Finding affordable housing in Arizona can feel overwhelming, especially with rising rents across the Phoenix metro area, Tucson, and other growing cities. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is one of the most valuable federal programs available to help low-income Arizona families pay for safe, decent housing in the private rental market. If you qualify, the program can cover a significant portion of your monthly rent, often paying 60% to 70% of the total cost.
This guide walks you through exactly how to apply for Section 8 in Arizona, including who is eligible, what income limits apply, which housing authorities to contact, and what to expect from the waiting list process.
Not sure if you qualify for Section 8 or other assistance programs? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility in minutes. You can also explore the Arizona Benefits Overview for a full list of programs available in your state.
What Is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
Section 8 is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Rather than placing families in government-owned housing, the program provides vouchers that allow recipients to rent from private landlords in the open market.
Here is how it works:
- You apply through your local public housing authority (PHA)
- If approved and selected from the waiting list, you receive a voucher
- You find a rental unit that meets HUD quality standards
- The housing authority pays a portion of rent directly to your landlord
- You pay the remaining portion, typically around 30% of your adjusted gross income
The voucher is tied to the tenant, not the property. This means you can move to a different rental and keep your assistance, as long as the new unit passes inspection.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in Arizona?
Eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher program is based on several factors:
Income Requirements
HUD sets income limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for each region. To qualify for Section 8, your household income generally must fall at or below 50% of the AMI for your area. However, by federal law, housing authorities must provide at least 75% of new vouchers to families earning at or below 30% of AMI (extremely low income).
Income limits vary by location and household size. The following table shows approximate income limits for the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metropolitan area. These figures are based on HUD guidelines and are updated annually, so always confirm with your local housing authority for the most current numbers.
Approximate Section 8 Income Limits: Phoenix Metro Area
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,300 | $32,150 |
| 2 Persons | $22,050 | $36,750 |
| 3 Persons | $24,800 | $41,350 |
| 4 Persons | $27,550 | $45,900 |
| 5 Persons | $29,800 | $49,600 |
| 6 Persons | $32,000 | $53,250 |
| 7 Persons | $34,250 | $56,900 |
| 8 Persons | $36,450 | $60,550 |
Note: These figures are approximate and based on recent HUD income limit data for the Phoenix metro area. Limits differ for Tucson, Flagstaff, and rural areas. Contact your local PHA for exact current numbers.
Other Eligibility Criteria
Beyond income, you must also meet these requirements:
- Citizenship or immigration status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. At least one household member must have eligible status.
- Background check: Housing authorities conduct criminal background screening. Certain offenses, particularly those related to drug manufacturing or sex offenses, may disqualify you.
- Rental history: A history of evictions or owing money to a previous housing authority may affect eligibility.
- Family composition: Single individuals, families with children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities can all qualify.
Major Arizona Housing Authorities That Administer Section 8
Arizona does not have a single statewide Section 8 program. Instead, the program is administered by local public housing authorities (PHAs) across the state. There are approximately 25 PHAs operating in Arizona. Here are some of the largest:
City of Phoenix Housing Department
- Address: 251 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Phone: (602) 262-6794
- Website: phoenix.gov/housing
- Serves: Approximately 7,600 Housing Choice Voucher holders
- Note: The Phoenix Section 8 waiting list opens infrequently. The most recent opening was in September 2023.
City of Tucson Department of Housing and Community Development
- Address: 310 North Commerce Park Loop, Tucson, AZ 85709
- Website: tucsonaz.gov/housing-and-community-development
- Programs: Section 8 HCV and Public Housing
City of Mesa Housing Authority
- Address: 200 South Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85210
- Programs: Section 8 HCV, Project-Based Vouchers, VASH (Veterans), Homeownership, Family Self-Sufficiency
Glendale Housing Authority
- Address: 6842 North 61st Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301
- Programs: Section 8 HCV and Public Housing
Flagstaff Housing Authority
- Address: 3481 North Fanning Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
- Programs: Section 8 HCV and Public Housing
You can find a complete list of Arizona housing authorities by visiting HUD's website or searching through resources like AffordableHousingOnline.com.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Arizona: Step by Step
Step 1: Find Your Local Housing Authority
Since Section 8 is administered locally, the first step is identifying which PHA serves your area. You can apply to more than one housing authority to increase your chances. Visit HUD's resource finder or call the Arizona Department of Housing at (602) 771-1000 for guidance.
Step 2: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
This is the most critical step. Most Arizona housing authorities do not accept applications year-round. Instead, they open their waiting lists for brief periods, sometimes just a few days or weeks, and then close them once enough applications are received.
To stay informed:
- Check your PHA's website regularly
- Call the office and ask about upcoming openings
- Sign up for email notifications if your PHA offers them
- Monitor sites like AffordableHousingOnline.com for waiting list alerts
Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application
When a waiting list opens, you will need to submit an application. Depending on the housing authority, you may be able to apply:
- Online through the PHA's website
- In person at the PHA office
- By mail or fax using a paper application
- By email (some PHAs accept emailed applications)
The application will ask for:
- Full legal names and dates of birth for all household members
- Social Security numbers
- Current income and sources of income
- Current address and contact information
- Information about citizenship or immigration status
- Any disability or special needs information
Step 4: Wait for Your Name to Be Called
After submitting your application, you will be placed on a waiting list. Many Arizona housing authorities use a lottery system rather than first-come, first-served. This means applying early does not necessarily give you priority.
Waiting times vary widely:
- Phoenix: Wait times of 2 to 5 years or more are common
- Tucson: Similar extended wait times depending on demand
- Smaller cities: May have shorter wait times, but fewer vouchers available
During the waiting period:
- Keep your contact information up to date with the PHA
- Respond promptly to any mail or notices from the housing authority
- Failure to respond can result in removal from the waiting list
Step 5: Attend the Eligibility Interview
When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will contact you for an eligibility interview. You will need to provide:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Social Security cards
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters)
- Bank statements
- Verification of current housing situation
- Any documentation of disability if applicable
Step 6: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
Once approved, you will receive your Housing Choice Voucher. You typically have 60 to 120 days to find a suitable rental unit. The unit must:
- Meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Have rent within the payment standard for your area
- Pass an inspection conducted by the PHA
Your housing authority will provide a briefing session explaining the rules, your responsibilities, and how to search for housing.
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application in Arizona
- Apply to multiple housing authorities. You are not limited to one. Apply wherever waiting lists are open.
- Keep copies of everything. Save your application confirmation, correspondence, and documents.
- Update your information immediately if you move, change your phone number, or have changes in household size or income.
- Be honest on your application. Providing false information is grounds for denial and potential legal consequences.
- Consider applying in smaller communities. Rural areas and smaller cities may have shorter waiting lists.
- Look into other programs while waiting. Programs like public housing, LIHEAP (utility assistance), and SNAP (food assistance) may help while you wait. Check your eligibility for all programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Arizona?
Wait times depend on the housing authority and local demand. In Phoenix and Tucson, waits of 2 to 5 years are typical. Some smaller PHAs may have shorter lists, but availability is limited.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to Arizona from another state?
Yes. The Section 8 program includes "portability," which allows you to transfer your voucher from one jurisdiction to another, including across state lines. Contact your current PHA to initiate a portability transfer.
What happens if I miss a notice from the housing authority?
If the housing authority sends you a notice and you do not respond within the required timeframe, your name may be removed from the waiting list. Always keep your contact information current.
Can I choose any apartment with a Section 8 voucher?
You can choose any rental unit that meets HUD quality standards and falls within the payment standard for your area. The landlord must also agree to participate in the program. Not all landlords accept Section 8, though Arizona does not currently have a statewide law requiring landlords to accept vouchers.
What if my income changes while I am on the waiting list?
Report any changes in income, household composition, or contact information to the housing authority. A change in income does not automatically remove you from the list, but your eligibility will be reviewed when your name comes up.
Are there preferences that can move me up the waiting list?
Some housing authorities give preference to certain groups, such as:
- Families with children
- Elderly individuals (62 and older)
- Persons with disabilities
- Veterans
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Families displaced by domestic violence
Check with your specific PHA to learn what preferences they apply.
Is there a Section 8 program specifically for veterans in Arizona?
Yes. The HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program combines Section 8 vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans. Contact your local VA medical center or housing authority for more information. The City of Mesa Housing Authority is one Arizona PHA that participates in HUD-VASH.
Other Housing and Benefits Programs in Arizona
While waiting for Section 8, explore these additional resources:
- Public Housing: Government-owned rental units with reduced rents. Some Arizona PHAs maintain open public housing waiting lists even when Section 8 is closed.
- LIHEAP: Helps with heating and cooling costs, which is especially valuable during Arizona's extreme summers. Check if you qualify.
- SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for food costs.
- AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): Free or low-cost healthcare for low-income residents.
- Arizona Department of Housing: Administers additional affordable housing programs statewide. Visit housing.az.gov or call (602) 771-1000.
For a complete overview of programs available in the state, visit the Arizona Benefits Overview page or use our free screener to see what you qualify for based on your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
Applying for Section 8 in Arizona requires patience and persistence. The demand for housing assistance far exceeds the supply of vouchers, so waiting lists are long and open infrequently. The key is to stay informed about when waiting lists open, apply to multiple housing authorities, and keep your application information current throughout the process.
Start by identifying the housing authorities in your area, checking their waiting list status, and gathering your documents now so you are ready to apply the moment a list opens. While you wait, take advantage of other assistance programs that can help with food, healthcare, and utility costs.
Check your eligibility for all available programs with our free screener.
