Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cortland, New York
All waiting lists in Cortland are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Cortland, New York and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Cortland, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Cortland, New York
Cortland, New York is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Cortland are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 27 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Cortland include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Cortland right now, there are 27 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Cortland, New York
Federal rental assistance in Cortland, Tompkins County is administered by Cortland Housing Authority (HUD agency code NY021). It administers roughly 686 assisted housing units — 380 public housing units and 306 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 2 waiting lists across this agency. As of Oct 6, 2026, none are accepting applications. Another 27 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Ithaca, NY MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $60,150 per year, and as Low Income at or below $96,250 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Cortland
How to Apply for Section 8 in Cortland
To apply for housing assistance in Cortland, New York, submit an application directly to Cortland Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $60,150/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Cortland include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Cortland, New York Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cortland, New York, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Ithaca, NY MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $60,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $122,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,300 | $42,150 | $67,400 |
| 2 Persons | $28,900 | $48,150 | $77,000 |
| 3 Persons | $32,500 | $54,150 | $86,650 |
| 4 Persons | $36,100 | $60,150 | $96,250 |
| 5 Persons | $39,000 | $65,000 | $103,950 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $69,800 | $111,650 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $74,600 | $119,350 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $79,400 | $127,050 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Cortland use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Cortland and have active housing programs.