Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
Kensington, Maryland
Last Updated
2 hours ago
About Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County (HUD agency code MD004) is the public housing agency serving Kensington, Montgomery County, Maryland. It administers 8,021 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 10 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, Public Housing, RAD, HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Supportive. As of Mar 3, 2026, 6 are open and 4 are closed.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $81,950 per year, and as Low Income at or below $106,800 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 95 status changes at this agency, most recently on Oct 4, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Aug 18, 2020
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Rent Supplement Program (RSP) offers preference to households over age 62, with a documented disability, fleeing domestic violence, homeless, or in danger of becoming homeless; income must be between 20-40% of Area Median Income.
RSP
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Rent Supplement Program (RSP) provides rental assistance to low-income Montgomery County residents with incomes between 20-40% of AMI who are at risk of paying over 30% of their income for rent. Preferences are given to households aged 62+, with documented disabilities, fleeing domestic violence, or who are homeless/at risk of homelessness. This program cannot be combined with other federal rental assistance.
Rent Supplement
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Rent Supplement Program applications are accepted through the continuously open HOC Housing Path Portal. Preference is given to households with individuals over age 62, a documented disability, fleeing domestic violence, or who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Rent Supplement (RSP)
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Administered by HOC, RSP provides rental assistance to low-income Montgomery County residents (20-40% AMI). Preferences are for households over age 62, with a documented disability, fleeing domestic violence, or who are homeless/at risk of homelessness.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Public Housing waiting list is currently open indefinitely for families and senior/disabled households. Applications are submitted online, with public computers available at HOC offices and Montgomery County libraries.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Information found indicates former Public Housing (PH) applicants and residents receive priority on site-based waitlists created within HOC Housing Path, which is an electronic waitlist that operates continuously. The Housing Path portal covers various rental programs administered by HOC.
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.
HOC is currently unable to issue new vouchers due to a HUD funding deficit. Current waitlist applicants maintain their place. Applications for vouchers and other housing assistance can still be submitted at hochousingpath.com.
Mainstream Vouchers are part of the HCV program. Due to the HCV funding deficit, new voucher issuance is paused, with limited exceptions. Current waitlist applicants maintain their place.
HOC is currently unable to issue new vouchers due to a HUD funding deficit. Current waitlist applicants maintain their place. Applications for vouchers and other housing assistance can still be submitted at hochousingpath.com. PBV applications are still being processed.
Program referrals are made by the Montgomery County, Maryland Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES). Referrals must be homeless and have a documented disability.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County 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
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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 Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
Check Current Status
Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County currently has 6 open waiting lists (Other Programs, Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, 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 $81,950/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 Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County manages approximately 8,021 assisted housing units (8,021 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Kensington. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Kensington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on August 31, 2020.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) open
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Kensington maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County 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 Kensington. This program serves approximately 8,021 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Kensington. 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.
Supportive Supportive & Transitional Housing closed
The Supportive & Transitional Housing program at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Kensington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County free?
How long is the wait at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County?
What are the income limits for Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County?
Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $81,950. 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 | $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 |
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 Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County — including across state lines.