How to Apply for Public Housing

Public housing provides safe and affordable rental homes for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

If you need help finding affordable housing, here’s how you can apply for public housing:
 

Step 1: Contact Your Local Housing Agency

To start, reach out to your local Housing Agency (HA). You can find their contact information online or through your local government office.

If you have trouble reaching your local HA, you can also contact your nearest HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Field Office for help.
 

Step 2: Fill Out an Application

The application for public housing must be in writing. You can either fill it out yourself or ask a representative at the Housing Agency to help you.

Be prepared to provide:
 

• The names, genders, dates of birth, and relationships of everyone who will live with you.
• Your current address and phone number.
• Information about your family, such as veteran status or if you’re living in unsafe housing, which might help you get priority.
• Contact information for your current and past landlords (to check if you're likely to be a good tenant).
• An estimate of your family’s expected income for the next year, and where the income comes from (like work, Social Security, welfare, etc.).
• Names and contact information for your employer, bank, or other sources that can confirm your finances and family details.

Sometimes, the Housing Agency may also visit your home to see how you take care of your current living space.
 

Step 3: Provide Documentation

You’ll need to show documents to prove the information on your application is correct. This might include:
 

• Birth certificates
• Tax returns
• Proof of income (like pay stubs)

You’ll be asked to sign a form to allow the Housing Agency to verify this information with employers, banks, or other relevant sources.
 

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After you apply, the Housing Agency will review your information. They must notify you in writing to let you know if you’re eligible. If you qualify, your name will be added to a waiting list unless there’s housing available right away.

When your name comes up on the list, the Housing Agency will contact you.

If you don’t qualify, the Housing Agency must tell you why. If you disagree, you can ask for an informal hearing to discuss your case.
 

Step 5: Signing a Lease

If you’re offered a public housing unit and you accept, you'll sign a lease with the Housing Agency. You may need to pay a security deposit.

It’s important to go over the lease together with the Housing Agency so you understand your responsibilities as a tenant and what the Housing Agency will do for you.

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If you have questions during the process, don’t hesitate to ask your local Housing Agency for help. Applying for public housing can take some time, especially if there are a lot of people on the waiting list.

Being prepared with the right information and documents can make the process smoother.

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