About Highlands Residential Services

Highlands Residential Services is a housing authority serving Cookeville, Putnam County, Tennessee. It manages approximately 317 assisted housing units across various programs designed to provide affordable housing options for eligible residents.

Currently, Highlands Residential Services has open waitlists for several key programs. These include Elderly/Disabled Housing at Walnut Village, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Multi-family Housing at Hickory Valley, and general Public Housing. Additionally, Senior Housing waitlists are open for both Oak Tree Towers and Willow Heights. Eligibility often depends on income; for example, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit, which is $39,850 per year in the Putnam County, TN area. Prospective applicants should review specific program requirements.

Elderly/Disabled Housing (Walnut Village) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone or In-person

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Waitlist is open for 1 & 2 bedroom units for individuals 62 and over or disabled.

View original notice — highlandsrs.com

Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley) Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Waitlist is open for 2 bedroom units.

View original notice — highlandsrs.com

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone or In-person

Additional Notes

Waitlists are open for Algood, Baxter, Celina, Cookeville, Gainesboro, and Monterey. Applications accepted by appointment.

Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers) Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

All applicants must be 62 years of age or older and meet eligibility and income limit guidelines.

View original notice — highlandsrs.com

Senior Housing (Willow Heights) Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Housing units are for individuals age 62 and older.

View original notice — highlandsrs.com

Other Programs

9 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The HCV waiting list closed on March 6, 2026, after an opening from February 22, 2026, to March 5, 2026.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other - Magnolia Ridge Apartments
Closed

This development is currently in the planning stages. More information will be available in the future.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

No current applications are being accepted for Project-Based Voucher units, with the waitlist having closed on March 21, 2026.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
Pending

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program incentivizes private development of affordable rental housing. Properties receiving tax credits must reserve a percentage of units for income-eligible tenants at below-market rents.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
Pending

No active waitlist information is currently available for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Oak Tree Towers
Pending

Oak Tree Towers offers one-bedroom units for low-income seniors aged 62 and up; no active waitlist information is currently available. Applicants must meet age, eligibility, and income limit guidelines, and the property is tobacco and smoke-free.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Other
Pending

Oak Tree Towers offers 50 one-bedroom units for low-income seniors aged 62 and up, funded through a federal H.O.M.E. grant. No active waitlist information is currently available.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Other - Oak Tree Towers
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Senior Housing (HOME Grant)
Pending

Oak Tree Towers offers one-bedroom units for low-income seniors aged 62 and up and is funded through a federal H.O.M.E. grant. No active waitlist information is currently available.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

HCV Closed Yesterday
Other - Magnolia Ridge Apartments Closed 2 days ago
Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley) Opened 2 days ago
Senior Housing (Willow Heights) Opened 2 days ago
Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers) Opened 2 days ago
Elderly/Disabled Housing (Walnut Village) Opened 2 days ago
HCV Opened Mar 31, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Mar 27, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 21, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 6, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 22, 2026

Deadline: Mar 5, 2026

HCV Opened Feb 22, 2026

Deadline: Mar 5, 2026

Public Housing unknown Feb 21, 2026
HCV unknown Feb 21, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 20, 2026

Deadline: Mar 5, 2026

HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 18, 2026

Deadline: Mar 5, 2026

Official Application

Contact Highlands Residential Services directly at (931) 526-9793 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

Address 235 W Jackson St
City Cookeville, TN 38501
PHA Code TN033
Public Housing Units 317

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Highlands Residential Services

1

Check Current Status

Highlands Residential Services currently has 5 open waiting lists (Elderly/Disabled Housing (Walnut Village), Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley), Public Housing, Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers), Senior Housing (Willow Heights)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Highlands Residential Services, 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 $39,850/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Highlands Residential Services directly at (931) 526-9793 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Highlands Residential Services, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Highlands Residential Services manages approximately 317 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Cookeville. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Highlands Residential Services

Elderly/Disabled Housing (Walnut Village) open

The Elderly/Disabled Housing (Walnut Village) program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley) open

The Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley) program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Highlands Residential Services are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Highlands Residential Services manages approximately 317 Public Housing units in Cookeville. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers) open

The Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers) program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Senior Housing (Willow Heights) open

The Senior Housing (Willow Heights) program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. 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 Highlands Residential Services 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 Cookeville. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other - Magnolia Ridge Apartments closed

The Other - Magnolia Ridge Apartments program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Highlands Residential Services are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Cookeville. 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.

LIHTC closed

The LIHTC program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) closed

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Oak Tree Towers closed

The Oak Tree Towers program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other closed

The Other program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other - Oak Tree Towers closed

The Other - Oak Tree Towers program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Senior Housing (HOME Grant) closed

The Senior Housing (HOME Grant) program at Highlands Residential Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cookeville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Highlands Residential Services free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Highlands Residential Services administers 14 programs (Elderly/Disabled Housing (Walnut Village), Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley), Public Housing, Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers), Senior Housing (Willow Heights), HCV, Other - Magnolia Ridge Apartments, PBV, LIHTC, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Oak Tree Towers, Other, Other - Oak Tree Towers, Senior Housing (HOME Grant)) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 235 W Jackson St, Cookeville, TN.
How long is the wait at Highlands Residential Services?
Wait times at Highlands Residential Services depend on demand in Cookeville, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 317 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 6, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Highlands Residential Services directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Highlands Residential Services, including Sparta Housing Authority (17 mi), Livingston Housing Authority (20 mi), Smithville Housing Authority (21 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Tennessee and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Tennessee.
How do I contact Highlands Residential Services?
You can reach Highlands Residential Services by phone at (931) 526-9793. Their office is located at 235 W Jackson St, Cookeville, TN 38501. You can also email them at ccassetty@highlandsrs.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Highlands Residential Services?
Income limits for Highlands Residential Services are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Putnam County, TN (currently $86,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $39,850. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Highlands Residential Services Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Highlands Residential Services are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Putnam County, TN. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $39,850. 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 $16,750 $27,900 $44,650
2 Persons $21,150 $31,850 $51,000
3 Persons $26,650 $35,850 $57,400
4 Persons $32,150 $39,850 $63,750
5 Persons $37,650 $43,050 $68,850
6 Persons $43,150 $46,250 $73,950
7 Persons $48,650 $49,450 $79,050
8 Persons $52,600 $52,600 $84,150
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $86,800 Effective April 1, 2025
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.