Where Section 8 Housing is Administered in North Dakota

In North Dakota, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) manage Section 8 vouchers and public housing. There is no single statewide office — instead, each city and county area has its own housing authority that runs the program locally. The largest programs are in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot, but smaller towns also have their own authorities.

You explore directly to the housing authority that serves your area, not to the state. The authority you contact depends on where you live or where you want to live. If you are moving to North Dakota or unsure which authority covers your location, you can search by city or county on the HUD website (hud.gov) or call 211 North Dakota, which can tell you the correct local authority and whether they are currently taking applications.

Each authority sets its own waiting list, income limits, and process process within federal guidelines. This means the timeline, required documents, and how long you wait can differ between Bismarck and Williston, for example. Before you start gathering documents, confirm with your local authority what they specifically need.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to your local Public Housing Authority, not a state office, and each authority has its own waiting list and timeline.
  • Call 211 North Dakota or search hud.gov to find the correct housing authority for your city or county and learn whether they are accepting applications.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, a Social Security number, and a background check as part of the process.
  • Waiting times vary widely — some authorities have lists of several years, while others may move faster depending on funding and local demand.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time to find a landlord who accepts Section 8, and the landlord must pass an inspection before you can move in.

What Documents You Need to Bring

When you contact your local housing authority to explore, have these documents ready or be prepared to gather them quickly. The authority will tell you exactly which ones they require, but most ask for the same core set.

Bring proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work visa). You will also need to provide proof of income for everyone in your household — recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax returns, or proof of benefits like unemployment or disability. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of your job search or a letter explaining your situation.

Bring proof of any current housing — a lease, utility bill, or letter from a landlord — and be ready to explain your housing history. The authority will conduct a background check, so they will ask about any criminal history, evictions, or past problems with housing programs. Bring documentation of anything relevant: court records, eviction notices, or letters from previous landlords.

How the process Process Works

Contact your local housing authority by phone or visit their office in person. Some authorities accept applications by mail or online, but phone is usually fastest because staff can answer questions when ready and tell you whether the waiting list is open. When you call, ask whether they are currently taking applications — many North Dakota authorities close their lists when they reach capacity and reopen them later.

At your first contact, the authority will screen you for basic may be able to access: income level, household size, and citizenship or legal residency status. If you pass this initial screen, they will give you an process form and tell you which documents to bring. Some authorities schedule an in-person interview; others mail you the form and ask you to return it with documents.

The process itself asks about your household members, income, assets, housing history, and any criminal or eviction history. Answer honestly and completely — the authority will verify everything through background checks and income verification. If you leave something out or provide false information, you can be denied or removed from the program later.

Timeline From process to Moving In

The entire process from process to moving into a Section 8 unit typically takes several months to several years, depending on your local authority and the size of the waiting list. Understanding the timeline helps you plan and know what to expect at each stage.

After you submit your process, the authority processes it — this usually takes two to four weeks. During this time they verify your income, run a background check, and confirm your citizenship or legal residency. You may be asked to provide additional documents or clarify information. Once processing is complete, you are placed on the waiting list in order of process date, though some authorities prioritize certain groups (such as people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities).

Waiting list times vary dramatically. In some North Dakota cities, you may wait one to two years. In others, the list is several years long. Once your name reaches the top of the list and a voucher becomes available, the authority will contact you and issue your voucher. You then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a rental property and a landlord willing to accept Section 8. The landlord's property must pass a housing inspection before you can move in. If you do not find housing within the time limit, your voucher may be returned to the program.

Income Limits and Rent You Will Pay

Section 8 in North Dakota has income limits that vary by household size and by the specific area where you want to live. Generally, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income for your county. For example, a single person in Bismarck has a different income limit than a single person in a rural county. Your local housing authority can tell you the exact limit for your household size and location.

If you are approved, you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income toward rent, and the Section 8 voucher covers the rest (up to a maximum amount set by the program). If your income is very low, you may pay as little as $50 to $100 per month. The voucher amount also varies by location — rent limits are higher in Fargo than in smaller towns. Your housing authority publishes these limits and can tell you what the voucher will cover in your area.

Finding a Landlord and Passing Inspection

Once you have a voucher, you must find a private landlord willing to rent to you using Section 8. Not all landlords accept vouchers — some prefer to rent only to tenants paying market rent. You can search rental listings online, contact local property management companies, or ask your housing authority for a list of landlords who have worked with Section 8 tenants in the past.

When you find a property you want to rent, the landlord must sign a lease and agree to accept the Section 8 payment. The housing authority then inspects the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards — the unit must be safe, have working utilities, adequate heat, and no serious maintenance problems. If the property fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in. Once it passes, the authority signs the lease and begins paying the landlord directly each month.

What Happens If You Are Denied

If your process is denied, the housing authority must give you a written reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, a criminal history that disqualifies you under program rules, an eviction in the past, or failure to provide required documents. Ask the authority for the specific reason and whether you can appeal the decision.

Many North Dakota authorities allow you to request a hearing to challenge a denial. You have a limited time to request this — usually 10 to 30 days — so act quickly if you disagree with the decision. At the hearing, you can present documents or witnesses to support your case. If you are denied because of a criminal record or eviction, ask whether you can reapply after a certain amount of time has passed, as some authorities have waiting periods before you can try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to more than one housing authority at the same time?

Yes. You can explore to multiple authorities if you are willing to move to different areas. Each authority maintains its own waiting list, so being on one list does not affect your place on another. However, once you receive a voucher from one authority, you typically must use it or lose it, so explore strategically based on where you actually want to live.

What if I have a criminal record or past eviction?

A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it will be reviewed carefully. The authority considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your circumstances since then. Violent crimes and drug-related convictions are more likely to result in denial. Ask your local authority about their specific policies and whether you can appeal if denied.

Do I have to stay in North Dakota once I get a voucher?

No. Section 8 vouchers can be transferred to other states through a process called portability. You must request this from your current housing authority and work with the authority in the state where you want to move. The process takes time, so plan ahead if you are considering relocating.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

Report any income changes to your housing authority right away. If your income increases, your rent payment may increase, but you will still pay only 30 percent of your income. If your income decreases, your rent payment decreases as well. The authority recalculates your rent annually or when you report a change.

How do I find my local housing authority's phone number and office address?

Search for "[your city] Public Housing Authority" online, call 211 North Dakota, or visit hud.gov and use their PHA locator tool. You can also contact your city or county government office and ask for the housing authority contact information.