How do I apply for Section 8 in District of Columbia?

Apply to the local public housing agency that serves the area where you want to live. Each agency runs its own waiting list; check its official site to see whether the list is open.

Section 8 in District of Columbia: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving District of Columbia's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a District of Columbia landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes. The D.C. Human Rights Act bars refusing to rent or discriminating in terms because of source of income, and expressly treats Section 8 assistance paid to the owner (directly or through the tenant) as a source of income. Covers housing vouchers and other lawful income. D.C. Code § 2-1402.21(a), (e)

Housing authorities in District of Columbia

District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) — Washington, District of Columbia
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP)
Phone: (202) 535-1000 (DCHA Call Center)
How to apply / waiting list — Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists closed to new applicants (as of 2026-10-24). Existing applicants can check or update status online.

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) — Finances affordable housing; for renters it links to DC Housing Search (dchousingsearch.org) and properties under construction. It does not run a rent subsidy.

How to apply

Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

District of Columbia tenant rights · Free legal help in District of Columbia · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.