Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cleveland, Tennessee
All waiting lists in Cleveland are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Cleveland, Tennessee 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 Cleveland, 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.
Affordable Housing in Cleveland, Tennessee
Cleveland, Tennessee is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Cleveland are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Cleveland include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Cleveland right now, there are 15 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Cleveland, Tennessee
Affordable housing options in Cleveland, Tennessee are primarily administered by the Cleveland Housing Authority. This authority manages programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), and Public Housing. There are approximately 343 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, all associated waiting lists for these programs are closed, with 0 lists open and 2 closed.
Eligibility for these programs depends on various factors, including income. For example, a family of four must generally have a very low income of $41,500 per year or less in the Cleveland, TN MSA area (FY2025) to qualify for assistance. The state housing agency that supports affordable housing efforts throughout Tennessee is the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).
Since waiting lists are presently closed, individuals seeking housing assistance in Cleveland should monitor the Cleveland Housing Authority's official channels for any announcements regarding future openings. It is advisable to understand program requirements in advance and have necessary documentation ready for when applications become available.
Housing Authorities in Cleveland
How to Apply for Section 8 in Cleveland
To apply for housing assistance in Cleveland, Tennessee, submit an application directly to Cleveland Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $41,500/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 Cleveland include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), PBRA, Public Housing. 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).
Cleveland, Tennessee Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cleveland, Tennessee, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Cleveland, TN MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $41,500 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $84,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $17,450 | $29,050 | $46,500 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $33,200 | $53,150 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $37,350 | $59,800 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $41,500 | $66,400 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $44,800 | $71,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $48,150 | $77,050 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $51,450 | $82,350 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $54,800 | $87,650 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Cleveland 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.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Cleveland and have active housing programs.