Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba
The Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba (PHA Code: NM039) provides housing assistance in Espanola, Santa Fe County, New Mexico. This authority currently offers two main programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Both the HCV program and Public Housing waitlists are presently open for new applications.
The Housing Authority manages approximately 78 assisted housing units, comprising about 25 Housing Choice Vouchers and 53 Public Housing units. Applicants must meet specific income requirements to be eligible. For instance, a family of four seeking very low income assistance in the Santa Fe, NM MSA area generally has an income limit of $49,750 per year. Interested individuals should review all eligibility criteria for their household size and income before applying.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online (download) or In-person
Additional Notes
The Voucher Programs department is accepting pre-applications. This program assists 25 families with rental assistance within Rio Arriba County, and participants can port vouchers after one year of residency.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online (download) or In-person
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for families and senior/disabled households; units are located in Tierra Amarilla and Ojo Caliente, not Espanola. Criminal background checks are conducted for all applicants aged 18 or older.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba 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 Authority of the County of Rio Arriba
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba, 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 $49,750/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 Authority of the County of Rio Arriba 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 Authority of the County of Rio Arriba, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba manages approximately 78 assisted housing units (25 Section 8, 53 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Espanola. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba 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 Espanola. This program serves approximately 25 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba manages approximately 53 Public Housing units in Espanola. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba?
Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the County of Rio Arriba are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Santa Fe, NM MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,750. 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 | $20,900 | $34,850 | $55,750 |
| 2 Persons | $23,900 | $39,800 | $63,700 |
| 3 Persons | $26,900 | $44,800 | $71,650 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,750 | $79,600 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,750 | $86,000 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,750 | $92,350 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,700 | $98,750 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,700 | $105,100 |
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 Authority of the County of Rio Arriba — including across state lines.