Where HUD Housing Programs Are Run in North Dakota

HUD housing programs in North Dakota are managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) rather than by a single state office. Each city and county with a housing authority runs its own waiting lists, sets its own local income limits, and processes its own paperwork. This means the rules, wait times, and available units differ depending on where you live.

The largest housing authorities in North Dakota are in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. If you live in a smaller town or rural area, your county may contract with a regional authority or you may fall under the jurisdiction of the nearest city's PHA. Before you gather documents, you need to know which authority covers your address.

You can find your local PHA by searching the HUD website's PHA directory or by calling your city or county housing office directly. Many smaller authorities have limited staff and may take longer to answer phones, so email is often faster if an address is listed online.

Key Takeaways

  • North Dakota has no single state housing program; each city and county runs its own waiting list through a local Public Housing Authority.
  • Income limits, rent amounts, and wait times vary by location, so you must contact your specific local PHA to learn what programs exist near you.
  • The largest authorities are in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot; smaller towns may be served by regional authorities or county offices.
  • You can locate your PHA through the HUD directory or by calling your city or county housing office.

Income Limits and Household Size Rules

Each PHA sets its own income limits based on the area's median income. A household that qualifies in Fargo may not may have access to in a rural county, and limits change annually. Income limits are usually published on the PHA's website or available by phone, and they account for household size—a family of four has a higher limit than a single person.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. Some sources—like the first $480 per year of child support or certain education grants—may not count. The PHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify your household income.

Household size includes anyone living with you who is related to you or who has lived there for more than a year. Children, parents, and spouses count. Unrelated roommates usually do not, even if they pay rent. The PHA will ask for proof of household composition, such as birth certificates or marriage licenses.

What Documents You Need to Gather

Before you contact a PHA, collect proof of identity, income, and household composition. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or tribal ID), Social Security cards for all household members, and recent proof of income. Proof of income can be recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax returns from the past two years, or benefit award letters from Social Security or disability programs.

You will also need proof of residency in North Dakota—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name. If you are currently homeless or living in temporary housing, bring whatever documentation shows your current address or the address where you plan to live. Bring proof of any special circumstances, such as a disability letter from a doctor or a letter from your employer confirming your job.

The PHA will ask for permission to verify your information with employers, benefit agencies, and landlords. You will sign release forms allowing them to contact these sources. Bring blank copies of any forms the PHA sends you in advance, filled out as completely as you can before your appointment.

How Waiting Lists Work and How Long They Take

Most North Dakota PHAs maintain a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers and public housing units. When you contact the PHA, ask whether the list is open or closed. A closed list means they are not taking new names; you may be able to call back later or ask to be notified when it reopens. An open list means you can add your name, usually by phone, mail, or in person.

Wait times vary widely. Rural counties may have short waits of a few months; larger cities like Fargo and Bismarck often have waits of two to five years or longer. The PHA prioritizes applicants based on local preferences—some give priority to people who work in the area, people with disabilities, or people experiencing homelessness. Ask the PHA what preferences explore in your location.

Once your name is on the list, the PHA will contact you when a voucher or unit becomes available. You must respond within the timeframe they give you, usually 10 to 14 days. If you do not respond, you may be removed from the list. Keep your contact information current with the PHA; if you move or change your phone number, notify them when ready.

Section 8 Vouchers Versus Public Housing Units

North Dakota PHAs offer two main types of information: Section 8 vouchers and public housing units. A Section 8 voucher lets you choose a rental property on the private market, and the program pays part of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference, usually 30 percent of your household income. You can use a voucher at any property whose landlord agrees to participate, giving you more choice about where to live.

A public housing unit is owned and managed by the PHA itself. You rent directly from the authority, and your rent is also based on 30 percent of your income. Public housing units are concentrated in specific buildings or complexes, so you have less choice about location. However, public housing is often available faster than a Section 8 voucher, and the waiting list may be shorter.

Some PHAs have more vouchers available than units, and some have the opposite. Ask your local PHA which program has a shorter wait and which one is a better fit for your situation. You can be on both waiting lists at the same time.

Special Circumstances That May Speed Up Your Process

Some North Dakota PHAs give priority to people in specific situations. These may include people experiencing homelessness, people fleeing domestic violence, people with disabilities, veterans, and families with children. Priority does not mean you skip the waiting list entirely; it means you move higher on the list when a unit or voucher becomes available.

If you have a disability, bring documentation from a doctor or from the Social Security Administration. If you are fleeing domestic violence, you may be able to request confidentiality and priority placement; contact the PHA directly to ask about this. If you are a veteran, bring your discharge papers (DD-214) or a letter from the VA. If you are experiencing homelessness, bring a letter from a shelter, social worker, or outreach worker confirming your situation.

Not all PHAs have the same priorities, and some have no local preferences at all. Ask your PHA which circumstances they consider when placing people on the list.

What Disqualifies You or Delays Your Placement

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may. PHAs can deny housing for drug-related felonies, violent crimes, or sex offenses. The rules vary by PHA and by how long ago the conviction occurred. If you have a record, ask the PHA directly what their policy is before you spend time gathering documents.

Owing money to a previous landlord or to a PHA can disqualify you or delay your placement. If you have an eviction judgment against you, some PHAs will still work with you, but others will not. If you owe back rent or have a judgment, contact the PHA and ask whether you can resolve it or whether it will block you entirely.

Failing a background check for fraud, providing false information on your process, or not responding to the PHA when they contact you will result in denial or removal from the list. Be honest on all paperwork and keep your contact information current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on the waiting list in more than one city?

Yes. You can add your name to the waiting list in any PHA where you want to live. However, you must notify each PHA if you receive a voucher or unit from another authority, because accepting housing from one PHA usually means you must withdraw from others.

What if the waiting list is closed in my area?

Call the PHA every few months to ask when the list will reopen. Some authorities reopen their lists once a year; others open them only when funding becomes available. Ask if you can request notification when the list opens again.

Do I have to live in North Dakota to explore?

Most PHAs require you to live or work in their service area. Some accept applications from people who plan to move to the area within a certain timeframe. Call your local PHA to ask whether you can explore before you move.

What happens if I move while I am on the waiting list?

Tell the PHA when ready. If you move out of their service area, you may be removed from the list. If you move within the same service area, update your address so they can contact you when a unit or voucher is available.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher in a different state?

Yes, but you must request a transfer from your current PHA and be approved by the PHA in the state where you want to move. The process takes several weeks and is not may provide. Ask your current PHA about their transfer policy before you plan a move.