Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Kensington, Maryland
There are 7 open waiting lists in the Kensington area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Kensington, 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 Kensington, 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 Kensington, Maryland
Kensington, Maryland is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 7 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Kensington area. There are also 29 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Kensington include Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Mainstream (1 open), PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County opened its Rent Supplement Program waitlist on Aug 24, 2015.
About Housing in Kensington, Maryland
Kensington, Maryland, provides various affordable housing opportunities primarily through the Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County (HOC). The area encompasses approximately 8,021 assisted housing units for eligible residents. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development also contributes to affordable housing initiatives across the state.
For individuals and families seeking housing assistance in Kensington, understanding current waitlist statuses is key. The Housing Opportunity Commission currently manages 8 open waiting lists and 5 closed lists. Programs with open waitlists include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, the Rent Supplement Program (RSP), and one "other" program. Programs such as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Rental Assistance Program, and RAD currently have no open waitlists. Eligibility for many of these programs is based on income; for instance, a family of four in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area must not exceed an annual income of $81,950 to qualify for Very Low Income housing, according to FY2025 guidelines.
To apply for housing assistance, prospective applicants should directly contact the Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County. It is important to review specific eligibility criteria for each program, gather all required documentation, and carefully follow application instructions to ensure a complete submission. Regularly checking for updates on waitlist openings is advisable as statuses can change.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Kensington
To apply for housing assistance in Kensington, Maryland, submit an application directly to Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 7 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short 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 $81,950/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 Kensington include other, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RSP, Rent Supplement Program, Rent Supplement Program (RSP), Mainstream, Permanent Supportive Housing Programs (PSH), Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Permanent Supportive Housing, Rental Assistance Program, PSH, RAD. 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).
Kensington, Maryland Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Kensington, Maryland, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $81,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $163,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,450 | $57,400 | $74,800 |
| 2 Persons | $39,350 | $65,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 Persons | $44,250 | $73,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 Persons | $49,150 | $81,950 | $106,800 |
| 5 Persons | $53,100 | $88,550 | $115,350 |
| 6 Persons | $57,050 | $95,100 | $123,900 |
| 7 Persons | $60,950 | $101,650 | $132,450 |
| 8 Persons | $64,900 | $108,200 | $141,000 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Kensington 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 Kensington and have active housing programs.