Affordable housing and low-income rentals

“Low-income housing” can mean a portable voucher, a housing-authority property, or a reduced-rent apartment with its own waitlist. Applying through several valid paths can give you more options.

Compare programs Find local resources

Four paths worth checking

Housing Choice Vouchers

Tenant-based assistance that may move with you, subject to program rules.

Understand Section 8

Public housing

Housing owned or operated by a public housing agency, usually with income-based eligibility.

Compare with vouchers

Project-based rental assistance

Help tied to a particular property or unit. You typically apply to the property or its manager.

Learn how to search

Income-restricted apartments

Properties may offer below-market rents under programs such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.

Find legitimate listings

Build a wider application list

Do not assume one closed voucher list means every form of affordable housing is closed. Ask housing agencies about public housing and project-based vouchers, search subsidized apartment listings, and contact properties about their own waitlists and application rules.

Affordable housing guides

Affordable housing lotteries: eligibility and applications

Learn how affordable housing lotteries work, prepare documents, check income bands, and avoid scams. Selection does not guarantee eligibility.

Housing lotteries

How to apply for public housing

Apply for public housing through your local PHA. Learn about income limits, waiting lists, rent, unit offers, and resident requirements.

Public housing

Affordable housing: common questions

Answers to common questions about affordable housing eligibility, rent, applications, waiting lists, and finding legitimate local help.

Affordable housing questions

Area median income (AMI) and housing income limits

Understand area median income, household-size limits, and the difference between qualifying for housing and calculating your rent.

Income limits

Low-income housing programs compared

Compare Section 8 vouchers, public housing, LIHTC apartments, and USDA rentals by eligibility, rent, waiting lists, and where to apply.

Program comparison

How to find low-income apartments

Find low-income apartments through HUD, housing agencies, and property managers. Compare income-based rent, tax credit housing, and waiting lists.

Apartment search

Government housing assistance programs explained

Explore federal, state, local, and tribal housing assistance and learn which agency handles applications for each type of help.

Program map

LIHTC apartments: income limits, rent, and applications

Learn how tax credit apartments set rents and income limits, where to apply, and why a lower income does not automatically lower the rent.

Tax credit housing

Public housing vs. Section 8 vouchers

Compare public housing and Section 8 vouchers: where you can live, who manages the home, how rent works, and where to apply.

Public housing comparison

USDA rural rental housing and rental assistance

Find USDA rural rental properties and understand Section 515 apartments, income eligibility, and the availability of rental assistance.

Rural rentals