Reading Housing Authority
Reading, Pennsylvania
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About Reading Housing Authority
Reading Housing Authority (HUD agency code PA009) is the public housing agency serving Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It administers 1,615 public housing units and 645 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 3 waiting lists at this agency, covering Affordable, HCV, Public Housing. As of Oct 5, 2026, all 3 tracked lists are closed to new applications.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Reading, PA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $49,900 per year, and as Low Income at or below $79,850 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 7 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 20, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
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.
Locally administered affordable housing that is not tied to a single federal voucher program. Eligibility and rents are set by the housing authority or developer, often with income limits based on area median income.
Vouchers are for properties located within the City of Reading. Some vouchers are portable after one year of residency in the City of Reading. Applications are accepted only at certain times and are usually subject to a lottery due to high demand.
Preferences for City of Reading residents and veteran families. Application is subject to a lottery if applications exceed 18 months of predicted unit availability. RHA uses a one-offer policy for unit assignments based on eligibility and availability.
Status History
Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
Official Application
Contact Reading Housing Authority directly 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
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 Reading Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 3 waiting lists at Reading 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.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Reading 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 $49,900/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
Contact Reading Housing Authority directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Reading Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Reading Housing Authority manages approximately 2,260 assisted housing units (645 Section 8, 1,615 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 Reading Housing Authority
Affordable Affordable Housing closed
The Affordable Housing program at Reading Housing Authority 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 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Reading 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 Reading. This program serves approximately 645 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Reading Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Reading Housing Authority manages approximately 1,615 Public Housing units in Reading. 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 Reading Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Reading Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Reading Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Reading Housing Authority?
Reading Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Reading Housing Authority 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 Reading Housing Authority — including across state lines.