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About Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), PHA Code OH001, serves residents in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. CMHA manages approximately 15,583 assisted housing units. These include 15,413 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 170 Public Housing units.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is currently open for new applications. The Public Housing program is closed at this time. For eligibility, a family of four is considered Very Low Income with an annual income limit of $54,500 in the Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. Applicants should ensure they meet current income and other eligibility criteria for the desired program.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waitlist selections are currently in process. If selected, you will receive a notice via mail (and email if on file) with the next steps. Preferences are given to families and disabled individuals. Do not submit more than one application per individual or family.
View original notice — cmhanet.comOther Programs
1 programThese 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 general Public Housing waitlist closed on February 27, 2026. Persons interested in CMHA public housing must contact individual properties as they maintain site-based waitlists that open and close as needed. Preferences include involuntary displacement, successful substance abuse treatment, substandard housing, homelessness, veterans, those in educational/training/upward mobility programs, working families, and age 62+/disabled/handicapped.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Columbus Metropolitan 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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (HCV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Columbus Metropolitan 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 $54,500/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 Columbus Metropolitan 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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 15,583 assisted housing units (15,413 Section 8, 170 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Columbus. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Columbus Metropolitan 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 Columbus. This program serves approximately 15,413 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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 170 Public Housing units in Columbus. 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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $54,500. 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 | $22,900 | $38,150 | $61,050 |
| 2 Persons | $26,200 | $43,600 | $69,800 |
| 3 Persons | $29,450 | $49,050 | $78,500 |
| 4 Persons | $32,700 | $54,500 | $87,200 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $58,900 | $94,200 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $63,250 | $101,200 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $67,600 | $108,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $71,950 | $115,150 |
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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority — including across state lines.