Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Nashville, Tennessee
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Nashville area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Nashville, 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 Nashville, 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 Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Nashville area. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Nashville include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD, Public Housing.
Latest Opening
Metropolitan Development & Housing Agency opened its Affordable Housing - Cumberland View waitlist .
About Housing in Nashville, Tennessee
For those seeking affordable housing assistance in Nashville, Tennessee, two primary agencies serve the area: the Metropolitan Development & Housing Agency (MDHA) and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). These agencies help administer approximately 14,102 assisted housing units across the region. While the demand for affordable housing remains high, it is important to understand the current status of available programs and waitlists.
Currently, Nashville has 3 open waitlists and 7 closed ones. While programs like Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream Vouchers, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, and RAD are presently closed to new applicants, three specific Affordable Housing waitlists are open: Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing - Cheatham Place, and Affordable Housing - Cumberland View. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income guidelines. For instance, a family of four in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin area must have an income at or below $57,400 per year to qualify as Very Low Income for FY2025. Monitoring waitlist openings regularly and applying promptly when they become available is key to seeking assistance.
Housing Authorities in Nashville
Metropolitan Development & Housing Agency
Nashville, Tennessee · TN005
Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Nashville, Tennessee · TN903
How to Apply for Section 8 in Nashville
To apply for housing assistance in Nashville, Tennessee, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Nashville area (listed above). Right now, 2 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 $57,400/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 Nashville include Affordable Housing - Cumberland View, Affordable Housing - Cheatham Place, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Affordable Housing, Public Housing, Other, Mainstream, 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).
Nashville, Tennessee Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Nashville, Tennessee, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $114,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,150 | $40,200 | $64,300 |
| 2 Persons | $27,600 | $45,950 | $73,500 |
| 3 Persons | $31,050 | $51,700 | $82,700 |
| 4 Persons | $34,450 | $57,400 | $91,850 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $62,000 | $99,200 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $66,600 | $106,550 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $71,200 | $113,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,800 | $121,250 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Nashville 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 Nashville and have active housing programs.