Ohio Section 8 Housing
/In 2025, Ohio faces a persistent shortage of affordable housing, with median rents in cities like Columbus and Cincinnati rising above $1,200. Ohio's affordable housing crisis is stark, with less than 50 affordable homes available for every 100 extremely low-income households, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition's Gap Report.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a lifeline for many, and this guide explores exactly how the program works in Ohio.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Ohio?
Eligibility for Section 8 housing in Ohio is based on specific criteria designed to prioritize the state’s most vulnerable residents:
Income Limits: Applicants must earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority often given to households earning 30% or less. Income thresholds vary by county and household size.
Residency and Citizenship: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or hold eligible immigration status.
Rental History: Applicants must have a positive rental history, free from recent evictions or outstanding rental debts.
Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background screening. Recent drug-related or violent offenses may result in disqualification.
Priority Groups: Families experiencing homelessness, veterans, and those with severe rent burdens may receive expedited assistance.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that an applicant will receive Section 8 housing assistance, as the program is subject to funding availability and other factors. However, those who meet the eligibility criteria should apply to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Ohio?
Section 8 housing assistance in Ohio is designed to help low-income families afford safe and decent housing in the private rental market. To achieve this goal, the program sets payment standards and maximum rent limits that are based on the fair market rents for the local area.
The payment standard is the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay toward the rent and utilities for a Section 8 participant. In Ohio, the payment standard is generally set at 30% of the household's adjusted monthly income, although it may be adjusted up or down based on factors such as the size of the household, the location of the rental unit, and other factors.
The maximum rent limit is the highest amount of rent that a Section 8 participant can pay for their rental unit and still receive assistance. The maximum rent limit is based on the fair market rents for the local area, which are determined by HUD.
In Ohio, the maximum rent limit varies by location and the size of the rental unit. For example, the maximum rent limit for a one-bedroom rental unit in Franklin County, Ohio (which includes Columbus), is $901 per month, while the maximum rent limit for a four-bedroom rental unit in the same area is $1,559 per month.
Participants in the Section 8 program may be responsible for paying a portion of the rent and utilities, in addition to the amount paid by the housing authority. This amount is generally based on the participant's income and the payment standard, and is referred to as the tenant rent contribution.
Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Ohio
In order to be eligible for Section 8 housing in Ohio, applicants must meet certain income requirements. These income requirements are designed to ensure that the program is targeted to those who need it the most.
In Ohio, the income limits for Section 8 housing are based on the area median income (AMI) for the county or metropolitan area in which the applicant resides. The AMI is the midpoint of a region's income distribution, meaning that half of the households in the area earn more than the AMI and half earn less.
The income limits for Section 8 housing in Ohio are calculated as a percentage of the AMI. Generally, applicants must have an annual household income that is below 50% of the AMI for their area to be eligible for Section 8 housing. However, this threshold may vary depending on factors such as household size and composition.
The following table shows the state average income limits in Ohio.
Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Ohio
Fair market rents (FMRs) are used to determine the maximum amount of rent that a Section 8 participant can pay for their rental unit and still receive assistance. FMRs are based on the local rental market and are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In Ohio, FMRs vary by location and the size of the rental unit. FMRs are determined annually and are based on data from rental market surveys conducted by HUD. These surveys collect data on the rents charged for a wide range of rental units in a given area, and the data is used to calculate the FMRs for that area.
The following table shows current Fair Market Rents in Ohio
How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Ohio?
Locate Your Local Housing Authority: Each housing authority manages applications for its area. Major agencies include:
Complete the Application: Submit accurate details about household size, income, and any special circumstances.
Provide Required Documentation: Include proof of income, identification, and other supporting materials as requested.
Wait for Confirmation: Eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list if funding or vouchers are not immediately available.
Online applications are available for many housing authorities, making the process more accessible.
When submitting your application, it's important to be as accurate and complete as possible. Make sure to review the application forms and instructions carefully and provide all required information and documentation. You should also follow up with the housing authority to confirm that your application has been received and to check on the status of your application.
Ohio Housing Authorities
Housing authorities in Ohio play a critical role in administering the Section 8 program and providing affordable housing options for low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The housing authorities work in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide rental assistance to eligible households.
The responsibilities of housing authorities in Ohio include:
Determining eligibility for Section 8 housing assistance
Processing applications for Section 8 housing assistance
Conducting annual re-certifications of participants
Administering rent payments to landlords
Ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
There are multiple housing authorities in Ohio, each of which serves a specific geographic area. To apply for Section 8 housing in Ohio, you will need to contact the housing authority that serves your area.
Here is a list of housing authorities in Ohio and their contact information:
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Visit Website |
|---|---|---|
| Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority | 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, OH 44307 Phone: (330) 762-9631 |
Visit Website |
| Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority | 1627 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45214 Phone: (513) 721-4580 |
Visit Website |
| Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority | 8120 Kinsman Road, Cleveland, OH 44104 Phone: (216) 361-3700 |
Visit Website |
| Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority | 880 East 11th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211 Phone: (614) 421-6000 |
Visit Website |
| Toledo Metropolitan Housing Authority | 525 Hamilton Street, Toledo, OH 43604 Phone: (419) 259-9400 |
Visit Website |
| Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority | 400 East Tuscarawas Street, Canton, OH 44702 Phone: (330) 454-8051 |
Visit Website |
| Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority | 169 West First Street, Mansfield, OH 44902 Phone: (419) 524-2463 |
Visit Website |
| Athens Metropolitan Housing Authority | 49 East Fourth Street, The Plains, OH 45780 Phone: (740) 797-5806 |
Visit Website |
Section 8 Housing Ohio Waiting List
Due to the high demand for affordable housing options in Ohio, many housing authorities have waiting lists for the Section 8 program. The waiting lists are used to manage the limited funding available for the program and ensure that assistance is targeted to those who need it the most.
The length of the waiting list varies depending on factors such as the availability of funding, the size of the applicant pool, and the local rental market. In some cases, the waiting list may be several months or even years long.
The following table shows the current waiting list status for Housing Authorities in Ohio,
| Housing Authority | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority | Closed |
| Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Toledo Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority | Closed |
| Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Metropolitan Housing Authority of Warren County | Open |
| Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority | Closed |
| Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Athens Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
To check your waiting list status in Ohio, you will need to contact your local housing authority. The housing authority can provide you with information on your current status on the waiting list, as well as an estimated time frame for when you may receive assistance.
While waiting for Section 8 housing assistance in Ohio, there are other low-income housing options available. These options include public housing, which is owned and operated by housing authorities, and subsidized housing, which is owned and operated by private landlords but receives government subsidies to provide affordable rents.
While waiting for Section 8 housing assistance, it's a good idea to continue paying rent and other bills on time to maintain good rental history. This can increase your chances of being approved for Section 8 housing assistance when it becomes available.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Ohio?
The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 housing in Ohio can vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications received by the housing authority, the availability of funding, and the complexity of the application process.
In general, the housing authority is required to process Section 8 applications within a reasonable amount of time. This timeline is typically defined by federal and state regulations and may vary depending on the specific housing authority.
Factors that can affect the approval process for Section 8 housing in Ohio include the completeness and accuracy of the application, the timeliness of the applicant's responses to requests for information, and the availability of rental units that meet Section 8 program requirements.
Other Low Income Housing Options in Ohio
Finding affordable housing can be challenging while on a waiting list for Section 8 assistance. Ohio residents have several alternative resources to explore during this time:
Public Housing: Managed by local housing authorities, public housing provides affordable rental units with rents typically set at 30% of household income. Check availability and application details on your housing authority's website, such as the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: These properties offer below-market rents to eligible tenants through federal tax incentives provided to private landlords. Learn more about LIHTC options in Ohio at HUD's LIHTC Database.
Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP): Designed to prevent evictions and cover utility costs, ERAP is a critical resource for renters facing short-term financial difficulties. Check program details and eligibility through Ohio Emergency Rental Assistance.
Nonprofits and Community Charities: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity Ohio provide affordable housing solutions, including homeownership programs and housing support services tailored to low-income families.
These resources can provide much-needed support while awaiting Section 8 housing assistance, ensuring stable living arrangements and preventing housing insecurity.
Section 8: A Lifeline for Ohio's Housing Crisis
As rental costs continue to climb, Section 8 remains an essential tool for ensuring affordable housing in Ohio. By understanding eligibility requirements, navigating waiting lists, and exploring alternative options, residents can secure stable homes.
