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Housing assistance in Puerto Rico

Start with the housing agencies and HUD resources below. Applications, funding, and waiting lists are handled by the providers you contact.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Administración de Vivienda Pública (AVP)San JuanPublic housing agency Puerto Rico Housing Finance AuthorityStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in Puerto RicoHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Puerto Rico

Energy and utility bills

  • Programa de Ayuda de Energía para Hogares de Bajo Ingreso (LIHEAP) Administración de Desarrollo Socioeconómico de la Familia (ADSEF), Departamento de la Familia

    Helps low-income households with electric bills through an energy subsidy, which TANF households receive automatically and other eligible households can request, and an energy crisis benefit for households with a LUMA disconnection notice. Apply through ADSEF Digital, a local Departamento de la Familia office, the ADSEF Digital line, or the government's 3-1-1 line.

    Call 787-792-3733

Free legal help

  • Servicios Legales de Puerto Rico Servicios Legales de Puerto Rico, Inc.

    Free civil legal help, including housing cases, for low-income people at 15 service centers. Apply by phone Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (toll-free 1-800-981-5342) or with the online form.

    Call 787-728-5070

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Phone lines that serve Puerto Rico

More local contacts: HUD’s Puerto Rico resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. Ponencia Vista Pública LIHEAP 2027 (July 16, 2026)Departamento de la Familia / ADSEF
  2. Servicios Legales de Puerto RicoServicios Legales de Puerto Rico, Inc.
  3. Administración de Vivienda PúblicaAdministración de Vivienda Pública