What affordable housing programs exist in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. runs several housing programs through the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The main ones are the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), public housing managed by the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA), and the Rental information Program for residents facing eviction or homelessness. D.C. also has inclusionary zoning requirements that set aside units in new buildings at below-market rents, though these fill through lottery systems rather than direct process.

Unlike many states, D.C. does not have a single waiting list. Each program has its own intake process, and some are closed to new applicants while others accept them. The DCHA Section 8 voucher program, for example, has been closed since 2008 and only reopens occasionally. Knowing which program is actually taking applications right now is the first step.

Key Takeaways

  • The D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing, but the Section 8 waiting list has been closed since 2008 and only opens for brief periods.
  • The D.C. Rental information Program pays rent directly to landlords for people facing eviction or homelessness, and does not require you to be on a waiting list.
  • Inclusionary zoning units exist in new buildings throughout D.C., but you enter through a lottery system, not an process process.
  • DHCD's Housing Locator tool and 211 D.C. can tell you which programs are currently open and what documents you need for each one.
  • D.C. income limits vary by program and by household size, and most programs require proof of D.C. residency or employment.

Section 8 vouchers and when the waiting list opens

The DCHA Section 8 program works the same way as Section 8 in other places: the voucher covers the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your unit, and you find your own apartment. The difference in D.C. is that the waiting list is almost never open. When it does open, it fills within days or weeks and then closes again for years.

The waiting list last opened in 2020 and closed again in 2021. DCHA announces openings on its website and through local news, but there is no way to know when the next opening will happen. The best approach is to check the DCHA website monthly or sign up for alerts through the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development. If you are currently homeless or facing eviction, the Rental information Program (described below) is a faster route.

If you do get on the Section 8 waiting list, the wait time to receive a voucher is typically two to five years, though this varies. Once you have a voucher, you can search for apartments on your own, and DCHA will pay your landlord directly.

D.C. public housing and DCHA-managed apartments

DCHA also owns and manages public housing units throughout D.C. These are apartments where DCHA is the landlord, not a voucher program. The waiting list for public housing is separate from the Section 8 waiting list and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You can explore through DCHA's website or at their office at 1133 North Capitol Street NE.

Public housing units are typically cheaper than Section 8 vouchers in the same neighborhood, but the stock is limited and the wait can be long. DCHA maintains a list of available properties and current wait times on its website. Income limits for public housing are the same as for Section 8 vouchers and are based on area median income (AMI). For a single person in D.C., the limit is usually around 50 percent of AMI, though this changes yearly.

Rental information Program for people facing eviction or homelessness

The D.C. Rental information Program is the fastest route to help if you are behind on rent or facing eviction. Unlike Section 8, you do not need to be on a waiting list. The program pays your landlord directly for back rent and, in some cases, future rent and utilities. You must have a signed lease and proof that you live in D.C.

To explore, contact the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development at 202-442-7200 or visit their office at 1900 14th Street NW. You can also reach the program through 211 D.C., which can refer you to the right intake location. The program prioritizes people with active eviction cases, so if you have a court date, bring the notice to your appointment.

Processing time is usually two to six weeks, though it can be faster if your case is urgent. During that time, tell your landlord you have applied and ask them to hold off on filing for eviction or pursuing collection. Some landlords will agree to wait once they know a government program is involved.

Inclusionary zoning units and lottery systems

D.C. requires developers to set aside 8 to 10 percent of units in new buildings as affordable housing. These units rent at below-market rates for 30 years. You do not explore directly to the developer. Instead, you enter a lottery through the D.C. Housing Authority or through the individual development's management company.

Inclusionary units are scattered throughout D.C., and new buildings are constantly adding them. The D.C. Housing Locator tool lists current lotteries and their important date. Lottery drawings are random, so your odds depend on how many people enter. Some lotteries have hundreds of entries for a handful of units. There is no cost to enter, but you must meet the income limit for that specific building, which is usually 60 to 80 percent of AMI.

Income limits and what documents you need

D.C. housing programs use area median income (AMI) to set income limits. Most programs cap income at 50 to 80 percent of AMI depending on the program. For 2024, 50 percent AMI for a single person in D.C. is approximately $38,000 per year, though this figure changes annually. For a family of four, it is higher. Check the DHCD website for the current year's limits, as they are updated every spring.

To prove your income, programs typically ask for the last two months of pay stubs, a tax return from the previous year, or a letter from your employer. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide business tax returns. If you receive benefits, bring documentation from the benefit-issuing agency. For proof of D.C. residency, a lease, utility bill, or government ID with a D.C. address works.

You will also need a photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and a signed lease (for rental information programs). Some programs ask for a background check authorization. DHCD staff can tell you the exact list when you call or visit.

How to find out which programs are open right now

The fastest way to learn what is currently open is to call 211 D.C. (dial 211 from any phone) or visit 211.org and search for D.C. housing. The 211 system is staffed by people who update their information daily and can tell you which waiting lists are open, which are closed, and what the current wait times are.

You can also visit the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development website directly at dhcd.dc.gov or call 202-442-7200. DHCD maintains a list of current programs and their status. The DCHA website (dcha.dc.gov) has separate information about Section 8 and public housing waiting lists.

If you are currently homeless or in a shelter, contact the D.C. Department of Human Services at 202-671-4700. They can connect you to rapid rehousing programs and emergency rental information that may move faster than the standard waiting list process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on the Section 8 waiting list and explore for public housing at the same time?

Yes. The two waiting lists are separate, and you can be on both. If you get a voucher first, you can use it when ready. If you get offered public housing first, you can accept it and stay on the Section 8 list in case a voucher becomes available later.

What happens if I get evicted while waiting for rental information?

Contact the program when ready and let them know. Many programs will still pay back rent even after an eviction judgment, though the timeline becomes tighter. If you are evicted and lose your apartment, you may become may be able to access for rapid rehousing or emergency shelter through the Department of Human Services.

Do I have to live in D.C. to explore for these programs?

Most programs require you to either live in D.C. or work in D.C. full-time. Some programs are stricter and require D.C. residency only. Ask when you call to confirm whether your situation meets the requirement.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore for rental information?

Most applications are reviewed within two to six weeks. If your case is urgent (you have an eviction hearing coming up), tell the program staff at intake. They may be able to expedite your case or connect you to emergency funds that move faster.

What if my landlord will not accept the rental information payment?

Some programs will pay you directly if the landlord refuses, though this is less common. Ask the program what their policy is before you approach your landlord. If the landlord refuses and the program cannot pay directly, document the refusal in writing and report it to the program.