Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
Kensington, Maryland
Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
The Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, located in Kensington, Montgomery County, Maryland, manages approximately 8,021 assisted housing units. This includes administering 8,021 housing choice vouchers.
Currently, the Commission is accepting applications for various housing assistance programs. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, the Rent Supplement Program (RSP), and other assistance options. Income limits apply for eligibility; for instance, a family of four applying for Very Low Income programs in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area must have an income at or below $81,950 per year. Applicants should review specific program requirements when applying.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are placed on HOC's waitlist. Renewal is required every two years. Selection is based on application date/time, program requirements, and voucher availability. The average waiting time is 6.5 years. HOC is required to select 75% of applications from families whose gross income does not exceed 30% of AMI.
View original notice — hocmc.orgMainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
HOC maintains a separate waitlist for this program, which is open. Applicants must have at least one disabled family member between the ages of 18 and 61 and meet specific criteria such as being homeless, at risk of homelessness, transitioning out of institutional settings, or at risk of institutionalization. Residency preference is for those who lived or worked in Montgomery County, MD, at the time of application or selection. Only one application may be submitted for this waitlist.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Project-Based Vouchers are assigned to specific buildings, and customers must reside in the building to receive assistance. All applicants must comply with HOC's Criminal and Credit Background Screening Process.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Eligibility for HOC rental properties, including public housing, varies based on unit availability, household income, and applicant preferences. All applicants must comply with HOC's Criminal and Credit Background Screening Process.
RSP Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program provides rental assistance to low-income Montgomery County residents (20-40% AMI). Preferences are given to households over age 62, with a documented disability, fleeing domestic violence, or experiencing homelessness.
Rent Supplement Program Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Aug 24, 2015
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Eligibility and selection for the Rent Supplement Program are determined through the Housing Path Portal, requiring compliance with HOC's Criminal and Credit Background Screening Process.
Rent Supplement Program (RSP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
RSP provides rental assistance to low-income Montgomery County residents (20-40% AMI) vulnerable to high rent burden. Preferences are given to households over 62, with a documented disability, fleeing domestic violence, or who are homeless/at risk of homelessness. RSP cannot be combined with other federal rental assistance.
other Waitlist
Status
open
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.
Other Programs
6 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 Permanent Supportive Housing program is not open for applications; referrals are made by the Montgomery County, Maryland Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System for homeless individuals with a documented disability.
This program is not open for direct applications; referrals are made by the Montgomery County Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES) for individuals who are homeless and have a documented disability.
The PSH program is not open for individual applications, as referrals are made by the Montgomery County, Maryland Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES) for homeless individuals with documented disabilities.
The PSH program is not open for applications. Referrals are made by the Montgomery County, Maryland Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES). Referrals must be homeless and have a documented disability.
This waiting list is for Other Project Based rental housing assistance in Montgomery County, Maryland. Applications were last accepted from August 18, 2020, until August 31, 2020. Qualifications: Montgomery County resident for a minimum of six (6) of the past 12 months; loss of income or unexpect...
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
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.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 8 open waiting lists (HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, RSP, Rent Supplement Program, Rent Supplement Program (RSP), other). 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 anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
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
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
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 open
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 open
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.
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.
RSP open
The RSP 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.
Rent Supplement Program open
The Rent Supplement Program 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.
Rent Supplement Program (RSP) open
The Rent Supplement Program (RSP) 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.
other open
The other 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.
PSH closed
The PSH 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.
Permanent Supportive Housing closed
The Permanent Supportive 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.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) closed
The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) 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.
Permanent Supportive Housing Programs (PSH) closed
The Permanent Supportive Housing Programs (PSH) 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.
Rental Assistance Program closed
The Rental Assistance Program 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
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.
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.