Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cleveland, Ohio
There are 8 open waiting lists in the Cleveland area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Cleveland, Ohio and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Cleveland, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 8 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Cleveland area. There are also 19 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Cleveland include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority opened its Other waitlist on Jun 8, 2026.
About Housing in Cleveland, Ohio
Federal rental assistance in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County is administered by 2 housing authorities: Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority and Emerald Development and Economic Network. Together they administer roughly 21,373 assisted housing units — 5,009 public housing units and 16,364 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 38 waiting lists across these agencies. As of Feb 18, 2026, 8 are accepting applications. Another 19 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $49,700 per year, and as Low Income at or below $79,500 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Cleveland
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
Cleveland, Ohio · OH003
Emerald Development and Economic Network
Cleveland, Ohio · OH882
How to Apply for Section 8 in Cleveland
To apply for housing assistance in Cleveland, Ohio, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Cleveland area (listed above). Right now, 8 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $49,700/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Cleveland include Other - Moderate Rehabilitation, Mod Rehab, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Rapid Rehousing, Rapid Re-Housing, Mainstream, RAD, HUD 811 and 202/8 Properties (Supportive Housing), Supportive Housing (HUD 811/202/8), HAP, Senior Housing, Supportive Housing (HUD 811 & 202/8), Other (Housing Assistance Program - HAP), Sponsor-Based Rental Assistance (SRA), Re-Entry Housing Assistance, Eviction Prevention Services, Supportive Housing - EDEN Properties, EDEN-Owned Scattered Site Housing, Housing Assistance Program (HAP), Other (General EDEN Programs/Referral Based), HUD 811 and 202/8 Supportive Housing, Emerald Senior Apartments, Supportive Housing, Supportive Housing (HUD 811 and 202/8), HUD Multi-Family Properties (811 and 202/8), Multi-family units for people with disabilities, HUD Multi-Family Properties, Supportive Housing (HUD 811/202), Supportive Housing (Emerald Senior Apartments), Supportive Housing (Emerald Senior). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Cleveland, Ohio Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cleveland, Ohio, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $49,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $99,400.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,900 | $34,800 | $55,650 |
| 2 Persons | $23,850 | $39,800 | $63,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,850 | $44,750 | $71,550 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,700 | $85,900 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,700 | $92,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,650 | $98,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,650 | $104,950 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Cleveland use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Cleveland and have active housing programs.