The City of Phoenix Housing Department is opening the pre-application to join the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist. It will be the first opportunity for individuals and families in need of assistance paying for their rental housing to join the waitlist since 2016.
The HCV waitlist will be open for pre-applications for 15 days, from September 12 at 8 a.m. through September 26 at 7 p.m. The Housing Department will be accepting pre-applications online or by paper, in-person, by email, fax, or mail, and in multiple languages. The City’s HCV program (commonly known as Section 8) is available for low-income individuals and families to afford safe and decent housing in Phoenix.
“The Housing Choice Voucher program is a necessary and valuable resource for Phoenix residents,” said Titus Mathew, City of Phoenix Housing Department Director. “We are excited for the opportunity for more individuals and families to join the waitlist and have access to assistance in obtaining safe and stable affordable housing.”
With a voucher, participants are free to choose their own housing in the private rental market. Generally, participants pay 30 percent of their monthly income toward rent and utilities, and the program pays the difference up to the contract rent to the landlord each month.
During the pre-application opening period, anyone interested in joining the waitlist may apply. Applicants will be asked to provide standard household information such as mailing address, email, phone number, information on their household members, and total household income. Social security numbers and citizenship or immigration status are not required for the pre-application. There is no cost to apply for or to receive a voucher. The pre-application is estimated to take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
“We want to make this process as easy and accessible as possible for our residents,” said Elenia Sotelo, Housing Manager. “We know there are a lot of community members who need assistance affording a safe place to call home, and we want to make sure those renters learn about this opportunity and submit a pre-application to join the waitlist.”
After the 15-day opening period, all pre-applications received will be electronically randomized for placement on the waitlist. Placement is not first come, first served. Once the waitlist is established, applicants can check their status and ensure their contact information is maintained up to date to receive communication about the HCV program. Full program eligibility will be verified when the applicant is selected from the waitlist as vouchers become available.
Learn more about the pre-application process and how to apply at phoenix.gov/housing, email S8waitlist@phoenix.gov or call 602-534-3030.
Landlords interested in learning more about the voucher program and the City’s available $2,000 landlord incentive can learn more here .
