Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority
Cincinnati, Ohio
Last Updated
23 hours ago
About Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority
Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority (HUD agency code OH004) is the public housing agency serving Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. It administers 4,824 public housing units and 12,014 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 6 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, PBV, Public Housing, HCV, Mainstream, RAD. As of Aug 23, 2026, 3 are open and 3 are closed.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $55,900 per year, and as Low Income at or below $89,450 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 55 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 26, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
All Touchstone Property Management Services properties have individual waitlists for which applications can be submitted online.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
All properties managed by Touchstone Property Services, a CMHA department, have waitlists. To apply, go to the property of interest and complete registration on Rent Cafe.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
CMHA provides over 3,700 units in Hamilton County, varying between efficiency and six-bedroom. Preliminary applications are kept on a waiting list until selected.
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.
Selection for the waiting list is by random lottery and preferences. The estimated wait time for an eligibility appointment can be 6 months to 3 years.
The Mainstream Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed; applications were last accepted from October 28, 2020. This program is for households including a non-elderly person aged 18-61 with disabilities.
The waiting list for the RAD program is currently closed.
Status History
Deadline: May 21, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Cincinnati Metropolitian 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 Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (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 Cincinnati Metropolitian 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 $55,900/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 Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority manages approximately 16,838 assisted housing units (12,014 Section 8, 4,824 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Cincinnati. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cincinnati. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority manages approximately 4,824 Public Housing units in Cincinnati. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Cincinnati Metropolitian 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 Cincinnati. This program serves approximately 12,014 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Cincinnati maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority?
Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $55,900. 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 | $23,500 | $39,150 | $62,650 |
| 2 Persons | $26,850 | $44,750 | $71,600 |
| 3 Persons | $30,200 | $50,350 | $80,550 |
| 4 Persons | $33,550 | $55,900 | $89,450 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $60,400 | $96,650 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $64,850 | $103,800 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $69,350 | $110,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $73,800 | $118,100 |
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 Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority — including across state lines.