Housing Authority of the County of Berks
Reading, Pennsylvania
Last Updated
Feb 11, 2026
Other Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) Tarsus Manor Senior Housing waiting list is currently open. Applications are being accepted since at least August 2019 until further notice. Tarsus Manor Senior Housing is a 33-unit development of one-bedroom apartments for senior citizens (ages 62 and ov...
Other Programs
4 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 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed due to a large number of families on the list. Applications are not being accepted until further notice.
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) waiting list for Project Based Redevelopment apartments is currently closed. It is not known when this waiting list was last open, or when it will reopen.
The Public Housing waiting list closed on February 9th, 2026. It will reopen from March 2nd, 2026, to March 9th, 2026, for efficiency and 1-bedroom units for elderly or disabled applicants, and for family developments with 1-4 bedrooms. Veterans and their surviving spouses receive two preference points. Applicants living or working in Berks County receive one preference point.
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) waiting list for apartments at Norman Commons is currently closed. It is not known when this waiting list was last open, or when it will reopen.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the County of Berks 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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks
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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks 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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks
Other Senior Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Berks directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
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.
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.
RAD
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Berks directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the County of Berks free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the County of Berks?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the County of Berks?
Housing Authority of the County of Berks Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the County of Berks are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Reading, PA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,900. 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 | $21,000 | $34,950 | $55,900 |
| 2 Persons | $24,000 | $39,950 | $63,900 |
| 3 Persons | $27,000 | $44,950 | $71,900 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,900 | $79,850 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,900 | $86,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,900 | $99,050 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,900 | $105,450 |
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 Housing Authority of the County of Berks — including across state lines.