Arecibo, PR

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Arecibo area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Arecibo, Puerto Rico and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.

If no lists are currently open in Arecibo, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.

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Agencies
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Open Now
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Affordable Housing in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Arecibo, Puerto Rico is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Arecibo area. There are also 95 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Arecibo include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Municipality of Arecibo opened its PBV waitlist .

About Housing in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, the area is primarily served by the Municipality of Arecibo Housing Authority. This authority manages programs designed to help residents secure stable housing. Currently, there are two open waiting lists available for applicants. These open lists are specifically for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program and the Public Housing program. While other programs like Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, and RAD are also offered in Arecibo, their waiting lists are not presently open to new applications.

Across Arecibo, there are approximately 933 assisted housing units available to serve eligible low-income households. Eligibility for these programs often depends on household income. For example, a family of four applying for assistance must meet specific income criteria, with the Very Low Income limit set at $17,050 per year for the Arecibo, PR MSA area, as of FY2025. It is essential for applicants to carefully review the specific income requirements for each program they are interested in, as these limits can vary and are subject to change annually.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Arecibo

To apply for housing assistance in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, submit an application directly to Municipality of Arecibo, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $17,050/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

Housing programs available in Arecibo include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).

Arecibo, Puerto Rico Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Arecibo, PR MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $17,050 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $38,200.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $11,950 $11,950 $19,150
2 Persons $13,650 $13,650 $21,850
3 Persons $15,350 $15,350 $24,600
4 Persons $17,050 $17,050 $27,300
5 Persons $18,450 $18,450 $29,500
6 Persons $19,800 $19,800 $31,700
7 Persons $21,150 $21,150 $33,900
8 Persons $22,550 $22,550 $36,050
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $38,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Arecibo use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Arecibo?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Arecibo if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Arecibo?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Arecibo wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Puerto Rico