Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Columbia, Tennessee
All waiting lists in Columbia are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, Tennessee
Columbia, Tennessee is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Columbia are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Columbia include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Columbia right now, there are 10 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 Columbia, Tennessee
Affordable housing assistance in Columbia, Tennessee, is primarily administered by the Columbia Housing and Redevelopment Corporation. Currently, all seven of their waiting lists are closed, meaning new applications for housing assistance are not being accepted at this time.
The Columbia Housing and Redevelopment Corporation offers various programs, all of which currently have closed waiting lists. These include the Affordable Housing Program, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other programs, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs.
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Maury County, TN HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is $47,100 per year. The state housing agency providing additional resources and information is the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). Those seeking assistance should monitor the Columbia Housing and Redevelopment Corporation for any future announcements regarding waitlist openings, as availability can change.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Columbia
To apply for housing assistance in Columbia, Tennessee, submit an application directly to Columbia Housing and Redevelopment Corporatio, 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 $47,100/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 Columbia include Affordable Housing Program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), PBRA, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Other. 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).
Columbia, Tennessee Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Columbia, Tennessee, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Maury County, TN HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $47,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $94,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,800 | $33,000 | $52,750 |
| 2 Persons | $22,600 | $37,650 | $60,300 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $42,400 | $67,850 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $47,100 | $75,350 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,900 | $81,400 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $54,650 | $87,450 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $58,450 | $93,450 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $62,200 | $99,500 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Columbia 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 Columbia and have active housing programs.