Ithaca Housing Authority
Ithaca, New York
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Ithaca Housing Authority
Ithaca Housing Authority (HUD agency code NY054) is the public housing agency serving Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York. It administers 235 public housing units and 1,152 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 4 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, Other, PBV, Public Housing. As of Apr 4, 2026, 4 are open.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the 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). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 5 status changes at this agency, most recently on Apr 2, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The need for rental assistance outweighs funding, so a waiting list is used. A residency preference is given to Tompkins County residents or those with family members working in Tompkins County. Elderly or disabled families are offered housing before other single persons/applicants.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This is an Accessible Units Waitlist for Ithaca HA Southview. Applicants will not be automatically rejected based on credit or most criminal background check information.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for Northside Apartments, Overlook Terrace, and Southview Gardens, which offer 100% Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers for families at or below 60% AMI.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The need for rental assistance outweighs funding, so a waiting list is used. A residency preference is given to Tompkins County residents or those with family members working in Tompkins County.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Ithaca Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: 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 Ithaca Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Ithaca Housing Authority currently has 4 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Ithaca 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 Ithaca Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Ithaca Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Ithaca Housing Authority manages approximately 1,387 assisted housing units (1,152 Section 8, 235 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Ithaca. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Ithaca Housing Authority
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Ithaca 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 Ithaca. This program serves approximately 1,152 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Ithaca Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Ithaca. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Ithaca Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Ithaca. 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 Ithaca Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Ithaca Housing Authority manages approximately 235 Public Housing units in Ithaca. 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 Ithaca Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Ithaca Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Ithaca Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Ithaca Housing Authority?
Ithaca Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Ithaca 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 Ithaca Housing Authority — including across state lines.