $78,050 | $124,850 |
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 Iowa City Housing Authority — including across state lines.