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Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Columbus, Ohio
Last Updated
8 hours ago
About Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), PHA Code OH001, serves residents in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. CMHA manages approximately 15,583 assisted housing units. These include 15,413 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 170 Public Housing units.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is currently open for new applications. The Public Housing program is closed at this time. For eligibility, a family of four is considered Very Low Income with an annual income limit of $54,500 in the Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. Applicants should ensure they meet current income and other eligibility criteria for the desired program.
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Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program has currently open units. Former foster youth ages 18-24 can fill out an interest card online to learn more about the application process.
Scholar House for Former Foster Youth
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program is for former foster youth ages 18-24 who are pursuing educational opportunities. Interested individuals can fill out an online interest card to learn more about the application process.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waitlist selections are currently in process. If selected, you will receive a notice via mail (and email if on file). Vouchers are limited and preferences are given to families and disabled individuals.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Scholar House for Former Foster Youth program currently has open units for residents. Former foster youth ages 18-24 can fill out an interest card online to learn more about the application process.
Carol Stewart Village
Status
open
Additional Notes
This community has open units and provides long-term housing for young adults ages 18-24 and individuals experiencing homelessness or with special needs. All utilities are included in the rent, and there is no application fee.
Scholar House
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program serves former foster youth ages 18-24 who are attending an accredited college or university.
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 Heights on Main development, which will include 25 Project-Based Voucher units, is anticipated to be complete in 2026.
The Public Housing waiting list is generally closed as of August 2026. Persons interested in applying should contact individual properties, as all properties have site-based waitlists that open and close as needed. Preferences include involuntary displacement, successful completion of a residential substance abuse treatment program, substandard housing, homelessness, and veterans and their families.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: 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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority currently has 6 open waiting lists (Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other Programs). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Columbus 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 $54,500/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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 15,583 assisted housing units (15,413 Section 8, 170 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Columbus. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
FYI Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) open
The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbus. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Columbus 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 Columbus. This program serves approximately 15,413 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbus. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Columbus. 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 closed
Public Housing units at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 170 Public Housing units in Columbus. 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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $54,500. 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 | $22,900 | $38,150 | $61,050 |
| 2 Persons | $26,200 | $43,600 | $69,800 |
| 3 Persons | $29,450 | $49,050 | $78,500 |
| 4 Persons | $32,700 | $54,500 | $87,200 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $58,900 | $94,200 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $63,250 | $101,200 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $67,600 | $108,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $71,950 | $115,150 |
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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority — including across state lines.