Nevada faces one of the most critical affordable housing shortages in the nation, particularly for extremely low-income (ELI) renters—those earning at or below 30% of the area median income. With only 14 affordable and available rental homes per 100 ELI households, thousands of families are left struggling to make ends meet. This scarcity forces many Nevadans to dedicate the majority of their income to housing, leaving little for essentials like food, healthcare, and education.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program offers a lifeline to low-income individuals and families across Nevada. By subsidizing rental costs, the program helps bridge the affordability gap, empowering households to find safe, stable housing in the private market while freeing up resources for other necessities. As the demand for affordable housing continues to rise, understanding the importance of Section 8 and how it works is more critical than ever.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Nevada?

The Section 8 program in Nevada continues to assist low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in securing affordable housing. In 2025, updated eligibility requirements reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to address the affordable housing crisis:

Income Limits: Applicants must have a household income at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). For high-demand areas like Las Vegas, the limits are adjusted to reflect higher living costs. Priority is often given to households earning 30% or less of AMI.
Citizenship or Immigration Status: At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Background Checks: Applicants with certain criminal histories, such as violent offenses, may be disqualified.
Rental History: A clean rental history, free from recent evictions or lease violations, is required.
Priority Groups: Preference may be given to elderly individuals, families with children, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness.

With demand outpacing funding, most applicants are placed on waiting lists, emphasizing the need for long-term affordable housing solutions in Nevada.

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

Fair Market Rent (FMR), set annually by HUD, determines the maximum subsidy Section 8 will cover. Nevada's 2025 FMRs reflect rising housing costs across urban and rural areas.

Calculation Example: For a two-bedroom unit with a $1,450 FMR, if the tenant’s adjusted income is $1,000 per month, they pay 30% ($300) toward rent. Section 8 would cover the remaining $1,150.

Housing authorities can adjust payment standards within 90%-110% of the FMR to account for market variations.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Nevada

The income thresholds in 2025 reflect Nevada’s higher cost of living, especially in urban centers like Las Vegas and Reno. Eligible households must provide proof of income and may qualify for deductions (e.g., childcare or medical expenses) to lower their adjusted gross income.

The following table shows the current income limits in Nevada.

To determine if an applicant meets the income eligibility requirements, the housing authority will calculate the household's gross income, which includes all sources of income, such as wages, salaries, Social Security benefits, pensions, and any other income earned by household members. The housing authority will also deduct certain expenses from the gross income, such as child care expenses, medical expenses, and certain disability-related expenses, to arrive at the household's net income.

If the household's net income is at or below 50% of the AMI for their area, they meet the income eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in Nevada. However, meeting the income eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval for the program, as other factors such as citizenship status, criminal history, and rental history are also considered.

It's important to note that the income limits for Section 8 housing in Nevada are subject to change each year, as they are based on the annual HUD income limits. Applicants should check with their local housing authority to confirm the current income limits for their area.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Nevada

Fair market rent (FMR) is the amount of rent that a unit in a particular area would typically rent for, including utilities (except for telephone and cable TV). Fair market rent is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is used to calculate the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a particular unit.

HUD conducts a survey each year to determine the FMR for different areas across the country. The survey takes into account factors such as the size of the unit, the number of bedrooms, and the location. The FMR is calculated based on the 40th percentile of rents in a particular area, meaning that 40% of rental units in that area are at or below the fair market rent.

The fair market rent for a particular area is important in determining the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a unit. Housing authorities may set their payment standards anywhere between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent for their area, which means that Section 8 may pay between 90% and 110% of the FMR for a particular unit.

The following table shows the current fair market rents in Nevada.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Nevada?

The application process in 2025 has been streamlined, with housing authorities offering online portals for improved accessibility:

Determine Eligibility: Verify income, residency, and other qualifying factors.
Find a Housing Authority: Nevada’s program is managed locally. Major housing authorities include:

Submit Application: Provide required documentation, such as income proof, identification, and residency status.
Await Placement: Due to high demand, waiting lists can extend for several months to years, depending on the region.

The application process may vary slightly depending on the housing authority in your area. Some housing authorities may require additional documentation or have different application procedures. Contact your local housing authority for specific instructions on how to apply for Section 8 housing in your area.

Nevada Housing Authorities

The Section 8 program in Nevada is administered by several housing authorities across the state. These housing authorities are responsible for receiving and processing applications, determining eligibility, and providing assistance to Section 8 participants. Here is some information on the housing authorities in Nevada that administer the Section 8 program:

Name	Contact Information	Website
Nevada Rural Housing Authority	3695 Desatoya Drive, Carson City, NV 89701 (775) 887-1795 Email	Visit Website
Reno Housing Authority	1525 East 9th Street, Reno, NV 89512 (775) 329-3630 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of the City of Las Vegas	2500 W. Washington Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106 (702) 477-3100 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of the County of Clark	340 N 11th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 477-3100 Email	Visit Website

These housing authorities in Nevada provide a range of services to help applicants and participants in the Section 8 program. These services may include:

Application Assistance: Housing authority staff can assist applicants with filling out the Section 8 application and providing required documentation.
Eligibility Determination: Housing authority staff will determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements for the Section 8 program.
Voucher Issuance: Once an applicant is approved for the Section 8 program, the housing authority will issue a voucher that can be used to pay for rent in a qualified unit.
Landlord Assistance: Housing authority staff can provide information and assistance to landlords who want to participate in the Section 8 program.
Participant Assistance: Once a participant is in the Section 8 program, the housing authority can provide assistance with issues such as finding housing and resolving disputes with landlords.

If you are interested in applying for Section 8 housing in Nevada, contact your local housing authority for more information.

Section 8 Housing Nevada Waiting List

Due to the high demand for affordable housing in Nevada, the Section 8 program often has a waiting list for applicants. The following list shows the current waiting list status for housing authorities in Nevada.

  
      Name
      Current Waiting List Status
    
      Nevada Rural Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Reno Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Housing Authority of the City of Las Vegas
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of the County of Clark
      Closed

To check your status on the waiting list, contact your local housing authority. They can provide information on your current position on the waiting list and estimated wait times. It's important to keep your contact information up-to-date with the housing authority to ensure you receive important updates about your status on the waiting list.

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

Getting approved for Section 8 housing in Nevada can be a lengthy process due to the high demand for affordable housing in the state. The timeline for getting approved for Section 8 in Nevada can vary depending on a number of factors, including the availability of funding, the number of applicants on the waiting list, and the responsiveness of the applicant.

On average, it can take several months to several years to get approved for Section 8 housing in Nevada. After submitting an application, applicants are placed on a waiting list and must wait for funding to become available. Once funding is available, applicants are contacted to undergo a final eligibility determination process before receiving a voucher.

To expedite the process for getting approved for Section 8 housing in Nevada, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Submit a Complete Application: Make sure to submit a complete and accurate application with all required documentation. Incomplete applications can delay the approval process.
Respond Promptly: If the housing authority contacts you for additional information or to schedule an appointment, respond promptly to avoid delays.
Keep Contact Information Up-to-Date: Make sure to provide the housing authority with up-to-date contact information so they can reach you if there are any updates or changes to your application status.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about the Section 8 program in Nevada by checking the housing authority's website for updates and information on the program.

Other Low-Income Housing Options in Nevada

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are other low-income housing options available in Nevada. Here are some of the programs and options available:

Public Housing: Federally subsidized units managed by local housing authorities.
LIHTC Properties: Affordable rentals developed under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
USDA Rural Development Housing: Affordable options for families in rural areas.

To be eligible for these programs, applicants must meet certain income and other eligibility requirements. Each program has its own specific requirements, so it's important to contact the appropriate agency or organization for more information on eligibility and application procedures.

Ensuring Affordable Housing for Nevada's Families

Nevada’s Section 8 program remains a critical lifeline for low-income households amid escalating housing costs. With updated Fair Market Rents, income limits, and streamlined application processes, the program is adapting to meet 2025’s challenges. For those in need, exploring all available resources and applying promptly can improve access to safe and affordable housing.