Rutland, VT

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Rutland, Vermont

There are 3 open waiting lists in the Rutland area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Rutland, Vermont 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 Rutland, 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.

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Open Now
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Closed

Affordable Housing in Rutland, Vermont

Rutland, Vermont is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Rutland area. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Rutland include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Rutland Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist on May 1, 2015.

About Housing in Rutland, Vermont

For those seeking affordable housing assistance in Rutland, Vermont, the Rutland Housing Authority (RHA) is the primary agency serving the area. RHA manages approximately 481 assisted housing units, offering various programs designed to help individuals and families secure stable housing. Understanding the available programs and application process is key to successfully applying for assistance.

Currently, the RHA has three waiting lists open for new applications. These include lists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. The Mainstream program waiting list is presently closed. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income. For instance, a family of four in Rutland County must generally have an annual income at or below $51,850 (Very Low Income limit for FY2025) to qualify for many types of assistance. It is advisable to check specific program requirements directly with the RHA.

Applicants are encouraged to gather all necessary documentation and follow the application instructions carefully. While the Rutland Housing Authority is the local point of contact, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) also serves as the state housing agency, providing broader resources and support for affordable housing initiatives across Vermont. Prospective tenants should contact the RHA for detailed information on how to apply and current waitlist statuses.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Rutland

To apply for housing assistance in Rutland, Vermont, submit an application directly to Rutland Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 3 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 $51,850/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 Rutland include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream. 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).

Rutland, Vermont Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Rutland, Vermont, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Rutland County, VT area. A family of four must earn less than $51,850 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $96,300.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $21,800 $36,300 $58,100
2 Persons $24,900 $41,500 $66,400
3 Persons $28,000 $46,650 $74,700
4 Persons $32,150 $51,850 $82,950
5 Persons $37,650 $56,000 $89,600
6 Persons $43,150 $60,150 $96,250
7 Persons $48,650 $64,300 $102,900
8 Persons $54,150 $68,450 $109,500
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $96,300 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Rutland 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Rutland?
Yes — there are currently 3 open waiting lists in Rutland, Vermont. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Rutland if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Rutland?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Rutland wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Vermont