City of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Last Updated
22 hours ago
About City of Buffalo
The City of Buffalo Housing Authority (PHA Code: NY409) serves residents in Buffalo, Erie County, New York. This authority manages approximately 5,329 Section 8 housing choice vouchers, providing essential housing assistance.
Currently, the City of Buffalo Housing Authority has open waitlists for its Marine Drive Apartments and Public Housing programs. Other programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), are presently closed to new applicants. The status for Mainstream and RAD programs is unknown.
Prospective applicants should note income limits for eligibility. For a Very Low Income family of four in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA area, the current income limit is $50,500 per year. This figure helps determine if an applicant meets the financial criteria for assistance.
Marine Drive Apartments Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Marine Drive Apartments is the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority's (BMHA) only New York State-governed public housing development. Applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines, citizenship/immigration status requirements, and pass background checks. Pre-screening interviews are required w...
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The program provides federally subsidized affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Eligibility considers annual gross income, qualification as elderly, a person with a disability, or a family, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
Other Programs
5 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.
Eligibility is based on gross annual income and family size; applicants undergo background checks. The last opening utilized a randomized computer lottery, and vouchers are valid in Buffalo and Erie County.
This specific application was for Tax Credit Units only, and a lottery was held. Filling out multiple applications could disqualify status.
Application for Project-Based Voucher waiting lists was part of the general HCV waiting list application process.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities to help them transition out of or avoid institutional settings.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing for property rehabilitation and preservation of long-term affordability.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official City of Buffalo 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 City of Buffalo
Check Current Status
City of Buffalo currently has 2 open waiting lists (Marine Drive Apartments, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at City of Buffalo, 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 City of Buffalo 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 City of Buffalo, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. City of Buffalo manages approximately 5,329 assisted housing units (5,329 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Buffalo. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at City of Buffalo
Marine Drive Apartments open
The Marine Drive Apartments program at City of Buffalo provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Buffalo. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at City of Buffalo 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.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at City of Buffalo 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 Buffalo. This program serves approximately 5,329 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other closed
The Other program at City of Buffalo provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Buffalo. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at City of Buffalo are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Buffalo. 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.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at City of Buffalo 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 City of Buffalo converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Buffalo maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at City of Buffalo free?
How long is the wait at City of Buffalo?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact City of Buffalo?
What are the income limits for City of Buffalo?
City of Buffalo Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the City of Buffalo are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA. 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 City of Buffalo — including across state lines.