What is a Public Housing Authority (PHA)?
A Public Housing Authority (PHA) is a local government agency that administers federal housing assistance programs on behalf of HUD. PHAs manage public housing developments, administer Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (which help low-income families rent in the private market), and maintain waiting lists for housing assistance. There are approximately 3,300 PHAs across the United States, ranging from large city agencies managing tens of thousands of units to small county agencies with a few hundred.
Public Housing Authority Directory
Select a state to find Public Housing Authorities, Section 8 offices, and waitlist status.
How to Apply for Section 8
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are administered by local PHAs. Because demand for vouchers far exceeds supply in most areas, most PHAs maintain waiting lists — and many keep those lists closed for years at a time. Here's the typical process:
- Find your local PHA — Contact the PHA serving the area where you want to live, not necessarily where you currently live.
- Check waitlist status — Many PHAs have closed waitlists. Sign up for notifications of when they open.
- Apply when the list opens — Applications are usually first-come, first-served; some PHAs use lotteries.
- Wait for a voucher — Waiting times range from months to many years depending on local availability.
- Find a unit — Once issued a voucher, you have 60–120 days to find a unit that passes HUD's Housing Quality Standards inspection and whose landlord agrees to participate.