Low Income Apartments Phoenix: Your Search for Affordable Housing Options

Finding low income apartments phoenix presents a significant challenge for many individuals and families facing the pressures of rising housing costs in the region. The search for safe, decent, and affordable rental options can feel overwhelming. Navigating a complex system of programs, eligibility rules, and application procedures adds to the difficulty.

This article aims to provide clear, reliable information about the types of affordable housing available. It covers who qualifies, how to apply, and where to find listings in Phoenix and the broader Maricopa County area. Understanding these options is the essential first step toward securing stable housing, though persistence and effort are often required throughout the process.

What Types of Low Income Housing Are Available in Phoenix?

The term "low income housing" encompasses several distinct programs and property types. These are often managed by different government agencies. In the Phoenix area, the primary entities overseeing these programs are the City of Phoenix Housing Department, which acts as the Phoenix Housing Authority, and the Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC).  

Understanding the main categories of assistance is crucial for navigating the available options.

Key Housing Programs

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV): This is a major federal housing assistance program administered locally by both the City of Phoenix Housing Department and HAMC. The City of Phoenix alone provides voucher assistance to over 6,000 local low-income households. Under the HCV program, eligible individuals and families receive a voucher that helps pay a portion of their rent directly to a private landlord.  
• How HCV Works: Participants typically contribute approximately 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards rent and utilities. The voucher covers the remaining balance up to a certain limit. A key feature of the HCV program is tenant choice; participants can select housing in the private rental market, provided the unit meets program requirements regarding safety and rent reasonableness. Securing a suitable unit often involves finding landlords willing to participate.  
• Public Housing: Unlike vouchers, public housing refers to rental units owned and operated directly by local housing authorities. Both the City of Phoenix Housing Department and HAMC manage public housing properties. HAMC, for instance, oversees more than 700 affordable units across over 17 distinct communities within Maricopa County. Rent in public housing is typically calculated based on the tenant's income, ensuring affordability.  
• Project-Based Vouchers (PBV): This type of rental assistance is linked to a specific apartment unit or property, rather than being tied to the tenant like the HCV. HAMC offers the PBV program. If a family moves out of a PBV-assisted unit, the rental subsidy generally stays with the unit. Residents in PBV units typically pay rent based on their income, often around 30%.  
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: These are apartment communities developed by private owners who received federal tax credits for setting aside units for low- to moderate-income residents. LIHTC properties must reserve either at least 20% of units for households earning 50% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), or at least 40% for those earning 60% or less of AMI, with rents capped accordingly. Arizona has many affordable homes created through the LIHTC program. Rents might not fluctuate directly with individual tenant income changes like Section 8 or Public Housing.  

Understanding the Differences

Recognizing that assistance comes through different agencies (City vs. County) and mechanisms (vouchers vs. specific properties) helps applicants. They may need to explore multiple avenues and potentially submit applications through different systems.

The distinction between tenant-based assistance (HCV) allowing moves and project-based assistance (Public Housing, PBV, LIHTC) tied to a location is important for families considering future needs.

Could You Qualify? Understanding Eligibility

Eligibility for low-income housing programs depends on several factors, primarily income, but other criteria apply. Each program may have slightly different rules, but general requirements often overlap.

Key Eligibility Factors

Based on plans like HAMC's Tenant Selection Plan, non-income factors typically include:  

• Family Status: Must meet the program's definition of a family, including single individuals (elderly, disabled, near-elderly) or groups living together.  
• Citizenship/Immigration Status: Generally limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, and certain eligible noncitizens. Declaration and proof are required.  
• Social Security Numbers: Disclosure and verification usually required for all family members, with limited exceptions.  
• Screening Criteria: Involves background checks reviewing financial history (rent payments), disturbances, property damage, criminal activity (especially threats to safety), and past evictions. Credit checks and eviction record searches are common.  
• Suitability: Must demonstrate ability and willingness to comply with lease terms and program requirements. Housekeeping habits may be assessed.  
• Asset Limits: Limits on total household assets often apply. HAMC's public housing plan specifies a $100,000 net family asset limit (adjusted annually) and restricts eligibility for those owning suitable alternative housing, with exceptions.  

Focus on Income Limits

Income eligibility is paramount and is determined relative to the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area. HUD establishes income limits annually, categorized as follows :  

• Extremely Low Income (ELI): Income ≤ 30% of AMI.
• Very Low Income (VLI): Income ≤ 50% of AMI.
• Low Income (LI): Income ≤ 80% of AMI.

As of May 7, 2024 (FY2024/2025), the Median Family Income for the area is $101,300. Based on this, the income limits used by agencies like HAMC for new admissions are:  

2024-2025 Income Limits for Maricopa County Housing Programs (Effective May 7, 2024)

Source: Based on HUD FY2024/2025 data, $101,300 Median Family Income. Used by HAMC for New Admissions and Port In New Admissions ONLY. Note: Limits may vary slightly; always verify with the specific program. The City of Phoenix also uses HUD-derived limits, potentially focusing on VLI for its HCV program.

Important Context: Eligibility vs. Priority

Meeting income limits makes a household eligible, but doesn't guarantee immediate assistance due to high demand. Federal regulations often require prioritizing applicants with the lowest incomes.

HUD mandates that at least 75% of new HCV admissions must be Extremely Low-Income (ELI) families. Similarly, at least 40% of new Public Housing admissions must be ELI families. This means ELI households often receive priority from waiting lists, impacting wait times for others.  

How to Apply for Housing Assistance Programs

The application process varies between the City of Phoenix Housing Department and the Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC), and even between programs. Waiting list status (open or closed) is a critical factor.

City of Phoenix Housing Department

• Programs Managed: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Public Housing.  
• Application & Waiting List Status: The City of Phoenix Section 8 HCV waiting list is CLOSED as of the latest updates. No new HCV applications are being accepted. Public notice will be given when it reopens. Information on the Public Housing application process requires direct contact.  
• Contact Information:
  • Housing Admin: 602-262-6794, housing@phoenix.gov.  
  • Section 8 HCV Office: 602-534-1974​​​, 830 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85034.  
  • Contact Page: https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/housing/contact-us.html.  

With the City's HCV list closed, focus efforts on HAMC or other options.

Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC)

• Programs Managed: HCV, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), affordable housing properties, and specialized referral programs (HUD-VASH, Mainstream Vouchers, FUP). Referral programs need connection through partner agencies.  
• Application Process: HAMC uses online portals when waiting lists are open. Applicants apply via specific portals on the HAMC website.  
• Waiting List Status & Management: HAMC maintains waiting lists. Applicants can check status online via HAMC's Applicant Portal. Keeping contact info updated and responding promptly is crucial; failure can lead to removal. Some property lists require periodic updates to remain active.  
• Contact Information:
  • Main Office: [602-744-4500].  
  • Email: [info@maricopahousing.org].  
  • Address: 8910 N. 78th Avenue, Bldg D, Peoria, AZ 85345.  
  • Programs Page: https://maricopahousing.org/services-2/.  
  • Portals Page: https://maricopahousing.org/customer-portals/.  

General Application Tips

Preparation can streamline the process. Gather necessary documents in advance:

• Proof of income for all household members
• Valid identification
• Social Security cards
• Birth certificates
• Citizenship/eligible immigration status documentation  

Honesty and accuracy are essential; misrepresentation can lead to denial. Expect a verification process where the housing authority confirms information. If denied, applicants typically have the right to appeal.

Where to Find Low Income Apartments Phoenix Listings

Identifying available low-income or subsidized apartments requires using specific resources, as vacancies may not appear on standard rental sites without verification.

Key Resources for Listings

• Official Arizona Housing Search Website: HousingSearch.AZ.gov is the primary recommended resource. This free tool searches various rental types across Arizona. Assistance is available via toll-free number 1-877-428-8844. Visit https://housingsearch.az.gov/ first.  
• HUD Resources:
  • HUD Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov/ identifies HUD-funded properties but does not show vacancies or manage lists. Contact property management directly.  
  • HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free expert advice on finding rentals, understanding programs, etc. Find counselors online or call 800-569-4287.  
• HAMC Managed Properties: Check the "Our Properties" section on the HAMC website https://maricopahousing.org/services-2/#propertymanagement for communities they operate. Application info might be via customer portals.  
• LIHTC Property Search: The HUD User LIHTC Database https://lihtc.huduser.gov/ lists LIHTC properties. Contact management directly for vacancies. Data is updated annually.  
• Other Community Resources:
  • 2-1-1 Arizona: Dial 2-1-1 for info on housing resources, shelters, and assistance programs.  
  • Local Non-Profits: Organizations like Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) manage affordable properties. Check their websites or local resource guides for others like Catholic Charities or Mercy Housing.  
• Commercial Listing Sites (Use with Caution): Sites like Zillow and Apartments.com have "low income" filters, but the term is used loosely. Listings may not be truly subsidized. Always verify income qualifications, rent structure, and voucher acceptance directly with property management. Relying solely on these sites can be misleading compared to official resources.  

Specialized Housing Programs

Several initiatives target specific populations:

• Veterans: The HUD-VASH program combines vouchers with VA support services. It requires a VA referral. Veterans should contact the VA or a housing counselor.  
• Persons with Disabilities: Mainstream Vouchers assist households with a non-elderly disabled member. This is often referral-based. Housing authorities must provide reasonable accommodations. Organizations like FSL and Mercy Housing manage accessible properties.  
• Seniors (62+): Section 202 provides funding for affordable senior housing. Eligibility usually requires age 62+ and income below 50% AMI. HAMC, FSL, Salvation Army, Mercy Housing, and others manage senior communities.  
• Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: The Family Unification Program (FUP) provides vouchers to youth (18-24) leaving foster care and facing homelessness, via referral. FSL also lists youth housing projects.  

Accessing these often involves connecting with specific agencies (VA, disability services, child welfare) for referrals.

Conclusion

Searching for low income apartments in Phoenix involves understanding programs from the City of Phoenix Housing Department and the Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC). Key options are Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers, and LIHTC properties. Eligibility depends heavily on income relative to AMI (see table), plus other factors like citizenship and background checks.

Remember, the City of Phoenix HCV waiting list is currently closed. Focus on HAMC programs (using their online portals ) or finding vacancies in Public Housing or LIHTC units.  

Use reliable resources like HousingSearch.AZ.gov and HUD-approved counselors. While other tools exist, always verify details directly with property management. Specialized programs cater to veterans, seniors, persons with disabilities, and youth, often needing referrals.  

Securing affordable housing requires persistence and using the right tools. This information helps navigate the process towards finding a suitable home.

Frequently Asked Questions