Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Cortland Housing Authority
The Cortland Housing Authority (PHA Code: NY021) is situated in Cortland, Tompkins County, New York. This authority manages approximately 686 assisted housing units, comprising 380 Public Housing units and 306 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units.
Currently, the Public Housing program is open for applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is closed. The Public Housing program's status recently transitioned from closed to open, reflecting its current availability.
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit applicable to the Ithaca, NY MSA area is $60,150 per year. Potential applicants should reach out to the Cortland Housing Authority directly for detailed information regarding eligibility and the application process for the open Public Housing program.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Preferences include living/working in Cortland County, elderly, handicapped/disabled, and families. Applications are placed on the waiting list in the order they are received and based on any preferences.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
Applications are placed on the waiting list in the order they are received and based on any preferences. It is not possible to tell applicants how long it will be before they are contacted with an offer of assistance. Preferences include elderly, handicapped/disabled, families, and Cortland County residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Cortland Housing Authority 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 Cortland Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Cortland Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Cortland 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 $60,150/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 Cortland 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.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Cortland Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Cortland Housing Authority manages approximately 686 assisted housing units (306 Section 8, 380 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Cortland. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Cortland Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Cortland Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Cortland Housing Authority manages approximately 380 Public Housing units in Cortland. 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 Cortland 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 Cortland. This program serves approximately 306 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Cortland Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Cortland Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Cortland Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Cortland Housing Authority?
Cortland Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Cortland Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Ithaca, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $60,150. 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 | $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 |
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 Cortland Housing Authority — including across state lines.