Rochester Housing Authority
Rochester, New York
Last Updated
Yesterday
EHV Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 19, 2021
How to Apply
Phone
Additional Notes
Eligibility requires meeting HUD's definition of homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence/trafficking, or recently homeless and needing EHV to maintain housing stability. Referrals are made through the Partners Ending Homelessness (Monroe County Continuum of Care) Coordinated Entry System.
Emergency Housing Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 19, 2021
How to Apply
Referral
Additional Notes
The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) waiting list is currently open. Applications have been accepted since July 19, 2021, and continue until further notice. To apply, individuals must contact Partners Ending Homelessness (Monroe County Continuum of Care) through the community's Coordinated Entry S...
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Mar 3, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Public Housing Waiting List for 1-bedroom units will re-open on 3/3/25 at 12 Noon. The 2, 3 and 4-bedrooms Waiting Lists will be closed on 3/3/25 at 12 Noon. The Studio Waiting List continues to be closed.
Other Programs
2 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 closed on June 7, 2024, after accepting 4,000 applicants chosen by an AI-generated randomizing tool. It typically opens once every four to five years. Eligibility requires income not exceeding 50% of the area median income, US citizenship or eligible immigration status, and passing a criminal background check.
Project-Based Voucher waiting lists are site-based, and applications are available by contacting the specific project directly. Eligibility requirements are similar to the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Status History
Deadline: Mar 3, 2025
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Rochester Housing 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 Rochester Housing 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 Rochester 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.
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 Rochester Housing Authority
EHV
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Rochester Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Voucher
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Rochester Housing 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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Rochester Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Rochester Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Rochester Housing Authority?
Rochester Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Rochester Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Rochester, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $51,950. 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 | $21,850 | $36,400 | $58,200 |
| 2 Persons | $24,950 | $41,600 | $66,500 |
| 3 Persons | $28,050 | $46,800 | $74,800 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $51,950 | $83,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $56,150 | $89,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $60,300 | $96,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $64,450 | $103,050 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $68,600 | $109,700 |
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 Rochester Housing Authority — including across state lines.