Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

Columbus, Ohio

FYI (2) ● HCV ● Other (3) ● PBV ● Public Housing ●

Last Updated

1 hours ago

About Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (HUD agency code OH001) is the public housing agency serving Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. It administers 170 public housing units and 15,413 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Section 8 Waitlist tracks 8 waiting lists at this agency, covering FYI, HCV, Other, PBV, Public Housing. As of Aug 14, 2026, 7 are open and 1 is closed.

Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $54,500 per year, and as Low Income at or below $87,200 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.

Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 5 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 28, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Waitlist

How to Apply

Online

Open Now

Additional Notes

The Scholar House for Former Foster Youth currently has open units for application. Eligible applicants are young people aged 18-24 attending an accredited college or university.

Carol Stewart Village

Status

open

Additional Notes

This community has open units and provides long-term housing for young adults ages 18-24 and individuals experiencing homelessness or with special needs. All utilities are included in the rent, and there is no application fee.

Scholar House

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

This program serves former foster youth ages 18-24 who are attending an accredited college or university.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Open Now

Additional Notes

CMHA's Project-Based Voucher waitlist in Columbus is open indefinitely. Applications are typically handled by contacting individual properties directly, which maintain site-based waitlists.

Other Programs

1 program

These 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.

Public Housing

Closed

Waitlists are site-based, and individuals must contact each property directly to inquire about application status. Preferences include involuntary displacement, successful completion of substance abuse treatment, substandard housing, homelessness, veterans/families, those enrolled in educational/training programs, working families, and age 62+/disabled individuals.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

Public Housing Opening Soon Sep 28, 2026

PBV Opened Sep 22, 2026

Public Housing Closed Feb 27, 2026

Public Housing unknown Feb 22, 2026

HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Columbus Metropolitan 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

Address 880 E 11th Ave

City Columbus, OH 43211

Phone

(614) ███-████

█████████@cmhanet.com

PHA Code OH001

Section 8 Units 15,413

Public Housing Units 170

Important Notices

Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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 7 open waiting lists (Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV)). 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 to apply.

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

FYI Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) open

The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbus. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 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.

Other Other Programs open

The Other Programs program at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbus. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open

Project-Based Vouchers at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Columbus. 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 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?

Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority administers 5 programs (Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 880 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH.

How long is the wait at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?

Wait times at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority depend on demand in Columbus, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 15,583 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on September 28, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "closed" to "opening_soon." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.

Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, including Delaware Metropolitan Housing Authority (21 mi), London Metropolitan Housing Authority (26 mi), Pickaway Metropolitan Housing Authority (27 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Ohio and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Ohio.

How do I contact Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's direct phone number and email address are listed in the contact panel on this page. Their office is located at 880 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211. Unlock the contact details to see them. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.

What are the income limits for Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?

Income limits for Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $109,000). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $54,500. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

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

Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $109,000 Effective April 1, 2025

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.

Delaware Metropolitan Housing Authority

Delaware, OH 21 mi

London Metropolitan Housing Authority

1 open

London, OH 26 mi

Pickaway Metropolitan Housing Authority

31 open

Circleville, OH 27 mi

Fairfield Metropolitan Housing Authority

2 open

Lancaster, OH 28 mi

Licking Metropolitan Housing Authority