Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Ottumwa Housing Authority
The Ottumwa Housing Authority (OHA), PHA Code IA004, is situated in Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa. This authority manages approximately 600 assisted housing units, encompassing 359 Public Housing units and 241 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).
Currently, the Public Housing program administered by OHA is open for new applications. The waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, however, is presently closed. Applicants for assisted housing must meet specific income requirements. For a family of four in the Wapello County, IA area, the Very Low Income limit is $46,000 per year.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Preferences include current residency in Ottumwa, experiencing homelessness, head of household being disabled or 62+, victim of domestic violence, military/veteran status, and employment; applicants are placed on the waiting list by date and time pre-application is received.
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.
Effective February 24, 2025, Ottumwa Housing Authority is currently not issuing or absorbing new Housing Choice Vouchers until further notice. Incomplete applications will not be entered on wait list and will be returned back to the sender.
No current waitlist information found for this program.
No active waitlist information is currently available for Project-Based Vouchers, which are tied to specific housing units.
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Ottumwa Housing Authority 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 Ottumwa 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 $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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Ottumwa Housing Authority manages approximately 600 assisted housing units (241 Section 8, 359 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Ottumwa. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Ottumwa Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Ottumwa Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Ottumwa Housing Authority manages approximately 359 Public Housing units in Ottumwa. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa. This program serves approximately 241 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Neighborhood Stabilization closed
The Neighborhood Stabilization program at Ottumwa Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Ottumwa. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Ottumwa Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Ottumwa Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Ottumwa Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Ottumwa Housing Authority?
Ottumwa Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Ottumwa Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Wapello 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 |
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 Ottumwa Housing Authority — including across state lines.