Waitlists
Find out waitlist and lottery information for the Subsidized Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.
Waitlist information by housing program
Subsidized housing
Rent from KCHA.
Subsidized waitlist status: Closed
KCHA’s waiting list for subsidized housing is temporarily closed. During this temporary closure, KCHA is reviewing waiting list procedures and implementing new housing-management software. These changes will help improve KCHA’s services for people seeking housing. The waiting list will reopen after the software conversion is completed.
To find out when the waitlist reopens, sign up for our newsletter.
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Search the waiting list
For households already on the waiting list, KCHA selects most households for subsidized housing from a property-based list. Although KCHA cannot predict how long you will wait for housing, we can show you the number of applicants on each list.
You should only use these numbers as a rough guideline. The length of time it takes to reach the top of the list varies. It depends on:
- The date and time you applied.
- The number of current residents who move out.
- The number of applicants who qualify for waiting list preferences.
- The number of bedrooms you need.
KCHA has no way of knowing how many vacancies it will have in the coming months and years. This is why we cannot tell you exactly when you will reach the top of a waiting list.
Reporting application changes
If any of the information you listed on your application changes, you must report the changes to KCHA as soon as possible. You can report application changes online.
We will contact people already on the waiting list by mail when your name nears the top of a waiting list. You will have to provide updated household information (such as income, family composition) at that time. You will also have to submit information for background and credit history checks. If you pass the screening process, KCHA will contact you when a home with the number of bedrooms you need opens up.
Subsidized Housing waitlist FAQs
If you can’t find the answer you need, contact the Central Application Center for Subsidized Housing by email at CentralApplications@kcha.org or call 206-574-1248.
How long will the waiting list be closed?
We do not have a re-opening date at this time.
How will we find out when the waiting list reopens?
We will post information on our website as soon as we have a date for reopening the waiting list. If you’ve signed up for our newsletter (at the top of this page), we’ll notify you there as well.
Where else can I apply to get help?
For emergency resources, start by calling 211. You can also apply for public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs with other housing authorities. For tenant and landlord resources, the Tenants Union and Housing Justice Project are among many other agencies that may be able to assist. This page has a more complete list of resources. KCHA’s other rental housing and its moderate-income housing may provide alternatives for some applicants.
Other housing authorities in Washington and across the country may have open waiting lists for subsidized housing. You can view a list of these openings on the Affordable Housing Online website.
I’m already on the waiting list. Are you canceling my application/taking me off the list?
No. If you have an active application, it won’t be affected by the waiting list closure. While the list is closed, KCHA will continue to fill any vacancies in our properties from the waiting list. The requirements to stay on the list won’t change: keep your mailing address current in case we need to contact you, and respond to any paperwork we send you by the deadline on that paperwork. We recommend checking your status every 3-6 months by calling 206-574-1248 or emailing CentralApplications@kcha.org.
Housing choice voucher (Section 8)
Rent from a private landlord.
HCV Section 8 waitlist status: Closed
KCHA is not currently accepting voucher applications. As of December 31, 2024, KCHA has selected the first 1,800 applicants from the 2020 lottery waiting list. We are not currently pulling waitlist applicants for 2025 or 2026.
To find out when the waitlist reopens, sign up for our newsletter.
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Search your lottery number to find out if you’re on the waitlist
You can look up your lottery number to find out if you’re on the waiting list. There are two ways to do this. In the boxes below, you can enter the confirmation number you received after submitting your application, or enter your head of household’s birth date and the last 4 digits of their social security number.
The date and numbers must exactly match what you put on your application. If you applied but cannot find your number using this tool, contact the Section 8 office.
Search by confirmation number
Search by birthdate and SSN
Reporting application changes
If the contact information listed on your Section 8 voucher application changes, you must report the changes to KCHA as soon as possible. You do not need to report other application changes (such as income), as these will be reviewed when your number reaches the top of the waiting list.
HCV Section 8 housing waitlist FAQs
If you can’t find the answer you need, call the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) office at 206-214-1300.
How long will the waiting list be closed?
We do not know when the waiting list will re-open in the future.
How will we find out when the waiting list reopens?
We will post information on our website as soon as we have a date for reopening the waiting list. If you’ve signed up for our newsletter (at the top of this page), we’ll notify you there as well.
Where else can I apply to get help?
For emergency resources, start by calling 211. You can also apply for public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs with other housing authorities. For tenant and landlord resources, the Tenants Union and Housing Justice Project are among many other agencies that may be able to assist. This page has a more complete list of resources. KCHA’s other rental housing and its moderate-income housing may provide alternatives for some applicants.
Other housing authorities in Washington and across the country may have open waiting lists for subsidized housing. You can view a list of these openings on the Affordable Housing Online website.
I’m already on the waiting list. What’s the status?
As of December 31, 2024, KCHA has selected the first 1,800 applicants from the 2020 lottery waiting list. We are not not currently pulling waitlist applicants for 2025 or 2026.