Manhattan Housing Authority

Manhattan, Kansas

Last Updated

21 hours ago

About Manhattan Housing Authority

The Manhattan Housing Authority (MHA), situated in Manhattan, Riley County, Kansas (PHA Code: KS063), oversees approximately 558 assisted housing units. This total comprises 296 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units and 262 Public Housing units.

MHA operates two main programs: Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. At present, the waitlist for Public Housing is open for new applications. The Housing Choice Voucher program waitlist is currently closed.

For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Manhattan, KS HUD Metro FMR Area is $45,000 annually. Prospective applicants are advised to contact the housing authority for complete eligibility details and application requirements.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Preferences include displacement due to natural disaster or government action. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status, meet income guidelines, and pass criminal history screening.

Other Programs

1 program

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status, income at or below PHA guidelines, and a criminal history screening.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Manhattan Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 300 N 5th St
City Manhattan, KS 66502
PHA Code KS063
Section 8 Units 296
Public Housing Units 262

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 Manhattan Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Manhattan Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (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 Manhattan 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 $45,000/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

Apply directly through the official Manhattan 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Manhattan Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Manhattan Housing Authority manages approximately 558 assisted housing units (296 Section 8, 262 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Manhattan. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Manhattan Housing Authority

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Manhattan Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Manhattan Housing Authority manages approximately 262 Public Housing units in Manhattan. 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan. This program serves approximately 296 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 Manhattan Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Manhattan Housing Authority administers 2 programs (Public Housing, HCV) — 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's official portal or in person at their office at 300 N 5th St, Manhattan, KS.
How long is the wait at Manhattan Housing Authority?
Wait times at Manhattan Housing Authority depend on demand in Manhattan, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 558 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Manhattan Housing Authority 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 Manhattan Housing Authority, including North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (0 mi), Wamego Housing Authority (14 mi), Junction City Housing Authority (19 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Kansas and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Kansas.
How do I contact Manhattan Housing Authority?
You can reach Manhattan Housing Authority by phone at (785) 776-8588. Their office is located at 300 N 5th St, Manhattan, KS 66502. You can also email them at estabrook@mhaks.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Manhattan Housing Authority?
Income limits for Manhattan Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Manhattan, KS HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $90,000). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $45,000. 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.

Manhattan Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Manhattan Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Manhattan, KS HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $45,000. 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 $18,900 $31,500 $50,400
2 Persons $21,600 $36,000 $57,600
3 Persons $26,650 $40,500 $64,800
4 Persons $32,150 $45,000 $72,000
5 Persons $37,650 $48,600 $77,800
6 Persons $43,150 $52,200 $83,550
7 Persons $48,650 $55,800 $89,300
8 Persons $54,150 $59,400 $95,050
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $90,000 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.