Affordable housing can be challenging to find in Colorado, where rising housing costs have placed a significant burden on many families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program offers rental assistance to those who qualify, helping them secure safe and stable housing while paying an affordable portion of their income toward rent.

Administered by the Colorado Division of Housing and local housing authorities, the Section 8 program is a vital resource for low-income households. This guide provides everything you need to know about qualifying, applying, and navigating the program, as well as other affordable housing options available in Colorado.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Colorado?

To be eligible for Section 8 in Colorado, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Income Eligibility: Your household income must fall below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For example, in Denver County, a family of four must earn $37,700 or less in 2025 to qualify as very low-income. Priority is often given to those earning less than 30% of the AMI.

Residency and Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with eligible immigration status.

Background and Rental History: All household members over the age of 18 must pass a criminal background check. Applicants should also demonstrate a history of timely rent payments and responsible tenancy.

Some housing authorities may also consider special circumstances, such as disabilities or domestic violence situations, when determining eligibility. Contact your local housing authority to confirm requirements in your area.

How Much Does Section 8 Pay in Colorado?

Section 8 assistance is determined using Fair Market Rents (FMR) set annually by HUD. Participants typically pay 30% of their income toward rent, while the program subsidizes the remainder up to the FMR limit.

Income Limits for Section 8 in Colorado

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Colorado, applicants must have a household income that is below a certain threshold. The income limit for Section 8 housing in Colorado varies depending on the county and the size of the household.

Income limits are calculated using the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county or metropolitan area where the household is located. The AMI is the midpoint of all incomes in a given area, with 50% of households earning more and 50% earning less.

To determine eligibility for Section 8 housing in Colorado, the income of all household members is taken into account. This includes the income of all adults, as well as any income earned by minors in the household.

It's important to note that not all income is counted when calculating eligibility for Section 8 housing in Colorado. Certain deductions may be made, such as for child care expenses, medical expenses, and disability-related expenses.

To find out if your income meets the requirements for Section 8 housing in Colorado, you can contact your local housing authority. They can provide information on income limits for your area and assist you in determining your eligibility for the program. You can also reference the following table to understand the current income limits in Colorado.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 in Colorado

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) is the amount of rent that would be needed to rent a moderately priced rental unit in a particular area. The FMR is calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and varies depending on the county or metropolitan area.

The FMR is used to determine the maximum rental subsidy that Section 8 will pay for a particular unit. If the rent for a unit is below the FMR, the tenant's portion of the rent will be based on their income, as described in section III. If the rent for a unit is above the FMR, the tenant may need to pay a portion of the rent themselves in addition to the Section 8 subsidy.

The FMR is calculated based on a number of factors, including the size of the unit, the number of bedrooms, and the geographic location. The FMR is designed to reflect the rental market in a particular area, and is intended to ensure that Section 8 tenants have access to decent, safe, and affordable housing.

It's important to note that FMRs can change from year to year, so the amount of the rental subsidy for a particular unit may also change. It's important to check with your local housing authority to determine the FMR for your area and the maximum rental subsidy that Section 8 will pay for a particular unit. The following table shows Fair Market Rents in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder, Colorado.

How to apply for Section 8 housing in Colorado

Applying for Section 8 involves several steps:

Find Your Local Housing Authority: Use the HUD PHA Directory to locate the nearest housing authority.
Complete the Application: Provide details about your household size, income, and rental history. Applications can often be submitted online, in person, or by mail.
Submit Documentation: Include proof of income, identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
Wait for Processing: The housing authority will verify your eligibility, conduct a background check, and place you on a waiting list if no vouchers are immediately available.
Check Your Status: Contact the housing authority regularly to stay updated on your application status.

It's important to note that the Section 8 housing Colorado waiting list can vary by location and may be closed at certain times. It's a good idea to check with your local housing authority to find out the current status of the waiting list.

Housing Authorities in Colorado

Housing Authorities in Colorado are responsible for administering the Section 8 housing program in their respective areas. There are over 60 Housing Authorities in Colorado, each covering a specific geographic area.

The role of Housing Authorities in the Section 8 housing program in Colorado is to:

Determine eligibility: Housing Authorities are responsible for verifying the eligibility of applicants for Section 8 housing in Colorado, including income limits and other eligibility requirements.
Provide vouchers: Housing Authorities issue vouchers to eligible applicants, which can be used to rent a unit that meets the program requirements.
Set payment standards: Housing Authorities set payment standards based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, which determines the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a particular unit.
Inspect units: Housing Authorities inspect units to ensure that they meet the program requirements for health and safety.

To find a Housing Authority in Colorado, you can use the HUD directory of Housing Authorities, which provides contact information for Housing Authorities across the state. Once you have identified the Housing Authority in your area, you can contact them to inquire about the availability of vouchers and the application process for Section 8 housing in Colorado.

To apply for Section 8 housing in Colorado through a Housing Authority, you will need to provide information about your income, family size, and housing history. You may also be required to provide documentation to verify your eligibility, such as proof of income and identification for all household members. It's important to contact your local Housing Authority to find out the specific requirements for applying for Section 8 housing in Colorado in your area. Below you will find the contact information for many of the Housing Authorities in Colorado.

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Adams County Housing Authority	7190 Colorado Blvd, Commerce City, CO 80022 303-227-2075 Email	Visit Website
Aurora Housing Authority	10745 E Kentucky Ave, Aurora, CO 80012 303-344-8047 Email	Visit Website
Boulder Housing Authority	4800 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 303-441-3929 Email	Visit Website
Colorado Springs Housing Authority	831 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-387-6700 Email	Visit Website
Denver Housing Authority	777 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203 720-932-3000 Email	Visit Website
Fort Collins Housing Authority	1715 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521 970-416-2910 Email	Visit Website
Grand Junction Housing Authority	1011 N 10th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-245-0388 Email	Visit Website
Greeley-Weld Housing Authority	903 6th St, Greeley, CO 80631 970-353-7437 Email	Visit Website
Longmont Housing Authority	1228 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501 303-651-8581 Email	Visit Website
Pueblo Housing Authority	201 S Victoria Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003 719-544-6474 Email	Visit Website
Weld County Housing Authority	903 6th St, Greeley, CO 80631 970-353-7437 Email	Visit Website

How long does it take to get approved for Section 8 in Colorado?

Due to high demand, most housing authorities in Colorado maintain waiting lists for Section 8 assistance. These lists prioritize households based on need, with preferences often given to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.

In urban areas like Denver and Boulder, waiting lists can extend beyond three years due to limited funding and high demand. In smaller or rural counties, the wait may be shorter, averaging six months to two years.

There are a number of factors that may affect the processing time for Section 8 housing applications in Colorado, including:

Availability of vouchers: If there are no vouchers available, applicants may be placed on a waiting list, which can increase the processing time.
Verification of eligibility: Housing Authorities are required to verify the eligibility of all applicants for Section 8 housing in Colorado, which can take time.
Completion of Background checks: Housing Authorities are required to conduct background checks on all applicants, which can also take time.
Completeness of application: If an application is incomplete or missing required documentation, it may take longer to process.

To expedite the Section 8 housing application process in Colorado, applicants can take the following steps:

Provide complete and accurate information: Make sure to provide all required information and documentation with your application to avoid delays.
Follow up with the Housing Authority: Check in with your local Housing Authority periodically to inquire about the status of your application.
Be available for verification: Make sure to be available to provide any additional information or documentation that the Housing Authority may need to verify your eligibility.

It's important to note that the processing time for Section 8 housing applications in Colorado can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the household and the availability of vouchers in the area. It's a good idea to be patient and explore other low-income housing options while waiting for approval for Section 8 housing in Colorado. The following table shows currently open Section 8 waiting lists in Colorado.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waitlist Status
    
      Delta Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Garfield County Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Grand Junction Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of the City of Salida
      Open
    
      Jefferson County Housing Authority
      Open

Other low-income housing options in Colorado

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are other low-income housing options available in Colorado. These options may include public housing, tax credit properties, and other subsidized housing programs. Some of these programs may have no waiting list, which can make them a good option for those who are in need of housing assistance.

Public housing is a program that is managed by Housing Authorities and provides affordable housing to eligible low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Public housing units are owned and operated by the Housing Authority and are rented at a subsidized rate to eligible tenants.

Tax credit properties are privately owned properties that have received tax credits from the government in exchange for renting a portion of the units at an affordable rate to low-income tenants. These properties are managed by private management companies and may offer a range of amenities and services.

To apply for HUD housing in Colorado, you can visit the HUD website to search for properties in your area. You can also contact your local Housing Authority for information about other low-income housing options in Colorado.

It's important to note that eligibility requirements, application processes, and availability of housing options can vary depending on the specific program and location. It's a good idea to explore all available options and contact the relevant agencies to determine eligibility and the application process.

Finding Stability Through Section 8 in Colorado

Navigating the Section 8 program in Colorado can be a lengthy process, but the benefits are worth the effort for those who qualify. By understanding eligibility requirements, income limits, and application procedures, you can improve your chances of securing affordable housing.

For more information, contact your local housing authority or explore additional resources at the HUD Housing Choice Voucher page. Colorado residents facing housing challenges can take advantage of these programs to achieve stability and security.