How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Arizona

The U.S. government recognizes that "decent, safe and sanitary housing" should be available to citizens and offers assistance to help very-low-income families find a place to live. In Arizona, two types of Section 8 assistance are available: project-based rental assistance and housing choice vouchers. Families in need of housing assistance must apply for a voucher. In Arizona, as in other states, there are waiting lists; not every family will receive a voucher. If you need assistance, sign up as soon as you can.

Instructions

1. Contact the Arizona Department of Housing and ask a clerk to tell you what the median income level is for your county. Call 602-771-1000.

2. Compare your family income against the median income in your county. Your family's income generally must be at or below 50 percent of the median income to be eligible for assistance.

3. Visit a project-based rental-assistance property in Arizona and apply for housing at the site. According to the Arizona Department of Housing, as of 2010, there were 7,900 Section 8 units available to low-income families (spread over 114 properties). Contact the Arizona Department of Housing for addresses in your area.

4. Apply for a housing choice voucher at your city or county housing authority in Arizona. If you do not want to live in an apartment, you may be able to rent a house. Contact your city or county's housing department to apply.

References

• Arizona Department of Housing: Section 8 Housing Programs
• Arizona Department of Housing: Project Based Rental Assistance
• City of Mesa, Arizona: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet

Resources

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Arizona Housing Authorities