Memphis Housing Authority
Memphis, Tennessee
Last Updated
Yesterday
About Memphis Housing Authority
Memphis Housing Authority (HUD agency code TN001) is the public housing agency serving Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. It administers 2,902 public housing units and 9,202 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 6 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, PBV, Public Housing, HCV, Mainstream, RAD. As of Mar 21, 2026, 3 are open and 1 is closed. Status is unconfirmed for 2 further lists.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Memphis, TN-MS-AR HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $45,550 per year, and as Low Income at or below $72,900 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 7 status changes at this agency, most recently on Jul 25, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Memphis Housing Authority is currently accepting online applications for several Senior Housing apartments.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Memphis Housing Authority is currently accepting online applications for several Senior Housing apartments, including Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlists for specific senior properties. Eligibility for senior PBV includes age 62+ or age 55-61 and disabled for some properties.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Selected Public Housing waitlists are open. Current applicants must confirm interest every six months through the Applicant Portal. To check application status or update contact information, contact the specific development where the application was submitted.
Other Programs
3 programsThese 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.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) waiting list is currently closed and not accepting applications. MHA will publicly advertise when the waiting list re-opens. Applicants on the waiting list must keep MHA informed of address changes.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Deadline: Apr 17, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Memphis Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Memphis Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Memphis Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Memphis Housing Authority, 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 $45,550/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Memphis Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Memphis Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Memphis Housing Authority manages approximately 12,104 assisted housing units (9,202 Section 8, 2,902 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Memphis. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Memphis Housing Authority
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Memphis Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Memphis. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Memphis Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Memphis. 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.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Memphis Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Memphis Housing Authority manages approximately 2,902 Public Housing units in Memphis. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Memphis Housing Authority 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 Memphis. This program serves approximately 9,202 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Memphis Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Memphis Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Memphis maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Memphis Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Memphis Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Memphis Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Memphis Housing Authority?
Memphis Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Memphis Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Memphis, TN-MS-AR HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $45,550. 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 | $19,150 | $31,900 | $51,050 |
| 2 Persons | $21,900 | $36,450 | $58,350 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $41,000 | $65,650 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $45,550 | $72,900 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $49,200 | $78,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $52,850 | $84,600 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $56,500 | $90,400 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $60,150 | $96,250 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Memphis Housing Authority — including across state lines.