Albany Housing Authority

Albany, New York

Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Albany Housing Authority

The Albany Housing Authority (PHA Code: NY009), located in Albany, Albany County, New York, manages approximately 5,319 assisted housing units. This includes 4,077 housing choice vouchers and 1,242 public housing units. Currently, the authority is accepting applications for its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Public Housing programs.

While the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed to new applicants, individuals may apply for the open Project-Based Voucher and Public Housing programs. The status of the Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) program is currently unknown. Prospective applicants should note that income limits apply; for a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA area is $58,050 per year.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Applications are accepted for Project Based Voucher Development sites. Specific sites mentioned include Capital Woods Apartments, Ida Yarbrough Phase II, and Steamboat 20.

View original notice — albanyhousing.org

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Currently only accepting applications for one and two-bedroom apartments at Public Housing sites. Applications are also accepted for Capital Woods Apartments, Ida Yarbrough Phase II, and Steamboat 20, which do not have income-based rent.

View original notice — albanyhousing.org

Other Programs

2 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

The Albany Housing Authority is not currently accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8).

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
PBRA
Pending

AHA has 23 waiting lists in the Albany area for its Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) properties. For more information about our properties, visit our locations page.

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

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Albany Housing 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 200 S Pearl St
City Albany, NY 12202
PHA Code NY009
Section 8 Units 4,077
Public Housing Units 1,242

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 Albany Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Albany Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Albany Housing 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 $58,050/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 Albany Housing 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 Albany Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Albany Housing Authority manages approximately 5,319 assisted housing units (4,077 Section 8, 1,242 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Albany. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Albany Housing Authority

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at Albany Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Albany. 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 Albany Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Albany Housing Authority manages approximately 1,242 Public Housing units in Albany. 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 Albany Housing 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 Albany. This program serves approximately 4,077 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

PBRA closed

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Albany Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Albany Housing Authority administers 4 programs (PBV, Public Housing, HCV, PBRA) — 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 200 S Pearl St, Albany, NY.
How long is the wait at Albany Housing Authority?
Wait times at Albany Housing Authority depend on demand in Albany, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 5,319 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Albany Housing 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 Albany Housing Authority, including Rensselaer Housing Authority (1 mi), Watervliet Housing Authority (7 mi), Troy Housing Authority (8 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in New York and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in New York.
How do I contact Albany Housing Authority?
You can reach Albany Housing Authority by phone at (518) 641-7500. Their office is located at 200 S Pearl St, Albany, NY 12202. You can also email them at info@albanyhousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Albany Housing Authority?
Income limits for Albany Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA (currently $116,100). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $58,050. 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.

Albany Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Albany Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $58,050. 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 $24,400 $40,650 $65,050
2 Persons $27,900 $46,450 $74,350
3 Persons $31,400 $52,250 $83,650
4 Persons $34,850 $58,050 $92,900
5 Persons $37,650 $62,700 $100,350
6 Persons $43,150 $67,350 $107,800
7 Persons $48,650 $72,000 $115,200
8 Persons $54,150 $76,650 $122,650
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $116,100 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.