Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Tennessee
Tennessee has 85 housing authorities managing a combined 383 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 123 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 32%. This data was last verified on Jun 1, 2026.
Tennessee offers various forms of affordable housing assistance across the state, with 85 housing authorities collectively managing 319 waiting lists. Currently, 107 of these lists are open for new applications, representing a 34% open rate, while 140 lists are closed. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) serves as the state housing agency, playing a key role in providing programs, particularly for rural areas statewide. Major independent Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) operate in larger cities such as Nashville (MDHA), Memphis, and Knoxville.
Prospective applicants can explore various program types. Public Housing programs have the highest number of open lists, with 57 lists currently accepting applications out of 84 total. Other prominent programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has 11 open lists out of 85, and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs, with 6 open lists out of 35. RAD programs have 3 open lists out of 22. Specialized options include "Other Senior" housing with 2 open lists, "Shelter Plus Care" with 1 open list, and specific properties like Family Housing Properties, Green Meadows Townhomes, and Broadway Towers each having one open list. Programs such as Mainstream, VASH, Homeless No More, and several LIHTC-related lists currently show no open applications.
When seeking housing assistance, considering specific localities can be beneficial. Knoxville reports 12 open waiting lists across its 2 housing authorities, making it a city with more opportunities. Nashville has 3 open lists from its 2 housing authorities, and Carthage has 1 open list from its single housing authority. Applicants are encouraged to research both local PHAs in cities like Chattanooga and Bristol, as well as statewide programs offered by THDA. It is important to note that waiting list statuses can change; for example, Oliver Springs Housing Authority recently closed its HCV list, and McKenzie Housing Authority closed its RAD and PBV lists. Regularly checking the current status of lists across different authorities is advised.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Tennessee include Public Housing (56 open), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (19 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (5 open), RAD (3 open), Mainstream (2 open), VASH. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Tennessee right now are Knoxville (13), Maryville (10), Crossville (7), Johnson City (6), and Cookeville (4) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Sweetwater Housing Authority — HCV
Eligibility Requirements for Tennessee
To qualify for assistance in Tennessee, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Tennessee legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.