The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster
The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster (PHA Code: PA036) is located in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It manages approximately 1,591 assisted housing units within its jurisdiction. These units consist of 1,120 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 471 Public Housing units.
The Authority offers several programs to eligible low-income individuals and families, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the Mainstream program, and Public Housing. Eligibility for these programs is based on income, among other factors. For example, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit for the Lancaster, PA MSA area, which is currently set at $51,950 per year.
Potential applicants should note that all waiting lists for these programs are currently closed to new applications. The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster is not accepting applications for any of its housing programs at this time.
Other Programs
3 programsThese 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.
Waiting lists for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program are closed and not accepting applications until further notice. Eligibility is based on income limits set by HUD.
Referrals for Mainstream Vouchers are managed by the Mainstream Voucher Referral Panel. Referrals are placed on a waiting list in the order received. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Waiting lists for the Public Housing Program are closed and not accepting applications until further notice. Eligibility is determined by income limits set by HUD.
Official Application
Apply directly through the official The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster 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 The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster
Check Current Status
All 3 waiting lists at The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster 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.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster, 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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster 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 The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster manages approximately 1,591 assisted housing units (1,120 Section 8, 471 Public Housing), 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 The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster 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 1,120 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 The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster 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.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster manages approximately 471 Public Housing units in Lancaster. 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 The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster free?
How long is the wait at The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster?
What are the income limits for The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster?
The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster Income Limits
Income limits for programs at The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster 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 |
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 The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster — including across state lines.