How do I apply for Section 8 in Minnesota?

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

Is it illegal for a Minnesota landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes. It is an unfair discriminatory practice to refuse to rent to, or discriminate in terms against, a person because of 'status with regard to public assistance.' That status includes being a tenant receiving federal, state or local subsidies, including rental assistance or rent supplements, such as Housing Choice vouchers. Minn. Stat. §§ 363A.09, subd. 1; 363A.03, subd. 47

Housing authorities in Minnesota

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) — Minneapolis, Hennepin County
Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher
Phone: 612-342-1400 (main); HCV office 612-342-1480; public housing leasing 612-342-1475
How to apply / waiting list — Housing Choice Voucher waiting list closed to new applications (as of 2026-10-24)
Saint Paul Public Housing Agency — Saint Paul, Ramsey County
Public Housing, RAD multifamily housing, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Phone: (651) 298-5664 (HUD listing)
How to apply / waiting list — Housing Choice Voucher waiting list closed; public housing scattered-site and multifamily lists posted as closing (as of 2026-10-24)
Metro HRA (Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority) — Saint Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), Bring It Home rental assistance
Phone: (651) 602-1187 (HUD listing); Metropolitan Council main line 651-602-1000
How to apply / waiting list
Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) — Eagan, Dakota County
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Phone: (651) 675-4400 (HUD listing)
How to apply / waiting list — Accepting online applications for the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list per the CDA's January 2026 flyer
Bloomington HRA — Bloomington, Hennepin County
Phone: (952) 563-8937 (HUD listing)
South St. Paul HRA — South St. Paul, Dakota County
Phone: (651) 554-3270 (HUD listing)

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

Statewide housing agency

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (Minnesota Housing) — Funds Bring It Home long-term rental assistance, the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program, and Housing Trust Fund rental assistance through local providers, and points renters to HousingLink and other help.

Help paying rent in Minnesota

Bring It Home Rental Assistance — State-funded long-term rent subsidy, similar to a Section 8 voucher, offered through local housing agencies
Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) — Homelessness prevention and security deposit help through local providers
HousingLink — Statewide search for rental housing and subsidized waiting lists
HOME Line — Free legal information and help for Minnesota renters
United Way 211 — Connects callers to local emergency assistance and human services

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

Minnesota tenant rights · Free legal help in Minnesota · 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.