Last Updated
22 hours ago
About Tennessee Housing Development Agency
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), located in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee (PHA Code: TN903), manages approximately 6,507 assisted housing units. These units are primarily supported through programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher, and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs.
All waiting lists for THDA's programs, including HCV, Mainstream, and PBV, are currently closed. There has been no recent change to the status of the Mainstream program, which remains closed. For applicants, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN HUD Metro FMR Area is $57,400 per year.
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.
THDA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program in 72 Tennessee counties. Applications are accepted through the Rent Cafe Portal. Waitlist openings are announced through local newspapers and THDA's social media.
Mainstream serves households that include a non-elderly person(s) with disabilities. Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) helps people under the age of 62 with a disability who may be transitioning from institutions.
The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) accepted online-only applications for two project-based voucher locations starting at noon March 26 and continuing through 3 p.m. April 1, 2024. These PBV waiting lists are NOT on a first-come, first-served basis. From the application pool, M...
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Tennessee Housing Development Agency portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Check Current Status
All 3 waiting lists at Tennessee Housing Development Agency are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Tennessee Housing Development Agency, 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 $57,400/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 Tennessee Housing Development Agency portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Tennessee Housing Development Agency, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Tennessee Housing Development Agency manages approximately 6,507 assisted housing units (6,507 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Nashville. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Tennessee Housing Development Agency
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Tennessee Housing Development Agency 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 Nashville. This program serves approximately 6,507 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 Tennessee Housing Development Agency 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Tennessee Housing Development Agency are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Nashville. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Tennessee Housing Development Agency free?
How long is the wait at Tennessee Housing Development Agency?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Tennessee Housing Development Agency?
What are the income limits for Tennessee Housing Development Agency?
Tennessee Housing Development Agency Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Tennessee Housing Development Agency are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $57,400. 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 | $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 |
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 Tennessee Housing Development Agency — including across state lines.