What Housing Programs Are Available in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. runs several housing programs through the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The main programs are the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), public housing operated by the D.C. Housing Authority, and rapid rehousing for people experiencing homelessness. D.C. also has local rental information programs that cover emergency rent, utilities, and security deposits. Unlike many states, D.C. has a relatively centralized system — most programs funnel through DHCD or the D.C. Housing Authority, so you do not have to hunt across dozens of county offices.

The programs work differently depending on your situation. If you are currently housed but struggling with rent, you may look at rental information or vouchers. If you are unhoused, rapid rehousing and transitional housing are the entry points. If you have a disability or are over 62, some programs prioritize your case. The waiting lists vary in length — some are years long, others move faster depending on funding and demand that year.

Key Takeaways

  • D.C.'s Housing Choice Voucher program has a waiting list, and you must explore through the D.C. Housing Authority to enter it; the list is sometimes closed to new applications.
  • Rental information in D.C. covers back rent, current rent, utilities, and security deposits, but programs have income limits and may require proof of hardship.
  • If you are unhoused, the D.C. Department of Human Services runs rapid rehousing and can connect you to shelter while you wait for permanent housing.
  • You can call 211 or visit the D.C. Housing Authority website to find out which programs are currently open and what documents you need.
  • D.C. has local rent control rules that limit how much landlords can raise rent, which may affect your housing costs even if you do not use a voucher.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) in D.C.

The D.C. Housing Authority administers the Housing Choice Voucher program. A voucher covers part of your rent — usually 30 percent of your income — and the program pays the landlord the rest, up to a limit set by the program. You find your own apartment and the landlord must accept the voucher. The waiting list is typically several years long, and the Housing Authority sometimes closes it when the backlog is too large.

To enter the waiting list, you must explore in person at the D.C. Housing Authority office at 1133 North Capitol Street NE, or by mail if you cannot go in person. You will need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a photo ID, and proof of D.C. residency (a utility bill or lease). If you are explore as a family, you need proof of custody for any children. The process itself is free and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Once you are on the waiting list, the Housing Authority will contact you when a voucher becomes available. This can take years. In the meantime, you can call the Housing Authority at 202-535-1000 to ask where you are on the list or whether the list is still open. If the list is closed, you can ask to be notified when it reopens.

D.C. Rental information Programs

D.C. has several rental information funds that cover rent you already owe, current rent due, utilities, and sometimes security deposits for a new apartment. These programs are separate from vouchers and move faster — approval often takes two to six weeks. The main programs are the Emergency Rental information Program and the Landlord Mitigation Fund, though funding and availability change year to year.

To explore for rental information, you typically need to show that your income is below 80 percent of the area median income (this varies by household size but is roughly $60,000 to $75,000 for a single person or small family in D.C.). You will also need to prove the hardship — a notice to vacate, an eviction filing, a utility shutoff notice, or a letter from your landlord saying you are behind. You must have a signed lease and be a D.C. resident.

The fastest way to find out which programs are open is to call 211 and ask for rental information, or to visit the DHCD website and look for "rental information" in the current programs list. Programs sometimes run out of money mid-year and reopen when new funding arrives, so if one is closed, ask when it might reopen. You can also contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) — each ward has one, and they sometimes know about local funds that are not widely advertised.

Public Housing in D.C.

The D.C. Housing Authority owns and operates public housing — apartments where the rent is set at 30 percent of your income. There are several hundred units across D.C., though the waiting list is long. Public housing is different from a voucher: you rent directly from the Housing Authority, not from a private landlord, and you stay in the same unit as long as you want (as long as you pay rent and follow the lease).

The process process is the same as for vouchers — you explore at the Housing Authority office with proof of income, ID, and residency. You go on the same waiting list for both vouchers and public housing, and the Housing Authority will offer you whichever becomes available first. Some people wait years; others are housed within months, depending on the year and the size of your household.

Rapid Rehousing and Shelter if You Are Unhoused

If you are currently without housing, the D.C. Department of Human Services runs the rapid rehousing program and can place you in emergency shelter while you wait for permanent housing. Rapid rehousing provides a security deposit, first month's rent, and case management to help you find and keep an apartment. The program is designed to move you into permanent housing as quickly as possible — usually within 90 days.

To access shelter or rapid rehousing, call the D.C. Department of Human Services at 202-399-7093 or go to a shelter intake center. The main intake center is at 64 New York Avenue NE. You do not need to have applied for anything in advance — you can walk in. Bring any ID you have, but lack of ID will not prevent you from getting shelter. The intake worker will assess your situation and place you in a shelter bed that night if needed.

Once you are in shelter, a case manager will work with you on rapid rehousing. This means finding an apartment, getting a security deposit and first month's rent paid by the program, and connecting you to ongoing support. The goal is to move you to permanent housing, not to keep you in shelter long-term.

Income Limits and What Documents You Need

Most D.C. housing programs have income limits based on the area median income (AMI). Vouchers and public housing typically serve people at 50 percent AMI or below. Rental information programs often go up to 80 percent AMI. For a single person in D.C., 50 percent AMI is roughly $35,000 to $40,000 per year; 80 percent AMI is roughly $55,000 to $65,000. These numbers change annually, so ask the program directly what the current limit is for your household size.

Documents you will need for any program include recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns from the last two years, a letter from your employer stating your income, or a benefits letter if you receive Social Security or unemployment. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and a profit-and-loss statement. For proof of residency, a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your D.C. address works. Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or D.C. ID card. If you have an eviction notice or utility shutoff notice, bring those too, as they speed up rental information applications.

How to Find Out What Is Open Right Now

The fastest way to learn which programs are currently open and taking applications is to call 211 and say you are looking for housing information in D.C. The 211 operator will tell you which programs have open waiting lists or are accepting applications that week. You can also visit the D.C. Housing Authority website (dcha.dc.gov) to check the status of the voucher waiting list and public housing applications.

For rental information specifically, visit the DHCD website (dhcd.dc.gov) and look for "rental information" or "emergency rental information" in the programs section. The site lists which programs are open, what the income limits are, and how the process works. If a program is closed, the site usually says when it will reopen or tells you to check back. You can also email DHCD directly at dhcd@dc.gov with questions about which program fits your situation.

Local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) sometimes have information about smaller local programs or funds that are not advertised widely. You can find your ANC by entering your address on the D.C. government website, and then contact them to ask about housing information in your ward.

What Happens After You explore

For vouchers and public housing, you will be added to a waiting list. The Housing Authority will contact you by phone or mail when something becomes available — this can take months or years. Keep your contact information current with the Housing Authority; if they cannot reach you, they may move to the next person on the list.

For rental information, the program will review your process within one to two weeks. If you are missing documents, they will contact you and ask you to send them. Once your process is complete, approval usually takes another one to four weeks. The program will then contact your landlord directly to arrange payment. You should also tell your landlord that you have applied, so they know to expect payment and do not file for eviction while you are waiting.

For rapid rehousing, a case manager will be assigned to you within a few days of entering shelter. They will help you search for apartments, negotiate with landlords, and arrange for the program to pay the security deposit and first month's rent. The goal is to move you into an apartment within 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a voucher if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes. The Housing Authority does not automatically reject applicants with eviction history. However, some landlords will not accept vouchers if you have an eviction record, so finding an apartment may be harder. Rapid rehousing and rental information programs also do not reject you for past evictions.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a green card to use a voucher or live in public housing. Rental information and rapid rehousing have different rules — some programs serve non-citizens with work authorization. Call 211 or DHCD to ask about programs that serve your immigration status.

How long does it take to get a voucher?

The waiting list is typically several years long, though this varies. Some people are housed within one to two years; others wait five years or more. You can call the Housing Authority at 202-535-1000 to ask your position on the list. In the meantime, you can also explore for rental information, which moves much faster.

Can I use a voucher in another state?

Yes, but you must request a transfer and the receiving state must have available vouchers. Most transfers take several months. Contact the D.C. Housing Authority to start the process if you plan to move.

What if I lose my job while waiting for a voucher?

Your position on the waiting list does not change. When a voucher becomes available, the Housing Authority will verify your current income at that time. If your income has dropped, you may still be within the income limit. If it has risen above the limit, you may not be able to use the voucher. Call the Housing Authority to discuss your situation.