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About Chattanooga Housing Authority

The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA), located in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee (PHA Code: TN004), manages approximately 5,768 assisted housing units. This includes 3,919 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and 1,849 Public Housing units, serving residents in the Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA area.

CHA offers programs such as HCV, Other Senior, Other Senior Housing, PBV, and Public Housing. All waiting lists for these programs are currently closed to new applications. The Public Housing waitlist has recently been active, transitioning through closed, opening soon, and open statuses, but is presently closed again.

For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $47,750 per year. Prospective applicants should regularly monitor the Chattanooga Housing Authority for any future announcements regarding the reopening of its waiting lists.

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Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The website provides a 'WAITING LIST APPLICATION PORTAL' for CHA-Managed Housing, which includes Public Housing. Specific opening or closing dates are not mentioned.

Other Programs

6 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

1,000 applicants were placed on the waiting list by random lottery. Eligibility includes head of household 18+ or emancipated minor, income limits, and criminal background checks for all adult household members.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other
Closed

This waitlist was for 1-Bedroom apartments at Dogwood with a preference for senior applicants.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other Senior
Closed

Waiting lists for Other Senior programs, such as Boynton Terrace and Dogwood Apartments, are currently closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other Senior Housing
Closed

This program offers rental assistance for senior citizens. The Senior Project Based Rental Assistance waiting list for 1-Bedroom apartments at Dogwood last accepted applications via paper application. Preferences for elderly/near elderly (age 62 & older/age 50-61). The Boynton Terrace Studio and 1-Bedroom waiting list is also closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
PBRA
Closed

The 1-Bedroom Senior Project Based Rental Assistance waiting list for Dogwood Apartments last accepted applications from September 9, 2022, until October 2, 2023, via paper application dropped off at the CHA central office.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher program waiting list lottery is closed. The waiting list for 4-Bedroom apartments at Cromwell Hills last accepted applications from June 2, 2021, to June 11, 2021. Selected applicants were placed on the waiting list by date and time the application was received.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

PBV Opening Soon May 2, 2026
Public Housing Opened Apr 21, 2026
Public Housing Opening Soon Apr 15, 2026
Public Housing Closed Apr 15, 2026
Public Housing Opened Apr 10, 2026
Public Housing Opening Soon Mar 18, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 16, 2026
HCV Opening Soon Mar 12, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 7, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 5, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 26, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 26, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 24, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 24, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 24, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 21, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 20, 2026
HCV unknown Feb 20, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Chattanooga 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

Address 801 N Holtzclaw Ave
City Chattanooga, TN 37404
PHA Code TN004
Section 8 Units 3,919
Public Housing Units 1,849

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Chattanooga Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Chattanooga Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Chattanooga 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 $47,750/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Chattanooga Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Chattanooga Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Chattanooga Housing Authority manages approximately 5,768 assisted housing units (3,919 Section 8, 1,849 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Chattanooga. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Chattanooga Housing Authority

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Chattanooga Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Chattanooga Housing Authority manages approximately 1,849 Public Housing units in Chattanooga. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. This program serves approximately 3,919 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other closed

The Other program at Chattanooga Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chattanooga. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Senior closed

The Other Senior program at Chattanooga Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chattanooga. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Senior Housing closed

The Other Senior Housing program at Chattanooga Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chattanooga. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBRA closed

The PBRA program at Chattanooga Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chattanooga. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Chattanooga Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Chattanooga. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Chattanooga Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Chattanooga Housing Authority administers 7 programs (Public Housing, HCV, Other, Other Senior, Other Senior Housing, PBRA, PBV) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 801 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN.
How long is the wait at Chattanooga Housing Authority?
Wait times at Chattanooga Housing Authority depend on demand in Chattanooga, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 5,768 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on May 2, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "closed" to "opening_soon." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Chattanooga Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Chattanooga Housing Authority, including Housing Authority of the City of Fort Oglethorpe (7 mi), Housing Authority of the City of Ringgold (13 mi), Housing Authority of the City of LaFayette (24 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Tennessee and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Tennessee.
How do I contact Chattanooga Housing Authority?
You can reach Chattanooga Housing Authority by phone at (423) 752-4893. Their office is located at 801 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404. You can also email them at ed@chahousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Chattanooga Housing Authority?
Income limits for Chattanooga Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA (currently $95,600). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $47,750. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Chattanooga Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Chattanooga Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $47,750. 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 $20,100 $33,450 $53,500
2 Persons $22,950 $38,200 $61,150
3 Persons $26,650 $43,000 $68,800
4 Persons $32,150 $47,750 $76,400
5 Persons $37,650 $51,600 $82,550
6 Persons $43,150 $55,400 $88,650
7 Persons $48,650 $59,250 $94,750
8 Persons $54,150 $63,050 $100,850
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $95,600 Effective April 1, 2025
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.