Housing Authority of the County of Berks
Reading, Pennsylvania
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Housing Authority of the County of Berks
The Housing Authority of the County of Berks (PHA Code: PA071) serves Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. This authority manages approximately 920 assisted housing units, which include 711 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 209 Public Housing units.
Current programs offered are Other Senior Housing, HCV (Housing Choice Vouchers), PBV (Project-Based Vouchers), Public Housing, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration). At present, only the Other Senior Housing program is open for applications. The HCV, PBV, Public Housing, and RAD programs are currently closed. Applicants should be aware that the Public Housing program's status has changed frequently, having recently been open, then closed, and then open again, indicating its status can fluctuate.
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Reading, PA MSA area is $49,900 per year. Prospective applicants should confirm current income requirements and program availability directly with the housing authority.
Other Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) Tarsus Manor Senior Housing waiting list is currently open. Applications are being accepted since at least August 2019 until further notice. Tarsus Manor Senior Housing is a 33-unit development of one-bedroom apartments for senior citizens (ages 62 and ov...
Other Programs
4 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.
The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed due to a large number of families on the list. Applications will not be accepted until further notice. Payment standards are being reduced from 110% to 100% of FMRs starting July 1, 2025.
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) waiting list for Project Based Redevelopment apartments is currently closed. It is not known when this waiting list was last open, or when it will reopen.
The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed. The BCHA owns and manages 209 public housing apartments and townhouses across nine developments.
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) waiting list for apartments at Norman Commons is currently closed. It is not known when this waiting list was last open, or when it will reopen.
Status History
Deadline: Mar 9, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the County of Berks 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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of the County of Berks currently has 1 open waiting list (Other Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the County of Berks, 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 $49,900/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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks 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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the County of Berks manages approximately 920 assisted housing units (711 Section 8, 209 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Reading. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the County of Berks
Other Senior Housing open
The Other Senior Housing program at Housing Authority of the County of Berks provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Reading. 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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks 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 Reading. This program serves approximately 711 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the County of Berks are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Reading. 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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the County of Berks manages approximately 209 Public Housing units in Reading. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the County of Berks converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Reading maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the County of Berks free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the County of Berks?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the County of Berks?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the County of Berks?
Housing Authority of the County of Berks Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the County of Berks are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Reading, PA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,900. 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 | $21,000 | $34,950 | $55,900 |
| 2 Persons | $24,000 | $39,950 | $63,900 |
| 3 Persons | $27,000 | $44,950 | $71,900 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,900 | $79,850 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,900 | $86,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,900 | $99,050 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,900 | $105,450 |
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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks — including across state lines.