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Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida
Last Updated
5 hours ago
About Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland
Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland (HUD agency code FL011) is the public housing agency serving Lakeland, Polk County, Florida. It administers 574 public housing units and 1,813 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 3 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, PBV, Public Housing. As of Oct 9, 2026, all 3 tracked lists are closed to new applications.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $41,650 per year, and as Low Income at or below $66,650 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 22 status changes at this agency, most recently on Oct 9, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
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Other Programs
3 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The waitlist to receive Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) is closed and will NOT be accepting applications until further notice. The agency has a 100 SEMAP score for FY 2025, indicating excellence in program administration.
The Senior Project-Based Section 8 waiting list is currently closed with no announced reopening.
The last waiting list opening for Public Housing units (one-, two-, and three-bedrooms) occurred between August 31, 2026, and September 2, 2026, with specific income and occupancy standards. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation could contact LHA's Reception and Occupancy Department.
Status History
Deadline: Sep 2, 2026
Deadline: Sep 2, 2026
Deadline: Sep 2, 2026
Deadline: Sep 2, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland
Check Current Status
All 3 waiting lists at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $41,650/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland manages approximately 2,387 assisted housing units (1,813 Section 8, 574 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Lakeland. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Lakeland. This program serves approximately 1,813 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Lakeland. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland manages approximately 574 Public Housing units in Lakeland. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland?
Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $41,650. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $17,500 | $29,200 | $46,700 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $33,350 | $53,350 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $37,500 | $60,000 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $41,650 | $66,650 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $45,000 | $72,000 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $48,350 | $77,350 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $51,650 | $82,650 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $55,000 | $88,000 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland — including across state lines.