Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Knoxville, Tennessee
There are 13 open waiting lists in the Knoxville area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 13 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Knoxville area. There are also 30 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Knoxville include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (2 open), Public Housing (1 open), Mainstream (1 open), PBV (1 open).
Closing Soon in Knoxville
Knoxville's Community Development Corporation — Mainstream waitlist closes Apr 8, 2026
Latest Opening
Knoxville's Community Development Corporation opened its Mainstream waitlist on Apr 8, 2026. Applications close Apr 8, 2026 — apply early.
About Housing in Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee, is served by two primary housing authorities dedicated to providing affordable housing opportunities: Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) and the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA). Together, these agencies manage approximately 5,286 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, there are 12 open waiting lists available for various housing assistance programs.
Applicants seeking assistance can explore programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing, with open lists currently available for each. Additionally, specific properties cater to diverse needs, including Elderly Designated Housing, Elderly Only (62 or Older) Housing Properties, Elderly or Disabled Housing Properties, and Family Housing Properties. The LIHEAP program also offers energy assistance to eligible households.
To qualify for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four in the Knoxville area is considered very low income if their annual household income is $49,700 or less, as per FY2025 HUD guidelines. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) also supports affordable housing initiatives statewide. It is important to contact the housing authorities directly for specific application details and to understand eligibility criteria for each open list.
Housing Authorities in Knoxville
East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
Knoxville, Tennessee · TN113
Knoxville's Community Development Corporation
Knoxville, Tennessee · TN003
How to Apply for Section 8 in Knoxville
To apply for housing assistance in Knoxville, Tennessee, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Knoxville area (listed above). Right now, 13 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 $49,700/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 Knoxville include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), LIHEAP, Elderly Designated Housing, Family-Style Housing, Mainstream, Public Housing, Other Senior, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Elderly or Disabled Housing Properties, Elderly Only (62 or Older) Housing Properties, Other Senior and Disabled, Family Housing Properties, Moderate Rehabilitation, RAD. 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).
Knoxville, Tennessee Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Knoxville, Tennessee, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $49,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $101,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,900 | $34,750 | $55,650 |
| 2 Persons | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,850 | $44,700 | $71,550 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,650 | $85,900 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,650 | $92,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,650 | $98,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,600 | $104,950 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Knoxville 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 Knoxville and have active housing programs.