About Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority

The Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA), with PHA Code OH012, serves Lorain and Lorain County, Ohio. This authority manages approximately 4,617 assisted housing units, which include 3,168 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 1,449 Public Housing units.

LMHA oversees various programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and specific properties like Harr Plaza, International Plaza, and Wilkes Villa. All of these housing programs and their respective waiting lists are currently closed to new applications. For a very low-income family of four in the Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area, the current income limit is $49,700 per year. Potential applicants are advised that no waiting lists are open at this time.

Other Programs

8 programs

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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Housing Choice Voucher Program assists very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Harr Plaza
Closed

The waiting list for Harr Plaza closed on November 30, 2024.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
International Plaza
Closed

The waiting list for International Plaza closed on November 30, 2024.

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

The waiting list for other housing programs, including Public Housing - Living with Assistance, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, Veranda Rose, and Albany Homes, last accepted applications on October 31, 2019.

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

Applications were last accepted on October 31, 2019, for programs such as Public Housing - Living with Assistance, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, Veranda Rose, and Albany Homes.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher waiting list is currently closed, with applications last accepted on October 31, 2019, and no notice of when it will reopen.

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

This waiting list is for Public Housing rental housing assistance in Lorain County, Ohio.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Wilkes Villa
Closed

While a specific closing date for Wilkes Villa was not found, it is listed as an individual application portal under the Public Housing section, which is generally closed.

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

Status History

HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1600 Kansas Ave
City Lorain, OH 44052
PHA Code OH012
Section 8 Units 3,168
Public Housing Units 1,449

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 Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 8 waiting lists at Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Lorain 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 $49,700/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Lorain 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 4,617 assisted housing units (3,168 Section 8, 1,449 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Lorain. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Lorain 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 Lorain. This program serves approximately 3,168 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Harr Plaza closed

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

International Plaza closed

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

Other closed

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

Other Housing Programs closed

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

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Lorain. 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 Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 1,449 Public Housing units in Lorain. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Wilkes Villa closed

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority administers 8 programs (HCV, Harr Plaza, International Plaza, Other, Other Housing Programs, PBV, Public Housing, Wilkes Villa) — 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 1600 Kansas Ave, Lorain, OH.
How long is the wait at Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Wait times at Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority depend on demand in Lorain, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 4,617 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 18, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "closed" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Lorain 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 Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, including Emerald Development and Economic Network (22 mi), Parma Public Housing Agency (25 mi), Cuyahoga 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 Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority?
You can reach Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority by phone at (440) 288-1600. Their office is located at 1600 Kansas Ave, Lorain, OH 44052. You can also email them at lmha1600@lmha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Income limits for Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $99,400). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $49,700. 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.

Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,700. 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 $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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $99,400 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.