Rochester Housing Authority
Rochester, New York
Last Updated
23 hours ago
About Rochester Housing Authority
The Rochester Housing Authority (PHA Code: NY041) is located in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. It manages approximately 12,789 assisted housing units. This includes 10,495 housing choice vouchers (often referred to as Section 8) and 2,294 public housing units.
Currently, the Rochester Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program. All other programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing programs, are presently closed to new applications. Public Housing recently changed from open to closed, and HCV changed from unknown to closed. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Rochester, NY MSA area is $51,950 per year.
EHV Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 19, 2021
How to Apply
Phone
Additional Notes
Eligibility requires meeting HUD's definition of homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence/trafficking, or recently homeless and needing EHV to maintain housing stability. Referrals are made through the Partners Ending Homelessness (Monroe County Continuum of Care) Coordinated Entry System.
Emergency Housing Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 19, 2021
How to Apply
Phone
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted from July 19, 2021, until further notice. Eligibility requires meeting HUD's definition of homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence/trafficking, or recently homeless. To apply, contact Partners Ending Homelessness (Monroe County Continuum of Care) for a referral.
Other Programs
3 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 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is also referred to as Section 8. Eligibility is based on income and family size, not exceeding 50% of the median income for the Rochester area. Applicants must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens and pass background checks.
The waiting list for 1-bedroom Public Housing units will re-open on 3/3/25 at 12 Noon. The waiting lists for Studio, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units are currently closed. Current applicants can check their status by calling (585) 697-7574.
Project-Based Voucher waitlists are site-based; applications are available by contacting the specific project directly.
Status History
Deadline: Mar 3, 2025
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Rochester 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 Rochester Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Rochester Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (EHV, Emergency Housing Voucher). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Rochester 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 $51,950/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 Rochester 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 Rochester Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Rochester Housing Authority manages approximately 12,789 assisted housing units (10,495 Section 8, 2,294 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Rochester. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Rochester Housing Authority
EHV open
The EHV program at Rochester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Rochester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Voucher open
The Emergency Housing Voucher program at Rochester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Rochester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Rochester 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 Rochester. This program serves approximately 10,495 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 Rochester Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Rochester Housing Authority manages approximately 2,294 Public Housing units in Rochester. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Rochester Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Rochester. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Rochester Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Rochester Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Rochester Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Rochester Housing Authority?
Rochester Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Rochester Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Rochester, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $51,950. 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 | $21,850 | $36,400 | $58,200 |
| 2 Persons | $24,950 | $41,600 | $66,500 |
| 3 Persons | $28,050 | $46,800 | $74,800 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $51,950 | $83,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $56,150 | $89,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $60,300 | $96,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $64,450 | $103,050 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $68,600 | $109,700 |
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 Rochester Housing Authority — including across state lines.