Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Baltimore, Maryland
All waiting lists in Baltimore are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Baltimore, Maryland and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Baltimore, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Baltimore are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 38 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Baltimore include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Baltimore right now, there are 38 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Baltimore, Maryland
Affordable housing assistance in Baltimore, Maryland, is primarily overseen by two key housing authorities: the Housing Authority Of Baltimore City and Baltimore County. These agencies administer various programs to support low-income residents. Currently, all six waiting lists for housing assistance are closed for applications, with no open lists available at this time.
The programs typically offered include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, Public Housing, Mainstream vouchers, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) programs. Each of these program types, including the two HCV lists, two PBV lists, two Public Housing lists, one Mainstream list, and one RAD list, currently has a closed waitlist. The Baltimore area encompasses approximately 34,587 assisted housing units.
For those seeking future assistance, it is important to understand general eligibility requirements. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA is $65,150 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. Prospective applicants should regularly check with the Housing Authority Of Baltimore City and Baltimore County for any announcements regarding waitlist openings. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development also serves as the state housing agency.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Baltimore
To apply for housing assistance in Baltimore, Maryland, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Baltimore area (listed above). All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $65,150/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Baltimore include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Baltimore, Maryland Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Baltimore, Maryland, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $65,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $130,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $27,400 | $45,650 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $31,300 | $52,150 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $35,200 | $58,650 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $39,100 | $65,150 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $42,250 | $70,400 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $45,400 | $75,600 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $80,800 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $86,000 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Baltimore use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Baltimore and have active housing programs.