How do I apply for Section 8 in Tennessee?

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

Is it illegal for a Tennessee landlord to refuse Section 8? No. The Tennessee Human Rights Act's housing provision covers race, color, creed, religion, sex, disability, familial status and national origin, but not source of income or vouchers. T.C.A. 4-21-601(a)

Housing authorities in Tennessee

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) – Housing Choice Voucher Program — Nashville
Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher, Family Self-Sufficiency
Phone: 800-228-THDA
How to apply / waiting list — Closed: no application dates currently scheduled (as of 2026-10-24 per THDA site)
Memphis Housing Authority — Memphis, Shelby County
Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartments
Phone: (901) 544-1100
How to apply / waiting list — Housing Choice Voucher waiting list closed; online applications being accepted for several senior housing apartments (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) — Nashville, Davidson County
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, MDHA affordable housing communities
Phone: (615) 252-8400
How to apply / waiting list — Closed: not currently accepting applications for affordable housing or voucher waiting lists; MDHA announced affordable waiting lists for four properties opening October 27, 2026 (as of 2026-10-24 per MDHA site)
Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) — Knoxville, Knox County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public housing communities for families, elderly and disabled residents
Phone: 865-403-1234
How to apply / waiting list — Housing Choice Voucher online applications accepted 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month (as of 2026-10-24 per KCDC site)
Chattanooga Housing Authority — Chattanooga, Hamilton County
Housing Choice Voucher, Managed housing
Phone: 423-752-4893
The Clarksville Housing Authority — Clarksville, Montgomery County
Phone: (931) 647-2303
Murfreesboro Housing Authority — Murfreesboro, Rutherford County
Housing Choice Voucher, Shelter Plus Care, Affordable housing
Phone: (615) 893-9414
How to apply / waiting list

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

Statewide housing agency

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) — THDA runs the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program in 72 Tennessee counties through field offices, project-based vouchers, a Family Self-Sufficiency program, energy assistance for renters, and TN Housing Search for finding affordable rentals.

Help paying rent in Tennessee

THDA Housing Choice Voucher Program — Section 8 rent assistance run by the state housing agency in 72 counties; the waiting list opens only on posted application dates.

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

Tennessee tenant rights · Free legal help in Tennessee · 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.