How do I apply for Section 8 in Kentucky?

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

Is it illegal for a Kentucky landlord to refuse Section 8? No. There is no statewide protection, and since 2024 local governments may not adopt or enforce ordinances that bar landlords from refusing to rent to someone whose rent is paid in part with a federal housing assistance program (e.g., Section 8 vouchers). This overrides the Louisville and Lexington source-of-income ordinances to the extent they cover federal housing assistance. KRS 65.874 (2024 Ky. Acts ch. 3, sec. 1, HB 18; emergency, veto overridden)

Housing authorities in Kentucky

Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) — Louisville, Jefferson County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Moving to Work
Phone: (502) 569-3400 (main); 502-569-6060 (Section 8 customer service)
How to apply / waiting list — Closed as of 2026-10-24; LMHA's site says it is not accepting Housing Choice Voucher applications at this time. Applicants already on the list can check their position at (502) 584-1704.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Housing Authority (Lexington Housing Authority) — Lexington, Fayette County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Affordable Housing for Seniors, Homeownership
Phone: 859.281.5060
How to apply / waiting list — As of 2026-10-24 the authority's site says the Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) list is closed; the Ballard and Connie Griffith Apartments 1-bedroom list (age 62+) is open; the Centre Meadows 3-bedroom list is shown as opening 10/12/26.
Kentucky Housing Corporation (state agency) — Frankfort
Housing Choice Voucher, Family Unification Program, Mainstream, VASH, Family Self-Sufficiency
Phone: 502-564-7630; toll-free in Kentucky 800-633-8896
How to apply / waiting list — Closed as of 2026-10-24; KHC says reopening will be announced on kyhousing.org and the average wait can be three to five years. KHC serves most Kentucky counties but not Fayette or Jefferson.

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

Statewide housing agency

Kentucky Housing Corporation — Runs the statewide Housing Choice Voucher program for most counties (not Fayette or Jefferson), special voucher programs (FUP, Mainstream, VASH, HOPWA, Stability Vouchers and others) and help finding a rental unit.

Help paying rent in Kentucky

KHC - Get Help Finding a Unit — Kentucky Housing Corporation resources for finding affordable rental housing.

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

Kentucky tenant rights · Free legal help in Kentucky · 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.