About Lancaster County Housing Authority

The Lancaster County Housing Authority (LCHA) serves residents throughout Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This authority manages approximately 1,002 assisted housing units, primarily through its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as Section 8 vouchers. LCHA also administers other programs such as Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Public Housing.

All waiting lists for housing assistance programs at the Lancaster County Housing Authority are currently closed. This includes the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. For a family of four, the very low-income limit for the Lancaster, PA MSA area is $51,950 per year. Potential applicants must meet established income guidelines and other eligibility criteria when the waiting lists eventually reopen.

Other Programs

13 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 Program
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

The waitlist for Housing Choice Vouchers is currently closed. During the last opening, 500 applications were randomly selected by lottery; eligibility required meeting income limits and being a family with children, elderly (62+), disabled, or a single individual 18+.

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

The waitlist for Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers, which serve non-elderly persons with disabilities, is currently closed.

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

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

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

The Lancaster County Housing Authority (PA090) does not administer a public housing program.

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

The waitlist for Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers is currently closed, following the same application period as the main HCV program.

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

No current waiting list information found for Mainstream Vouchers.

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

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers (NED)
Pending

Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers are a specific voucher program administered by Lancaster County Housing Authority, but no specific separate waiting list status or application details are provided.

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 current waiting list information found for Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs.

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

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

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

Status History

PBV Closed Mar 11, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Contact Lancaster County Housing Authority directly at (717) 394-0793 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 28 Penn Sq
City Lancaster, PA 17603
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

Contact Lancaster County Housing Authority directly at (717) 394-0793 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

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 Assistance Program closed

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program 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 Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) 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.

NED closed

The NED 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 closed

The Other 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 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.

other closed

The other 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.

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.

Moderate Rehabilitation closed

The Moderate 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.

Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers closed

The Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers 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.

Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers (NED) closed

The Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers (NED) 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 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.

Rental Housing Rehabilitation closed

The Rental 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 13 programs (Emergency Rental Assistance Program, HCV, NED, Other, PBV, Public Housing, other, Mainstream, Moderate Rehabilitation, Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers, Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers (NED), RAD, Rental 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 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 March 11, 2026 when the PBV 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?
You can reach Lancaster County Housing Authority by phone at (717) 394-0793. Their office is located at 28 Penn Sq, Lancaster, PA 17603. You can also email them at jeby@lchra.com. 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.