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Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County

Kensington, Maryland

Last Updated

9 hours ago

About Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County

The Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, located in Kensington, Montgomery County, Maryland, manages approximately 8,021 assisted housing units. This includes administering 8,021 housing choice vouchers.

Currently, the Commission is accepting applications for various housing assistance programs. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, the Rent Supplement Program (RSP), and other assistance options. Income limits apply for eligibility; for instance, a family of four applying for Very Low Income programs in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area must have an income at or below $81,950 per year. Applicants should review specific program requirements when applying.

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Other Programs Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Aug 18, 2020

How to Apply

Online

Application deadline has passed
Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2020
Open Now

Additional Notes

The Rent Supplement Program (RSP) offers preference to households over age 62, with a documented disability, fleeing domestic violence, homeless, or in danger of becoming homeless; income must be between 20-40% of Area Median Income.

RSP

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

One Housing Path application registers for all HOC rental programs, including the Rent Supplement Program.

Rent Supplement

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

This program is accessible through the HOC Housing Path online portal.

Rent Supplement (RSP)

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

The Rent Supplement Program is accessed through the HOC Housing Path online portal, which is currently open and remains open year-round.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Applications are accepted for Project Based Vouchers (PBVs). The waitlist is open, but selection is based on availability and funding. Applicants are placed on a waitlist and must renew annually.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

One Housing Path application registers an individual for all HOC rental programs.

Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Information found indicates former Public Housing (PH) applicants and residents receive priority on site-based waitlists created within HOC Housing Path, which is an electronic waitlist that operates continuously. The Housing Path portal covers various rental programs administered by HOC.

Other Programs

3 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

HOC is currently unable to issue new vouchers due to a funding deficit. Current waitlist applicants maintain their place. Applications for VASH, Statewide Voucher Program, and Project Based Voucher Programs are still being processed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

Mainstream vouchers are a set-aside within the HCV program. Due to the general HCV program shortfall, new voucher issuance is paused, with some exceptions. It is implied that Mainstream vouchers are also affected by this pause.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Supportive & Transitional Housing
Closed

Program referrals are made by the Montgomery County, Maryland Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES). Referrals must be homeless and have a documented disability.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

PBV Opened Yesterday
Mainstream Closed 3 days ago
PBV Closed 3 days ago
Mainstream Opened 6 days ago
PBV Opened Aug 15, 2026
Mainstream Closed Aug 14, 2026
PBV Closed Aug 14, 2026
Mainstream Opened Aug 6, 2026
Mainstream Closed Aug 4, 2026
PBV Opened Aug 4, 2026
PBV Closed Jul 31, 2026
HCV Closed Jul 31, 2026
PBV Opened Jul 29, 2026
HCV Opened Jul 29, 2026
PBV Closed Jul 25, 2026
HCV Closed Jul 25, 2026
PBV Opened Jul 23, 2026
HCV Opened Jul 23, 2026
RAD Opened Jul 20, 2026
PBV Closed Jul 16, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 10400 Detrick Ave
City Kensington, MD 20895
PHA Code MD004
Section 8 Units 8,021

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County

1

Check Current Status

Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County currently has 7 open waiting lists (Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, 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 $81,950/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County manages approximately 8,021 assisted housing units (8,021 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Kensington. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County

Other Other Programs open

The Other Programs program at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Kensington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on August 31, 2020.

PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Kensington. 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 open

Public Housing units at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) open

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Kensington maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County 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 Kensington. This program serves approximately 8,021 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

Supportive Supportive & Transitional Housing closed

The Supportive & Transitional Housing program at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Kensington. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County administers 7 programs (Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher, Supportive & Transitional Housing) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 10400 Detrick Ave, Kensington, MD.
How long is the wait at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County?
Wait times at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County depend on demand in Kensington, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 8,021 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on August 29, 2026 when the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, including Rockville Housing Enterprises (7 mi), College Park Housing Authority (8 mi), D.C Housing Authority (10 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Maryland and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Maryland.
How do I contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County?
You can reach Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County by phone at (240) 627-9400. Their office is located at 10400 Detrick Ave, Kensington, MD 20895. You can also email them at hud@hocmc.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County?
Income limits for Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $163,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $81,950. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $81,950. 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 $34,450 $57,400 $74,800
2 Persons $39,350 $65,600 $85,450
3 Persons $44,250 $73,800 $96,150
4 Persons $49,150 $81,950 $106,800
5 Persons $53,100 $88,550 $115,350
6 Persons $57,050 $95,100 $123,900
7 Persons $60,950 $101,650 $132,450
8 Persons $64,900 $108,200 $141,000
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $163,900 Effective April 1, 2025
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.