About Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), located in Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan, manages approximately 32,423 assisted housing units, primarily through Section 8 vouchers. This authority provides housing assistance across various programs designed to support residents throughout Michigan.

Currently, MSHDA's Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program waitlist is open to new applicants, having recently changed from a closed status. Many of MSHDA's other programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, and VASH, are presently closed to new applications. The status for programs such as 811 Project Rental Assistance (811PRA), Mainstream, RAD, Stability, and Stability Voucher is unknown.

Applicants should be aware of specific income limits to qualify for assistance. For example, a family of four in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA area must meet a Very Low Income threshold of $50,400 per year. Prospective applicants should carefully review the specific eligibility requirements for any open program they intend to apply for.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

PBV waiting lists MAY remain open and county residency is not a requirement for PBV waiting lists. You cannot apply online to a project-based voucher waiting list. Only a Lead Agency assigned to the property can determine your initial eligibility for placement on the PBV development waiting list.

View original notice — michigan.gov

Other Programs

8 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Applications are only accepted for open waiting lists. Proof of residency in the county for which you apply is required upon your name being drawn off the waiting list for assistance. Preference will be given to those living or working in the county selected.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Public Housing
Closed

MSHDA is classified as an HCV-only Public Housing Authority (PHA code MI901) and does not directly administer Public Housing programs.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Closed

For homeless Veterans, eligibility for the HUD VASH program is determined by contacting the VA case manager or other VA contact in your area.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
811 Project Rental Assistance (811PRA)
Pending

The MSHDA 811 Project Rental Assistance (811PRA) Program is active and partners with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Selected families are referred by MDHHS service providers to a separate waiting list that remains open in designated counties. Applications are accept...

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Official Portal
Mainstream Voucher
Pending

MSHDA administers the Mainstream Voucher Program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

MSHDA administers Project-Based Vouchers via the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) in various properties across the state. Information on a central MSHDA-managed waiting list for RAD in Lansing/Ingham County is not available.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Stability
Pending

MSHDA may continue to lease vouchers in the Stability Voucher program, but specific waitlist information or application procedures are not publicly available.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Stability Voucher
Pending

No current MSHDA-administered centralized waiting list information found for this program specific to Lansing, MI. MSHDA continues to lease these vouchers.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

VASH Closed Feb 25, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Michigan State Housing Development Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 735 E Michigan Ave
City Lansing, MI 48912
PHA Code MI901
Section 8 Units 32,423

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 Michigan State Housing Development Authority

1

Check Current Status

Michigan State Housing Development Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (PBV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Michigan State Housing Development Authority, 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 $50,400/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Michigan State Housing Development Authority 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Michigan State Housing Development Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Michigan State Housing Development Authority manages approximately 32,423 assisted housing units (32,423 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Lansing. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Michigan State Housing Development Authority

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at Michigan State Housing Development Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Lansing. 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.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Michigan State Housing Development Authority 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 Lansing. This program serves approximately 32,423 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 Michigan State Housing Development Authority 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.

VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed

The HUD-VASH program at Michigan State Housing Development Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Lansing. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.

811 Project Rental Assistance (811PRA) closed

The 811 Project Rental Assistance (811PRA) program at Michigan State Housing Development Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lansing. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Michigan State Housing Development Authority 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.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Michigan State Housing Development Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Lansing maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Stability closed

The Stability program at Michigan State Housing Development Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lansing. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Stability Voucher closed

The Stability Voucher program at Michigan State Housing Development Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lansing. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Michigan State Housing Development Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Michigan State Housing Development Authority administers 9 programs (PBV, HCV, Public Housing, VASH, 811 Project Rental Assistance (811PRA), Mainstream, RAD, Stability, Stability Voucher) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 735 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI.
How long is the wait at Michigan State Housing Development Authority?
Wait times at Michigan State Housing Development Authority depend on demand in Lansing, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 32,423 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 25, 2026 when the VASH list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Michigan State Housing Development Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Michigan State Housing Development Authority, including Lansing Housing Commission (1 mi), Bath Charter Township Housing Commission (7 mi), Ingham County Housing Commission (7 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Michigan and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Michigan.
How do I contact Michigan State Housing Development Authority?
You can reach Michigan State Housing Development Authority by phone at (517) 241-0809. Their office is located at 735 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912. You can also email them at kemmisl@michigan.gov. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Michigan State Housing Development Authority?
Income limits for Michigan State Housing Development Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA (currently $101,700). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $50,400. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Michigan State Housing Development Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $50,400. 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 $21,200 $35,300 $56,500
2 Persons $24,200 $40,350 $64,550
3 Persons $27,250 $45,350 $72,600
4 Persons $32,150 $50,400 $80,650
5 Persons $37,650 $54,450 $87,150
6 Persons $43,150 $58,450 $93,600
7 Persons $48,650 $62,500 $100,050
8 Persons $54,150 $66,550 $106,500
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $101,700 Effective April 1, 2025
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.