Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Detroit Housing Commission
The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) serves Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, managing approximately 10,893 assisted housing units. This portfolio includes 6,612 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 4,281 Public Housing units, providing essential housing support to the community.
Currently, the DHC is accepting applications for its MOD Rehab, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Public Housing programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is presently closed to new applicants. For those applying, a family of four for Very Low Income must meet an income limit of $50,500 per year, applicable to the Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI HUD Metro FMR Area.
MOD Rehab Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Assisted Housing Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) sites waiting lists are currently open, including for Village Park and Vernon Murphy properties.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Project-Based Voucher waiting lists for specific sites like New Henry St. Apartments, New 7850 E. Jefferson, New Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village, and New Dr. Violet T Lewis Village (age 55+) are currently open for online applications; assistance is tied to specific units.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waitlists for specific Multi-Family and Senior Communities (including Charles Diggs Townhomes, Algonquin Apartments, Forest Park Apartments) remain open, and applications are online only. Families certifying to an elderly/disabled preference may apply year-round for some lists; applicants must be 18 or a legally emancipated minor.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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 waitlist is closed, with the last opening occurring from February 3-5, 2020, through a random lottery for 7,000 applicants; a future opening date is unknown.
Status History
Deadline: Dec 31, 2024
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Detroit Housing Commission 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 Detroit Housing Commission
Check Current Status
Detroit Housing Commission currently has 3 open waiting lists (MOD Rehab, PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Detroit 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 $50,500/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 Detroit Housing Commission 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 Detroit Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Detroit Housing Commission manages approximately 10,893 assisted housing units (6,612 Section 8, 4,281 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Detroit. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Detroit Housing Commission
MOD Rehab open
The MOD Rehab program at Detroit Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Detroit. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Detroit Housing Commission are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Detroit. 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 Detroit Housing Commission are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Detroit Housing Commission manages approximately 4,281 Public Housing units in Detroit. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Detroit 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 Detroit. This program serves approximately 6,612 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Detroit Housing Commission free?
How long is the wait at Detroit Housing Commission?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Detroit Housing Commission?
What are the income limits for Detroit Housing Commission?
Detroit Housing Commission Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Detroit Housing Commission are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $50,500. 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 | $21,250 | $35,350 | $56,600 |
| 2 Persons | $24,250 | $40,400 | $64,650 |
| 3 Persons | $27,300 | $45,450 | $72,750 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $50,500 | $80,800 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $54,550 | $87,300 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $58,600 | $93,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $62,650 | $100,200 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $66,700 | $106,700 |
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 Detroit Housing Commission — including across state lines.