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About Rensselaer Housing Authority
The Rensselaer Housing Authority (PHA Code: NY033) provides assisted housing options in Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York. It manages approximately 249 assisted housing units through its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing program. Currently, all waiting lists for both the HCV program and Public Housing are closed to new applications.
Of the total units, 103 are allocated as Housing Choice Vouchers and 146 are Public Housing units. Eligibility for these programs depends on income limits, with a Very Low Income limit for a family of four currently set at $58,050 per year for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA area.
Applicants should note that while all waiting lists are presently closed, the status of the Public Housing waiting list has fluctuated in the past, having been open, then closed, and is now closed. Potential applicants should monitor for future announcements regarding list openings.
Other Programs
2 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.
The Section 8 waiting list is currently closed. Jurisdictions include the City of Rensselaer, Poestenkill, West Sand Lake, Wynantskill, Averill Park, Defreestville, East Greenbush and North Greenbush.
The one (1) Bedroom waiting list is closed, as well as the Four (4) Bedroom units. Applications must be printed, filled out, and dropped off in person Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 8:30 am – 3:00 pm with original documents.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Rensselaer Housing Authority directly at (518) 436-0230 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
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 Rensselaer Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 2 waiting lists at Rensselaer Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Rensselaer 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.
Submit Your Application
Contact Rensselaer Housing Authority directly at (518) 436-0230 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Rensselaer Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Rensselaer Housing Authority manages approximately 249 assisted housing units (103 Section 8, 146 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Rensselaer. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Rensselaer Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer. This program serves approximately 103 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Rensselaer Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Rensselaer Housing Authority manages approximately 146 Public Housing units in Rensselaer. 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 Rensselaer Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Rensselaer Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Rensselaer Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Rensselaer Housing Authority?
Rensselaer Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Rensselaer 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 |
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 Rensselaer Housing Authority — including across state lines.