Last Updated
23 hours ago
About Mason City Housing Authority
Mason City Housing Authority (PHA Code: IA108) serves residents in Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. This authority manages approximately 533 assisted housing units, all of which are provided through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
Currently, the waitlists are open for the Public Housing and VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) programs. The waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed. Please note that the Public Housing waitlist has recently experienced changes in its open and closed status, so applicants are encouraged to verify current availability.
Applicants should be aware of specific income limits for eligibility. For a family of four in Cerro Gordo County, IA, the Very Low Income limit is $47,150 per year. Interested applicants for open programs should contact the Mason City Housing Authority directly for application details and requirements.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted at the program level, and applicants cannot deselect properties. If two invitations are declined, the application will be purged from the waitlist.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Phone
Additional Notes
This program assists homeless Veterans. Call the office at (641)-421-2711 for initial eligibility.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
Priority is given to applicants displaced from Mason City homes by government projects, or permanent residents/employees of Mason City. Wait times range from 4-6 months with preference to several years without.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Mason City Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Mason City Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Mason City Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (Public Housing, VASH). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Mason 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 $47,150/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
Apply directly through the official Mason City 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.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Mason City Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Mason City Housing Authority manages approximately 533 assisted housing units (533 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Mason City. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Mason City Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Mason City 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.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing open
The HUD-VASH program at Mason City Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Mason City. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Mason 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 Mason City. This program serves approximately 533 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Mason City Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Mason City Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Mason City Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Mason City Housing Authority?
Mason City Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Mason City Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Cerro Gordo County, IA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $47,150. 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 | $19,850 | $33,050 | $52,850 |
| 2 Persons | $22,650 | $37,750 | $60,400 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $42,450 | $67,950 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $47,150 | $75,450 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,950 | $81,500 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $54,700 | $87,550 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $58,500 | $93,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $62,250 | $99,600 |
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 Mason City Housing Authority — including across state lines.