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Section 8 Waiting Lists Open May 2026

Brittney Richey
Published May 04, 2026 07:03:pm EST

Introduction

Early May 2026 brings a focused wave of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher opportunities across the United States. This update highlights 10 housing authority openings from May 4-8, with daily opportunities in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia (3 separate authorities), New Jersey, California, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. This week features several dual HCV/PBV openings and major opportunities in Baltimore County and Virginia statewide programs.

Opening Sunday, May 4 (5 Housing Authorities - 4 States)

Ohio

Marion Metropolitan Housing Authority

Central Ohio dual program opening.

Maryland

Baltimore County

Major metropolitan opportunity serving county surrounding Baltimore City.

Virginia (3 Separate Openings)

Loudoun County Department of Housing & Community Development

Note: This is traditional Section 8 HCV, different from the ADU programs that opened May 1.

Virginia Housing Development Authority (Statewide)

Major statewide PBV opportunity.

New Jersey

Somerville Housing Authority

Central New Jersey opportunity.

Opening Monday, May 5

California

City of Vacaville

Northern California opportunity between Sacramento and Bay Area.

Opening Tuesday, May 6

Virginia

Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Hampton Roads region opportunity.

Opening Wednesday, May 7

Colorado

Larimer County Housing Authority
  • Program: Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
  • Opening Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2026
  • Application Method: Online
  • How to Apply: fchousing.com
  • More Information: Larimer County Housing

Northern Colorado opportunity (Fort Collins area).

Opening Thursday, May 8

Texas

Harlingen Housing Authority

South Texas Rio Grande Valley opportunity.

Arizona

Chandler Housing & Redevelopment Division

Phoenix metro area opportunity (southeast valley).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Section 8 Waiting List?

Section 8 Waiting lists are lists that are maintained by local Housing Authorities to determine who receives a section 8 housing voucher. Each list is different in the way that it operates. Some housing authorities use a lottery system where recipients are chosen at random and others operate a list on a first-come, first-serve basis. Getting your name on your local housing authorities waiting list is typically the first step toward securing a housing voucher.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Voucher Once Im On the Waiting List?

The time it takes to get a voucher once on a section 8 waiting list depends on a number of factors. Some housing authority’s waitlist is very small and voucher assistance can be provided quickly. In larger communities with long waiting lists the times can take months or longer.

How Do I Check My Status on the Waiting List?

Contact the housing authority that maintains the waiting list you are currently on. This is a critical step as some housing authorities will remove names from their waiting list in an effort to keep their list up to date. Its recommended to continually check your status to ensure that your name remains on the waiting list and you continue to express your need for affordable housing.

What Happens Once My Name is Selected From The Waiting List?

Typically the housing authority will do final checks to ensure that you still meet the eligibility requirements such as income restrictions and also confirm your household size hasnt changed. This helps ensure your receiving the proper amount of assistance. Once final checks and approvals are complete you can begin yoru search for an affordable home that accepts your section 8 voucher.

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