How to Find Affordable Housing Options Near You

Finding where affordable housing is actually available usually starts with local housing authorities, HUD-approved portals, and regional nonprofit housing agencies, not with apartment search sites. This guide focuses on how to locate real affordable housing units and waitlists in your area and how to move from searching online to getting on actual lists.

Rules, names of agencies, and availability can vary by city, county, and state, so always double-check details with your local offices.

Quick summary: Where to look for affordable housing locations

  • Start with your local public housing authority (PHA) for public housing and Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers.
  • Use your state or city’s official affordable housing search portal (often run by a housing finance agency or housing department).
  • Check local HUD-approved housing counseling agencies for help reading lists and applying.
  • Prepare ID, income proof, and current address documents before you contact any office.
  • Expect waiting lists; in many areas you’ll sign up and wait for a letter, email, or text when your name comes up.

1. Where affordable housing is actually listed in most areas

For government-related affordable housing, the main official systems are:

  • Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) – handles public housing units and often Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers.
  • Your city or county housing department – may run local subsidy programs or maintain lists of income-restricted units.
  • Your state housing finance agency – often operates an online portal listing income-restricted apartments statewide.
  • HUD-approved housing counseling agencies – don’t control units, but help you interpret lists and apply correctly.

To avoid scams, search for your city or county name plus “housing authority” or “public housing agency” and look for sites ending in .gov. You can also call your city hall or county government main number and ask: “What office handles public housing or Section 8 here?”

2. Key terms to know

Key terms to know:

  • Public Housing Authority (PHA) — Local or regional government agency that runs public housing and often Housing Choice (Section 8) programs.
  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) — A rental assistance voucher that typically lets you rent from private landlords, with the program paying part of the rent directly to the landlord.
  • Project-based housing — Affordable units where the subsidy is tied to the building; if you move out, the subsidy usually stays with that unit.
  • Income-restricted or LIHTC units — Apartments built or operated with tax credits or subsidies; rents are capped and tenants must meet income limits.

These terms will show up on waitlist announcements, housing search portals, and application forms when you look for actual locations.

3. Documents you’ll typically need

Documents you’ll typically need:

  • Government-issued photo ID for each adult (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or similar).
  • Proof of income for all working household members (recent pay stubs, benefit award letters, unemployment printouts, or Social Security benefit statements).
  • Proof of current housing situation, such as a lease, rent receipt, or a written notice if you’re facing eviction or displacement.

Some PHAs and affordable complexes also commonly ask for Social Security cards, birth certificates for children, and recent bank statements, so it helps to gather those too before you start calling about locations.

4. Step-by-step: How to find affordable housing locations and get on lists

Step 1: Identify the right local housing authority and portals

  1. Find your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).

    • Search online for “[your city/county] housing authority” or “public housing agency” and confirm it’s a .gov site.
    • If you’re unsure, call your city or county government main line and ask which office handles public housing or Section 8.

  2. Locate your state or city affordable housing search portal.

    • Many states run an “affordable housing locator” or rental search portal through the state housing finance agency or housing department.
    • Search for “[your state] affordable housing search” or “[your state] housing finance agency rental listings” and again look for .gov.

What to expect next:
You’ll usually find sections labeled “Housing Choice Voucher,” “Public Housing,” “Waiting Lists,” “Affordable Rental Search,” or “Income-Restricted Apartments.” These will show where waitlists are open, addresses of public housing properties, and some private affordable buildings that accept applications directly.

Step 2: Use official listings to map out real locations

  1. Check PHA information for public housing and vouchers.

    • Look for pages titled “How to Apply,” “Open Waiting Lists,” or “Properties”.
    • Some PHAs list specific buildings, addresses, and bedroom sizes; others only describe programs and waitlists.

  2. Search the state or city affordable housing portal by location.

    • Filter by city, county, zip code, bedroom size, and max rent.
    • Focus on units labeled “income-restricted,” “tax credit,” “subsidized,” or “accepts Section 8 vouchers.”

  3. Make a short list of 5–10 actual properties.

    • Write down the property names, street addresses, management company, and phone numbers.
    • Note what each property offers: project-based subsidized units, LIHTC (tax credit) units, senior housing, or family housing.

What to expect next:
Most properties on these lists will not have immediate openings. Instead, you’ll be told if they are accepting applications or if the waitlist is open. Your goal today is to find which properties are currently taking names and how to get on those lists.

Step 3: Contact properties or PHAs and ask specific questions

  1. Call or visit the management office for each property on your list.
    Use a simple script like:
    “I found your property through the state housing/housing authority listings. Are you currently accepting applications for your affordable or income-restricted units, and how do I apply?”

  2. Ask these concrete questions:

    • “Is your waitlist open now, and for which bedroom sizes?”
    • “Do you have project-based subsidized units or only income-restricted units?”
    • “Can I pick up a paper application, or is it only online?”
    • “What documents do you require when I submit the application?”

  3. Contact your PHA directly about public housing and vouchers.

    • Ask: “Do you have any open waiting lists for public housing or Housing Choice Vouchers, and how do I get on them?”
    • Write down any deadlines, lottery dates, or appointment times they mention.

What to expect next:
Some offices will direct you to fill out an application online; others will tell you to pick up a paper application during specific office hours. You typically won’t know the outcome right away—your next milestone is usually a confirmation that your application or pre-application was received and that your name has been added to a waiting list or a lottery pool.

Step 4: Prepare and submit applications correctly

  1. Gather the core documents before you start filling anything out.
    Have ID, income proof, and address documentation ready, since incomplete applications are often set aside or delayed.

  2. Fill out applications for multiple properties and programs.

    • Apply to every affordable location and program you qualify for, not just one.
    • This commonly includes public housing, any open Housing Choice Voucher list, and as many income-restricted or project-based properties as you can reasonably manage.

  3. Track where and when you applied.

    • Keep a simple list with property name, date applied, method (online/paper), and confirmation number if provided.
    • Note any follow-up requirements or deadlines listed on the form or website.

  4. Submit through the official channels only.

    • For online applications, use links from your PHA, city housing department, or state portal.
    • For paper applications, deliver them to the office listed, and if possible, ask for a date-stamped copy or written receipt.

What to expect next:
Response times vary widely. Typically, you’ll receive one of the following by mail, email, or online portal:

  • A confirmation letter or email stating you’re on the waiting list and your approximate position or control number.
  • A notice asking for additional documents or clarifications.
  • A denial or ineligible notice with a short explanation and possibly information about how to appeal.

No office can be forced to approve or house you by a certain date, and some waitlists may remain inactive for months or years, depending on availability.

Step 5: Monitor your status and keep your information updated

  1. Check any online portals or phone hotlines listed on your confirmation notice.
    Some PHAs and larger housing providers allow you to log in or call an automated line to check if your status is still “active” on the waitlist.

  2. Report address or income changes promptly.

    • If you move or your income changes, contact each PHA or property where you applied and ask how to update your file.
    • Many agencies will remove you from the list if mail is returned or you don’t respond to update notices.

  3. Watch for time-limited response letters.

    • When your name comes near the top of a list, you may receive a time-sensitive letter requiring you to respond or attend an interview or briefing.
    • Missing these deadlines often results in being skipped or removed from the list.

What to expect next:
If your name reaches the top of a list, you’ll usually go through a full eligibility review, including document checks, sometimes background checks, and unit offer(s) if you’re approved. If you’re offered a unit or voucher, you’ll be given instructions, deadlines, and next steps such as attending a briefing, signing a lease, or finding a landlord that accepts the voucher.

Real-world friction to watch for

Real-world friction to watch for

A common snag is that waitlists open briefly and fill up quickly, sometimes within hours or days, and only online. If you rely solely on one website or don’t check announcements from your PHA or housing department regularly, you may miss your chance and have to wait months or years for the next opening. To reduce this risk, call your PHA and ask if they have email alerts, text alerts, or bulletin boards where they post upcoming waitlist openings, and check those regularly.

5. Scam and fraud warnings

Any time housing, vouchers, or applications are involved, be cautious:

  • Never pay a private person or website a “fee” to get on a government waitlist. Application fees for specific properties (if allowed) are usually clearly listed by the official property manager or PHA, not random individuals.
  • Avoid listings or “guarantees” that are not linked through .gov sites or known nonprofit housing agencies.
  • Do not share full Social Security numbers, ID images, or pay stubs through unofficial forms or social media messages.
  • If someone claims to “move you up the list” or “get you a voucher faster” for money, that is almost always fraud; report it to your PHA or local housing department.

6. Legitimate help if you’re stuck

If you’re having trouble locating real affordable housing options or understanding the listings, you can:

  • Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Ask specifically for help with rental and affordable housing search, not just homeownership.
  • Visit a local community action agency or legal aid office and ask if they provide rental or housing navigation assistance.
  • Ask your PHA or city housing department if they partner with nonprofits or social service agencies that help people fill out applications and gather documents.

One simple next action you can take today: Call your local Public Housing Authority or city housing department and ask, “Where can I see a current list of affordable or income-restricted apartments and open waitlists in this area?” From there, use the steps above to identify real properties, gather documents, apply through official channels, and monitor your place on the lists.