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Reading Housing Authority
Reading, Pennsylvania
Last Updated
13 hours ago
Public Housing waitlist opens in 8 days — Sep 8, 2026
About Reading Housing Authority
The Reading Housing Authority (PHA Code: PA009) provides housing assistance in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It oversees approximately 2,260 assisted housing units, comprising 645 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units and 1,615 Public Housing units. The authority offers two primary programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing program.
Prospective applicants should be aware that all waiting lists for both the HCV and Public Housing programs are currently closed and not accepting new applications. For eligibility reference, a Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Reading, PA MSA area is $49,900 per year. Potential applicants should monitor future announcements for any changes to waitlist status.
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Opening Soon
1 upcomingPublic Housing Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Sep 8, 2026
Application Window
Sep 8, 2026 – Sep 10, 2026
Details
The waiting list will open for studio apartments (1-person elderly/disabled), one-bedroom apartments (2-person elderly/disabled) at Rhodes, Eisenhower, Hubert Apartments, Kennedy, Franklin Towers, and Hensler Homes. It will also open for general occupancy units (1-4 bedrooms) at Glenside and Oakbrook Homes, and 5-bedroom units at Oakbrook Homes only. Preferences include residents of the City of Reading and families with a qualifying service member or veteran. A lottery-based selection process may be used if applications exceed 18 months of predicted unit availability.
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.
RHA's Affordable Rentals are private rental communities.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list is currently closed. It was last open in July 2019 and December 2015.
Status History
Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Reading 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 Reading Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All waiting lists at Reading Housing Authority are currently closed, but 1 list is expected to open soon. Prepare your documents now so you can apply immediately when the window opens.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Reading 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 $49,900/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 Reading Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Reading Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Reading Housing Authority manages approximately 2,260 assisted housing units (645 Section 8, 1,615 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Reading. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Reading Housing Authority
Affordable Affordable Housing closed
The Affordable Housing program at Reading Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Reading. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Reading 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 Reading. This program serves approximately 645 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Reading Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Reading Housing Authority manages approximately 1,615 Public Housing units in Reading. 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 Reading Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Reading Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Reading Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Reading Housing Authority?
Reading Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Reading Housing Authority 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 Reading Housing Authority — including across state lines.