How do I apply for Section 8 in Oregon?

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

Is it illegal for a Oregon landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes, statewide. Refusing to rent, setting different terms, or expelling based on source of income is prohibited; 'source of income' includes Section 8 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) and any other local, state or federal housing assistance (but not income from a specific occupation or illegal income). Landlord may still refuse based on inability to pay rent, counting the value of the housing assistance. ORS 659A.421

Housing authorities in Oregon

Home Forward (Housing Authority of Portland) — Portland, Multnomah County
Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher, Agency-owned apartment communities, Other rental assistance
Phone: (503) 802-8300; waitlist questions 503-415-8000
How to apply / waiting list — closed — the 2026 voucher and project-based waitlist lottery took applications September 9-21, 2026; applicants to be notified in late 2026 (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Housing Authority of Clackamas County — Oregon City, Clackamas County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing
Phone: (503) 655-8267
How to apply / waiting list — closed — all waitlists, including Section 8 (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Housing Authority of Washington County (Washington County Department of Housing Services) — Hillsboro, Washington County
Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher, Public Housing
Phone: 503-846-4794
How to apply / waiting list — Housing Choice Voucher waitlist closed until further notice; place-based Project-Based Voucher and Public Housing waitlists open continuously since February 11, 2026 (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Homes for Good (Housing Authority of Lane County) — Eugene, Lane County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher
Phone: (541) 682-3755
How to apply / waiting list — Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist closed; no upcoming public housing waitlist openings (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Salem Housing Authority — Salem, Marion County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Family Self-Sufficiency
Phone: 503-588-6368
Marion County Housing Authority — Salem, Marion County
Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher, HUD-VASH, Agency-owned properties, Family Self-Sufficiency
Phone: (503) 798-4170
How to apply / waiting list — closed — Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher, and agency-owned property waitlists (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Housing Authority of Jackson County — Medford, Jackson County
Housing Choice Voucher, Family Self-Sufficiency, Homeownership, Agency-owned properties
Phone: 541-779-5785

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

Statewide housing agency

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) — Funds housing programs delivered by local partners rather than serving renters directly; points renters to Community Action Agencies for rent and utility help and to 211 for local resources. Also runs a Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee program for landlords renting to voucher holders.

Help paying rent in Oregon

Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee Program — Reimburses landlords for tenant-caused damage in tenancies under Section 8 vouchers, VASH vouchers, or a state rehousing initiative; limited, first-come first-served funding

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

Oregon tenant rights · Free legal help in Oregon · 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.