Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
Cleveland, Ohio
Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), located in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (PHA Code: OH003), manages approximately 21,003 assisted housing units. This total includes 15,994 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 5,009 Public Housing units, providing significant housing assistance in the region.
CMHA is currently accepting applications for several key housing programs. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, and the Public Housing program. All listed programs are presently open for new applicants.
For prospective applicants, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit for the Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area, which is $49,700 per year. It is important to note that both the Public Housing and Moderate Rehabilitation programs have recently changed to an open status, making them available for applications.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Preliminary applications are accepted year-round. Selections are made through ongoing lottery-style drawings. Preliminary applications are valid for 18 months.
View original notice — cmha.netModerate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Properties listed under PBV & Mod/Rehab programs may have specific applicant preferences or no preference. The voucher subsidy stays with the building.
View original notice — cmha.netModerate Rehabilitation Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Properties under this program may have specific applicant preferences, such as for seniors, people with disabilities, or the chronically homeless.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Several project-based waiting lists remain open with preferences for Chronically Homeless and Fairfax Intergenerational applicants.
View original notice — cmha.netPublic Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waitlist times vary by bedroom size, unit type, and admission preferences, with CMHA implementing local preferences for tenant selection that are equally weighted and not ranked.
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.
Applications were last accepted from October 28, 2020, until further notice. The household must include a non-elderly person with disabilities.
No active waitlist information currently available, as the Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Cuyahoga Metropolitan 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 Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (HCV, Mod Rehab, Moderate Rehabilitation, PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, 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 $49,700/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Cuyahoga Metropolitan 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 at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 21,003 assisted housing units (15,994 Section 8, 5,009 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Cleveland. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority 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 Cleveland. This program serves approximately 15,994 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mod Rehab open
The Mod Rehab program at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cleveland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation open
The Moderate Rehabilitation program at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Cleveland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Cleveland. 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 Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 5,009 Public Housing units in Cleveland. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Cleveland maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,700. 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 | $20,900 | $34,800 | $55,650 |
| 2 Persons | $23,850 | $39,800 | $63,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,850 | $44,750 | $71,550 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,700 | $85,900 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,700 | $92,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,650 | $98,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,650 | $104,950 |
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 Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority — including across state lines.