Voucher-Friendly Housing in Seattle

SHA serves the city of Seattle, operating public and mixed-income housing communities — such as NewHolly, Rainier Vista, and High Point — along with the Housing Choice Voucher program. Rent in SHA public housing is income-based, set at roughly 30% of adjusted household income.

SHA opens waitlists for public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program periodically; some are selected by lottery when open. Waitlists open and close depending on availability and funding. Check current waitlist status directly with SHA before applying, and never pay to apply.

Washington protects renters from source-of-income discrimination statewide. Under RCW 59.18.255, and the City of Seattle's own ordinance (Seattle Municipal Code 14.08), landlords generally may not refuse to rent to you simply because you would pay with a Housing Choice Voucher or other rental assistance. If a landlord rejects your voucher, you may have a right to file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission or the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.

Apply through the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) at seattlehousing.org when waitlists are open. Rent is based on income (about 30% of adjusted household income); eligibility is generally limited to households at or below local income limits. For low-income public housing admissions, call (206) 239-1737, or reach the SHA main line at (206) 615-3300. Applications are free.