Albany Housing Authority

Albany, New York

Last Updated

13 hours ago

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Currently accepting applications for the following sites: Capital Woods Apartments-Lark Drive, Ida Yarbrough Phase II -280 North Pearl Street, Steamboat 20. These sites do not have income-based rent. There is a preference for working families, or those unable to work due to age or disability AND who live or work in the City of Albany, NY.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Currently only accepting applications for one and two-bedroom apartments at Public Housing sites. There is a preference for working families, or those unable to work due to age or disability AND who live or work in the City of Albany, NY.

Other Programs

2 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

The Albany Housing Authority is not currently accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). They will publish a notice prior to reopening the list.

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

AHA has 23 waiting lists in the Albany area for its Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) properties. For more information about our properties, visit our locations page.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Albany Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 200 S Pearl St
City Albany, NY 12202
PHA Code NY009
Section 8 Units 4,077
Public Housing Units 1,242

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 Albany Housing Authority

1

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.

2

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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Albany Housing 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.

4

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 Albany Housing Authority

PBV Project-Based Voucher

Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. 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

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.

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.

PBRA

This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Albany Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Albany Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply for Section 8 or Public Housing, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office.
How long is the wait at Albany Housing Authority?
Wait times vary significantly depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Albany Housing Authority 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. Applying to multiple PHAs in your state and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances of receiving assistance sooner. Browse other housing authorities in New York.
How do I contact Albany Housing Authority?
You can reach Albany Housing Authority by phone at (518) 641-7500. Their office is located at 200 S Pearl St, Albany, NY 12202. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.

Albany Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Albany Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $58,050. 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 $24,400 $40,650 $65,050
2 Persons $27,900 $46,450 $74,350
3 Persons $31,400 $52,250 $83,650
4 Persons $34,850 $58,050 $92,900
5 Persons $37,650 $62,700 $100,350
6 Persons $43,150 $67,350 $107,800
7 Persons $48,650 $72,000 $115,200
8 Persons $54,150 $76,650 $122,650
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $116,100 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.