Maryland’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a lifeline for thousands of residents facing rising housing costs and limited affordable options. As of 2025, over 35% of Maryland renters are considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

With median rents climbing and wages failing to keep pace, programs like Section 8 are critical to ensuring that low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities have access to safe and stable housing.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Maryland?

Eligibility for Section 8 housing in Maryland is determined by several criteria:

Income Limits: Households must earn less than a specific percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by location and household size. In 2025, priority is often given to families earning below 30% of the AMI.
Citizenship or Immigration Status: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
Criminal Background Check: All adult household members undergo a background check. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify applicants.
Rental History: Applicants should have a satisfactory rental history, with no significant debts or evictions.

Specific requirements may vary by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), so it’s essential to contact your local office for detailed eligibility information.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Maryland?

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Maryland is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area. The FMR is the average rent that would be charged for a similar unit in the same geographic area, and it varies depending on the location and size of the unit.

The maximum rent payment for Section 8 housing in Maryland is calculated based on the FMR for the area, the size of the unit, and the household's income. Typically, Section 8 will pay the difference between 30% of the household's income and the FMR for the unit. For example, if the FMR for a two-bedroom unit in Baltimore is $1,200 per month and the household's income is $1,000 per month, Section 8 would pay $800 per month towards the rent.

There are several factors that can affect the maximum rent payment for Section 8 housing in Maryland. These factors include:

The location of the housing unit: The FMR varies depending on the location of the housing unit, with higher rents in more expensive areas.
The size of the housing unit: The FMR also varies depending on the size of the housing unit, with larger units having higher FMRs.
The household's income: Section 8 rental assistance is based on the household's income, with households paying no more than 30% of their income towards rent.
Utility costs: Section 8 may also pay a portion of the household's utility costs, which can affect the maximum rent payment.

Be sure to keep these factors in mind when considering whether Section 8 Housing in Maryland is feasible

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Maryland

Income limits for Section 8 are calculated as a percentage of the AMI and vary by household size and location. Below are the 2025 income limits for Maryland:

Income limits are updated annually and may differ across counties. Applicants should verify the latest limits with their local PHA.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Maryland

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are the average rents for typical rental units in a specific area. In Maryland, FMRs are used to determine the maximum amount of rent that can be charged for a Section 8 housing unit. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates FMRs for every metropolitan area and non-metropolitan county in the country.

The calculation of FMRs takes into account several factors, including the size of the unit, the location of the unit, and the type of unit. FMRs for Section 8 housing in Maryland are calculated by HUD. Here are the FMRs for Section 8 housing in Maryland in 2023, based on HUD's calculations:

FMRs for Section 8 housing in Maryland are designed to ensure that the rental assistance provided is sufficient to allow eligible households to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing. By taking into account the size, location, and type of the housing unit, HUD can provide FMRs that are appropriate for the local rental market.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Maryland?

To apply for Section 8 housing in Maryland, individuals or families must complete an application with their local Public Housing Authority (PHA). The application process for Section 8 housing in Maryland involves several steps, including:

Locate Your Local PHA: Use the HUD PHA Locator Tool or contact the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to find your local office.
Complete the Application: Submit your application online or in person. Include personal and financial details, such as income, assets, and household composition.
Provide Documentation: Required documents include proof of income, identification for all household members, and social security numbers.
Attend an Interview: Applicants may need to attend an in-person interview for eligibility verification.
Wait for Review: Applications may take weeks or months to process, depending on demand and resources.

The application process for Section 8 housing in Maryland is designed to ensure that eligible households receive rental assistance based on their income and other eligibility criteria. By completing the application and providing the required documents, eligible individuals and families can access the valuable resource of affordable housing in Maryland.

Maryland Housing Authorities

Maryland has several Housing Authorities that administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. These Housing Authorities are responsible for determining eligibility, issuing vouchers, and overseeing the program in their respective areas. Here is an overview of the Maryland Housing Authorities:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Anne Arundel County Housing Commission	44 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 222-6200 Email	Visit Website
Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development	417 E Fayette Street, Room 1005, Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 396-3232 Email	Visit Website
Baltimore County Office of Housing	6401 York Road, First Floor, Baltimore, MD 21212 (410) 887-2766 Email	Visit Website
Carroll County Housing and Community Development	10 Distillery Drive, Suite 101, Westminster, MD 21157 (410) 386-3600 Email	Visit Website
Cecil County Housing Agency	200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 1800, Elkton, MD 21921 (410) 996-5245 Email	Visit Website
Charles County Housing Authority	8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677 (301) 932-5200 Email	Visit Website
Dorchester County Housing Authority	501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613 (410) 228-6080 Email	Visit Website
Frederick County Housing and Community Development	10 S. Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 600-3966 Email	Visit Website
Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.	104 E. Center Street, Oakland, MD 21550 (301) 334-9431 Email	Visit Website
Harford County Housing and Community Development	15 S. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 638-3045 Email	Visit Website
Howard County Housing and Community Development	9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 (410) 313-6318 Email	Visit Website
Kent County Housing Agency	215-B Scheeler Road, Chestertown, MD 21620 (410) 778-4330 Email	Visit Website
Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission	10400 Detrick Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895 (240) 627-9400 Email	Visit Website
Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development	9200 Basil Court, Suite 301, Largo, MD 20774 (301) 883-5501 Email	Visit Website
Queen Anne's County Housing Authority	107 N. Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617 (410) 758-3977 Email	Visit Website
Somerset County Department of Social Services	30397 Mt. Vernon Road, Princess Anne, MD 21853 (410) 677-4200 Email	Visit Website
St. Mary's County Housing Authority	21155 Lexwood Drive, Suite A, Lexington Park, MD 20653 (301) 863-7366 Email	Visit Website
Talbot County Housing Authority	20 Bay Street, Suite 5, Easton, MD 21601 (410) 770-6250 Email	Visit Website
Washington County Housing Authority	35 W. Baltimore Street, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740 (240) 420-2100 Email	Visit Website
Wicomico County Housing Authority	920 W. Isabella Street, Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 749-4393 Email	Visit Website
Worcester County Housing Authority	305 Bank Street, Suite 1, Snow Hill, MD 21863 (410) 632-3171 Email	Visit Website

These Housing Authorities are an essential resource for eligible households seeking affordable housing in Maryland. To contact a Maryland Housing Authority for more information, visit their website or call their office.

Section 8 Housing Maryland Waiting List

High demand for housing vouchers in Maryland often leads to lengthy waiting times, with many applicants facing delays of months or even years before receiving assistance. Waiting periods vary widely depending on location and the availability of funding. For example, in urban areas like Baltimore City, waiting lists can stretch beyond three years due to high demand, while in smaller jurisdictions, applicants may secure assistance more quickly.

Applicants should frequently check their status and ensure their contact information remains up-to-date to avoid missing opportunities when vouchers become available.

Each housing authority maintains its own waiting list and updates it based on local priorities and resources. As of 2025, waiting list statuses include:

  
        Housing Authority
        Waiting List Status
      
        Anne Arundel County Housing Commission
        Open
      
        Baltimore County Office of Housing
        Open
      
        Carroll County Bureau of Housing and Community Development
        Closed
      
        Cecil County Housing Agency
        Closed
      
        Charles County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Frederick County Housing and Community Development
        Closed
      
        Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.
        Closed
      
        Harford County Housing and Community Development
        Open
      
        Howard County Housing and Community Development
        Open
      
        Kent County Housing Agency
        Closed
      
        Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission
        Closed
      
        Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development
        Open
      
        Queen Anne's County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Somerset County Department of Social Services
        Closed
      
        St. Mary's County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Talbot County Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Washington County Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Wicomico County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Worcester County Housing Authority
        Closed

Once on the waiting list, applicants will receive regular updates on the status of their application and their position on the waiting list. It's important to keep your contact information up-to-date to ensure that you receive these updates.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Maryland?

The approval process for Section 8 housing in Maryland can take several weeks to several months, depending on several factors. The process involves several steps, including application submission, verification of eligibility, and voucher issuance. Here is an overview of the Section 8 application review process in Maryland:

Application submission: The first step in the Section 8 application process in Maryland is to submit the application to the local Housing Authority. The application will include personal and financial information, as well as documentation to support eligibility.
Verification of eligibility: After receiving the application, the Housing Authority will review the information provided and verify eligibility. This may involve contacting employers, banks, and other sources to verify income and other eligibility criteria.
Waiting list placement: Once eligibility is confirmed, the applicant will be placed on the waiting list for a Section 8 voucher. The length of the waiting list will vary depending on demand and available funding.
Voucher issuance: When a voucher becomes available, the Housing Authority will issue the voucher to the eligible applicant. The voucher specifies the maximum amount of rent that can be paid by Section 8.

It's important to keep in touch with the Housing Authority during the process and to provide any additional documentation or information they may need to expedite the review process.

Other Low Income Housing Options in Maryland

In addition to Section 8, Maryland offers several other housing assistance programs:

Public Housing: Operated by PHAs, public housing units are available to eligible low-income families, with rent typically capped at 30% of household income.
Subsidized Housing: Privately owned properties offer reduced rent through government assistance programs.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: These developments provide affordable units to tenants meeting income requirements.

For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development website.

Securing Stable Housing in Maryland

Affordable housing is more than a necessity—it’s a foundation for opportunity. For many Maryland residents, programs like Section 8 provide a vital path to stability, offering relief amid rising rents and financial uncertainty.