How do I apply for Section 8 in Iowa?

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 Iowa: 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 Iowa's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a Iowa landlord to refuse Section 8? No. Iowa has no statewide source-of-income protection, and since Jan. 1, 2023 cities and counties may not adopt or enforce ordinances barring landlords from refusing to rent to someone because they use a federal Housing Choice Voucher (existing local ordinances became void). Iowa Code §364.3(16) (cities); §331.304(13) (counties)

Housing authorities in Iowa

Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (DMMHA) — Des Moines, Polk County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Family Self-Sufficiency, Section 32 Homeownership
Phone: (515) 323-8950
How to apply / waiting list — As of 2026-10-24 the agency's site says the Section 8 waiting list is closed; the public housing list is closed for 2- to 5-bedroom units (applications accepted only for households of one or two people); a Mainstream Voucher preference list is open only to applicants who meet specific disability and homelessness-program criteria.

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

Statewide housing agency

Iowa Finance Authority (part of Opportunity Iowa) — Lists renter and rental programs and runs Iowa Housing Search (iowahousingsearch.com), a free statewide listing of available rental housing. It does not run a statewide Section 8 voucher program.

Help paying rent in Iowa

Iowa Housing Search — Free state-sponsored search tool for available and affordable rental housing in Iowa.

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.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

Iowa tenant rights · Free legal help in Iowa · 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.