Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Rochester, Minnesota
Last Updated
14 hours ago
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 waiting list is currently closed, and applications are not being accepted. Households are contacted based on their position on the waiting list when current voucher holders leave the program.
The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) accepted applications for the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list on an ongoing basis for its Mainstream Voucher Program until 150 applications were received. To be eligible for a Mainstream Voucher, applicants must have at least one ...
The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed and applications are not being accepted.
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. 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 Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program 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 your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. 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 Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority free?
How long is the wait at Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority?
Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Rochester, MN HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $62,800. 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 | $26,400 | $44,000 | $70,350 |
| 2 Persons | $30,200 | $50,250 | $80,400 |
| 3 Persons | $33,950 | $56,550 | $90,450 |
| 4 Persons | $37,700 | $62,800 | $100,500 |
| 5 Persons | $40,750 | $67,850 | $108,550 |
| 6 Persons | $43,750 | $72,850 | $116,600 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $77,900 | $124,650 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $82,900 | $132,700 |
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 Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority — including across state lines.