Howard County Housing Commission
Columbia, Maryland
Last Updated
2 hours ago
About Howard County Housing Commission
Howard County Housing Commission (HUD agency code MD023) is the public housing agency serving Columbia, Howard County, Maryland. It administers 1,184 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 14 waiting lists at this agency, covering Homeownership, Other, VASH, HCV, Public Housing, HOPWA, Mainstream. As of Jul 6, 2026, 10 are open and 2 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 2 further lists.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $65,150 per year, and as Low Income at or below $104,200 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 9 status changes at this agency, most recently on Aug 28, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Homeownership Program has applications available only in January, April, July, and October.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services.
Commission-Owned Rental
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
Applications for these units, which include Low Income Tax Credit, Partnership Rental Housing, and Moderate Income Housing Unit Programs, are available at each specific property.
Commission-Owned Rental Housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
These units are regulated by programs including Low Income Tax Credit, Partnership Rental Housing, and Moderate Income Housing Unit Program. Applications for these units are available at each property.
MIHU
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
MIHU Homeownership and MIHU Rental programs are mentioned. Homeownership applications are only available in January, April, July, and October. Rental program applications are submitted to individual participating communities.
MIHU Rental
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Rental Program accepts applications submitted to individual participating communities.
Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU)
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
Applications for MIHU Rental Program are submitted to individual participating communities.
Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Rental
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2026
Closing Date
Jul 31, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted quarterly in January, April, July, and October, and are submitted to individual participating communities. A minimum annual household income of $55,000 is required.
Rental Housing (Commission-Owned/MIHU)
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The website mentions 'Commission-Owned Rental Housing' and 'MIHU Rental' programs. For MIHU Rental, applications are submitted to individual participating communities. For Commission-Owned Rental Housing, no specific waiting list status is provided, but it is listed under 'I Need Housing Assistance'.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program is open for new applications.
Other Programs
4 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 waiting list is currently closed, with a projected waiting period of approximately 8-10 years for those already on the list. No future opening is anticipated in the near future due to recent federal funding decisions.
The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed and the Howard County Housing Commission is not accepting applications at this time.
This program is dedicated to addressing the housing needs of low-income families living with HIV/AIDS.
Mainstream Vouchers have been awarded to HCHC to assist non-elderly, disabled families with housing assistance. Priority is given to families transitioning from institutional settings, at risk of institutionalization, homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Howard County Housing Commission portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 Howard County Housing Commission
Check Current Status
Howard County Housing Commission currently has 10 open waiting lists (Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance, Other Programs, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Howard County Housing Commission, 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 $65,150/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 Howard County Housing Commission portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Howard County Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Howard County Housing Commission manages approximately 1,184 assisted housing units (1,184 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Columbia. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Howard County Housing Commission
Homeownership Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance open
The Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance program at Howard County Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Howard County Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) open
The HUD-VASH program at Howard County Housing Commission combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Columbia. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Howard County Housing Commission 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 Columbia. This program serves approximately 1,184 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 Howard County Housing Commission 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.
HOPWA Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) closed
The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program at Howard County Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Howard County Housing Commission are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Howard County Housing Commission free?
How long is the wait at Howard County Housing Commission?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Howard County Housing Commission?
What are the income limits for Howard County Housing Commission?
Howard County Housing Commission Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Howard County Housing Commission are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $65,150. 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 | $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 |
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 Howard County Housing Commission — including across state lines.