Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority
Cincinnati, Ohio
Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), PHA Code OH004, provides housing assistance in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. CMHA manages approximately 16,838 assisted housing units, which include about 12,014 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 4,824 Public Housing units.
Currently, CMHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Public Housing programs are open for applications. The HCV and PBV programs recently changed their status from closed to open.
Applicants should note current income limits. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $55,900 per year in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Preliminary applications are accepted year-round via lottery selection and are valid for 18 months; an active email is required, and preference may be given to families with children, elderly, and disabled individuals.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority offers Project-Based Voucher programs with varying waitlist statuses for specific properties, many of which are currently open for applications. These projects cater to diverse populations such as the elderly, disabled, homeless, and low-income individuals, with specific bedroom sizes and utility responsibilities.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Preliminary applications for Asset Management/Low-Income Public Housing can be submitted online at any time, providing affordable housing to low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities in Hamilton County. Rent is based on 30% of the monthly household income, with eligibility including a review of rental history and criminal activity for the past 3 years; preferences are applied for eligible applicants.
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 Mainstream Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed; applications were last accepted from October 28, 2020, and the program is for households with a non-elderly person aged 18 to 61 with disabilities.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Cincinnati Metropolitian 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 Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (HCV, 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 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 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
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher 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.
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 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.