Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Maryland
Maryland has 30 housing authorities managing a combined 200 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 66 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 33%. This data was last verified on Jul 16, 2026.
In Maryland, affordable housing assistance is managed by 30 housing authorities overseeing a total of 148 waiting lists. Currently, 49 of these lists are open, representing a 33% open rate, while 64 are closed. The primary state housing agency involved is the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Understanding the availability of these lists is key for those seeking support.
Various programs offer assistance across Maryland. Public Housing programs currently have 13 open lists out of 29 available, making them one of the more frequently accessible options. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has 7 open lists from a total of 30. Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) offer 5 open lists out of 24, and Mainstream programs also have 5 open lists from 15. Other programs with open lists include VASH (3 open lists), Senior Housing (2 open lists), and specific local initiatives such as Owned Apartments (Senior & Disabled), RSP, Rent Supplement Program, Rental Allowance Program, Housing for Seniors and the Disabled, and Morris H. Blum (Managed by The Community Builders) each having one open list. Notably, programs like RAD currently have no open lists across the state.
Geographically, housing authority presence varies. Baltimore has two housing authorities, while Elkton has two with one list open, and Westminster has two authorities with three lists open. Bel Air and College Park each have one housing authority. Applicants should be aware that waiting times can differ significantly by location. For example, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City and Prince George's County often experience the longest waits. Conversely, applicants may find lists move faster in Anne Arundel and Frederick counties. Recent activity demonstrates how list statuses can change; for instance, Carroll County Housing & Community Development in Westminster recently changed its HCV list from closed to open. The Wicomico County Housing Authority in Salisbury also recently changed its PBV and HCV lists from open to opening_soon, indicating dynamic availability.
Advertisement
The affordable housing programs tracked in Maryland include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (4 open), Public Housing (12 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (4 open), RAD, Mainstream (5 open), VASH (3 open). Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Maryland right now are Cumberland (11), Columbia (9), Hagerstown (8), Annapolis (7), and Kensington (6) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Howard County Housing Commission — Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Rental Program (closes Jul 31, 2026)
Eligibility Requirements for Maryland
To qualify for assistance in Maryland, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Maryland legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.