Question 1

Is there Section 8 housing in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Washington, DC, including project-based Section 8 apartments (the subsidy stays with the unit), public housing, tax-credit, and USDA rural rentals. Housing Choice Vouchers are different: you apply with the local housing authority and can use them at a private landlord. Estimate your voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.

Question 2

Do affordable housing buildings in Washington, DC have openings?

Accepted Answer

These lists for Washington, DC don't show openings. Call the property (or the housing authority, for public housing) to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.

Question 3

How do I apply for affordable housing in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

Use the phone number on each building card in Washington, DC. Public housing is run by the local housing authority — apply with them, not at the building. USDA rural rentals can also be found through USDA's property search.

Question 4

What counts as affordable housing in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

In Washington, DC, this directory lists income-restricted rentals from HUD tax-credit (LIHTC) records, public housing, HUD-assisted buildings (including project-based Section 8, 202, and 811), and USDA Rural Development.

Question 5

How many affordable housing buildings are in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

This directory lists 359 income-restricted buildings in Washington, DC. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.

Question 6

Which ZIP codes in Washington have affordable housing?

Accepted Answer

Income-restricted buildings in Washington are listed in 20020 (64), 20019 (48), 20032 (42), 20009 (39), 20001 (33), 20011 (22), 20002 (21), 20010 (18), 20018 (18), 20003 (16), 20012 (9), 20024 (9). The 12 ZIP codes with the most buildings are listed here; see the ZIP list on this page for the rest.

Question 7

Where do I apply for public housing in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Public housing in Washington is run by D.C Housing Authority. Apply with that agency, not at the building. For project-based Section 8 and tax-credit apartments, call the phone number on the building card.

Question 8

How do I qualify for affordable housing in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

Most income-restricted buildings in Washington, DC serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $58,150, and $83,050 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($74,800 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.

Question 9

What is the income limit for low-income housing in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

For many programs in Washington, DC, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $58,150 a year for 1 person and $83,050 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $74,800 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.

Question 10

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

There is no single waiting list for Washington, DC. Public housing, project-based Section 8, and tax-credit buildings each keep their own list. Housing Choice Voucher lists at the housing authority open only sometimes and can stay closed for years. This directory does not show which lists are open — call the number on each card. Some public housing cards show HUD's reported wait in months.

Question 11

What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

Public housing is owned by a housing authority — you apply with that agency, not at the building. Project-based Section 8 is a HUD contract on a private building; the subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority and can use it at a landlord who takes it. This page lists public housing, project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Washington, DC. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.

Question 12

How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

In public housing and most Section 8 in Washington, DC, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Washington, DC is $1,780 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.

Question 13

Can I use a Section 8 voucher at affordable apartments in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Washington, DC. Project-based Section 8 units already have a subsidy on the apartment — you apply there, not with a tenant voucher. For a voucher, apply with the housing authority, then ask each landlord. Estimate your share with the Section 8 calculator.

Question 14

Is there senior affordable housing in Washington, DC?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Washington, DC. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.

People	Extremely low 30%	Very low 50%	Low 80%
1	$34,900	$58,150	$74,800
2	$39,900	$66,450	$85,450
3	$44,900	$74,750	$96,150
4	$49,850	$83,050	$106,800
5	$53,850	$89,700	$115,350
6	$57,850	$96,350	$123,900
7	$61,850	$103,000	$132,450
8	$65,850	$109,650	$141,000

Size	20020	Wider area
Studio	$1,540	$2,111
1 bedroom	$1,610	$2,204
2 bedrooms	$1,780	$2,438
3 bedrooms	$2,270	$3,107
4 bedrooms	$2,670	$3,658

Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Washington, DC

In Washington

Programs in Washington

ZIP codes in Washington

Nearby cities

Housing authorities

Rents and income limits in 20020

Income limits (2026)

Fair market rents (2027)

Estimate your Section 8 rent share

Frequently Asked Questions