About Lancaster County Housing Authority

Lancaster County Housing Authority (HUD agency code PA090) is the public housing agency serving Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It administers 1,002 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Section 8 Waitlist tracks 10 waiting lists at this agency, covering Emergency Rental, HCV, Mainstream, NED, Other, PBV, Public Housing, Mod Rehab, RAD, Rehabilitation. As of May 9, 2026, all 7 tracked lists are closed to new applications. Status is unconfirmed for 3 further lists.

Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Lancaster, PA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $51,950 per year, and as Low Income at or below $83,100 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.

Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 6 status changes at this agency, most recently on Aug 3, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.

Other Programs

10 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.

Emergency Rental Assistance
Closed

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Lancaster County, PA has announced its closure.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Only one application per household was accepted, requiring a valid Gmail address. 500 applications were selected by a random lottery, with submission time not affecting selection. Local preferences include points for Lancaster County elderly, disabled, families, and single members.

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

No specific information was found for a separate Mainstream voucher waitlist. It is assumed to follow the general Housing Choice Voucher program's application period.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher
Closed

Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers serve non-elderly persons with disabilities and are a component of the HCV program, with the waitlist currently closed.

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

The Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) program is currently closed to new landlords.

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

Project-Based Vouchers are a component of the Housing Choice Voucher program, whose waitlist is currently closed.

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

All waiting lists for the Public Housing Program are currently closed and not accepting applications.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab)
Pending

The Moderate Rehabilitation program is currently closed to new landlords, and no specific applicant waiting list information was found.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

No specific waiting list information found for RAD programs.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Housing Rehabilitation
Pending

Housing rehabilitation programs fund repairs, accessibility modifications, and weatherization for income-eligible owners and landlords rather than providing rental assistance.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

NED Closed Aug 3, 2026
NED Closed Jul 27, 2026
Mainstream Closed Jul 1, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 11, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Lancaster County 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 28 Penn Sq
City Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone
(717) ███-████
Email
████@lchra.com
PHA Code PA090
Section 8 Units 1,002

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 Lancaster County Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 7 waiting lists at Lancaster County 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 Lancaster County 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 $51,950/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 Lancaster County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Lancaster County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Lancaster County Housing Authority manages approximately 1,002 assisted housing units (1,002 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Lancaster. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Lancaster County Housing Authority

Emergency Rental Emergency Rental Assistance closed

The Emergency Rental Assistance program at Lancaster County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lancaster. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Lancaster County 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 Lancaster. This program serves approximately 1,002 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Lancaster County 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.

NED Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher closed

The Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher program at Lancaster County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lancaster. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Other Programs closed

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

PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed

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

Mod Rehab Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) closed

The Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) program at Lancaster County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lancaster. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Lancaster County Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Lancaster maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Rehabilitation Housing Rehabilitation closed

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Lancaster County Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Lancaster County Housing Authority administers 10 programs (Emergency Rental Assistance, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher, Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher, Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Housing Rehabilitation) — 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 28 Penn Sq, Lancaster, PA.
How long is the wait at Lancaster County Housing Authority?
Wait times at Lancaster County Housing Authority depend on demand in Lancaster, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,002 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on August 3, 2026 when the Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Lancaster County 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 Lancaster County Housing Authority, including The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster (0 mi), Housing Authority of the County of Lebanon (22 mi), Housing Authority of the City of York (22 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Pennsylvania and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Pennsylvania.
How do I contact Lancaster County Housing Authority?
Lancaster County Housing Authority's direct phone number and email address are listed in the contact panel on this page. Their office is located at 28 Penn Sq, Lancaster, PA 17603. Unlock the contact details to see them. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Lancaster County Housing Authority?
Income limits for Lancaster County Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Lancaster, PA MSA (currently $103,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $51,950. 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.

Lancaster County Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Lancaster County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lancaster, PA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $51,950. 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 $21,850 $36,400 $58,200
2 Persons $24,950 $41,600 $66,500
3 Persons $28,050 $46,800 $74,800
4 Persons $32,150 $51,950 $83,100
5 Persons $37,650 $56,150 $89,750
6 Persons $43,150 $60,300 $96,400
7 Persons $48,650 $64,450 $103,050
8 Persons $54,150 $68,600 $109,700
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $103,900 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.