How to Apply for Section 8 in Akron, Ohio
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How to apply for Section 8 with Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA): online application, preference points, income limits, rents and rights.
In Akron and the rest of Summit County, Section 8 is run by the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) at akronhousing.gov. AMHA runs the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP, also called Section 8), public housing for families and seniors, project-based voucher lists and other affordable housing. You can apply for more than one of these programs.
This guide covers how to apply, how AMHA's points system works, who qualifies, how much rent a voucher can cover in Summit County, and what you can do while you wait.
Is the Akron Section 8 waitlist open? (November 2026)
AMHA takes preliminary applications online. But as of November 4, 2026, AMHA's official pages do not say whether the Section 8 waitlist is open right now.
To check, call AMHA's automated status line at 330-252-9284 or the main office at 330-762-9631 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM).
How the Housing Choice Voucher program works
Section 8 is a federal HUD program run by local housing agencies. Here is the basic idea:
- You get a voucher from AMHA.
- You pick a privately owned home. AMHA says the unit must meet AMHA and HUD Housing Quality Standards and reasonable rent rules.
- You pay part of the rent. HUD says your share is usually 30% of your adjusted monthly income and can be as high as 40%.
- AMHA pays the rest to the landlord.
The voucher is tenant-based. AMHA says you can move within Summit County or to another area and keep your help.
How to apply for Section 8 in Akron
- Fill out the online preliminary application. AMHA's How to Apply page links to its housing application at ohakron.tenmast.com/apply.
- Save your confirmation number. AMHA says, "You must keep this confirmation number to check your status in the future."
- Check your status. Call 330-252-9284. AMHA says the line gives your application date, the lists you applied to and current wait times. AMHA's eligibility page says to have your Social Security number ready.
- Wait for an interview letter. When your name nears the top of a list, AMHA contacts you for an eligibility interview.
People with disabilities who need help with the process can ask for the AMHA RA (reasonable accommodation) coordinator at 330-762-9631. AMHA's office is at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, OH 44307.
How AMHA's waitlist and preference points work
AMHA uses preference points to put applicants in order. If two people have the same points, the earlier application date and time goes first. Here are AMHA's points as listed on its How to Apply page:
| Preference | Points |
|---|---|
| Resident (live, work or go to school full time in Summit County) | 1 |
| Emancipated youth, Full Term First Birthday, veteran, Continuum of Care referral, or transitional/homeless non-elderly disabled | 2 each |
| Involuntary displacement by government action | 3 |
| Rent burden or homeless | 7 |
| Moving On | 8 |
| Supportive housing (project-based voucher lists only) | 15 |
| Canceled voucher (no other preferences apply) | 20 |
| Insufficient funding (no other preferences apply) | 30 |
Estimated waits listed by AMHA: about 24 to 36 months for Section 8 (HCVP), 6 to 18 months for family public housing, and 12 to 18 months for senior public housing. These are estimates, not promises.
Who qualifies: Akron-area income limits
AMHA says all applicants must pass a criminal background screening, pay any old balance owed to AMHA in full, and have income under HUD's limits. The head of household must be at least 18. AMHA says its voucher program is aimed at households at or below 30% of area median income.
HUD FY2026 income limits, Akron, OH MSA (Summit and Portage counties; effective May 1, 2026):
| Household size | Very low income (50%) | Extremely low income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $34,000 | $20,450 |
| 2 | $38,850 | $23,350 |
| 3 | $43,700 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $48,550 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $52,450 | $38,680 |
| 6 | $56,350 | $44,360 |
| 7 | $60,250 | $50,040 |
| 8 | $64,100 | $55,720 |
Source: huduser.gov FY2026 income limits. Ask AMHA which limit applies to the program you want. Read more in our Section 8 eligibility guide.
What rent a voucher can cover in Akron
How much your voucher pays depends on AMHA's payment standard. Each housing authority sets its own payment standard, usually between 90% and 110% of HUD's Fair Market Rent (FMR). It is the most the agency will pay toward rent and utilities, not a rent limit.
HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027, effective Oct 1, 2026 — Akron, OH MSA (includes Summit County):
| Unit size | Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $886 |
| 1 bedroom | $952 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,474 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,618 |
AMHA has a Rent Affordability Calculator and a Rent & Utility Determinations map on its website. Ask AMHA for the current payment standard. You can also estimate your share with our Section 8 rent calculator.
Documents to bring to your interview
AMHA says all adult household members must attend the interview, and if you do not bring the required information, "you may not be seen." Its eligibility page lists:
- Birth certificates and Social Security cards for everyone on the application
- A driver's license or state ID for each adult (18+)
- A Green Card or passport for any household member who is not a U.S. citizen
- Custody or foster care papers, if they apply, and a DD-214 for veterans
- Landlord history (AMHA asks for January 1, 2020 to now) with names and contact details
- Your current lease, latest rent receipt and recent utility bills
- Contact information for three personal references
- Two months of recent pay stubs, and benefit letters printed within the last 30 days
- Six months of checking account statements and recent savings or retirement statements
- Child care receipts, medical expense statements (if 62+ or disabled) or student records, if they apply
Start gathering these now so you are ready.
What happens after you're selected
- Interview letter. You can fill out a pre-interview questionnaire online using the Household ID on your letter.
- Eligibility interview. If you miss it without calling to reschedule, AMHA says your application will be withdrawn.
- Decision. AMHA says it usually mails a decision within a month. If you are found ineligible, you have the right to appeal.
- Voucher. AMHA says a voucher is valid for 120 days once you are selected.
- Find a unit and pass inspection, then sign the lease. AMHA pays its share to the landlord.
Your rights
Ohio state law does not list source of income as a protected class in housing. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission covers race, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, familial status and military status.
The City of Akron has passed local protections. The Akron Civil Rights Commission lists Ordinance No. 112-2021, "Source of Income Protections," under its housing laws, and it takes housing discrimination complaints under Chapter 38 of Akron's Codified Ordinances. Inside Akron city limits, most landlords likely cannot legally refuse you just because you use a voucher. Rules can be different outside the city, so ask if you are not sure.
Keep notes, emails and screenshots of your housing search. If you think you faced discrimination:
- Akron Civil Rights Commission: use the complaint form on the City of Akron website (akronohio.gov).
- Ohio Civil Rights Commission: 614-466-2785 or toll-free 1-888-278-7101. File within one year.
- HUD Fair Housing (Region V, Chicago): toll-free 800-765-9372, or hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination.
What to do while you wait
- Apply for AMHA public housing. AMHA has family public housing (1–4 bedrooms) and senior public housing for households headed by someone 62+ or disabled. AMHA lists a $50 security deposit for these.
- Look at HUD-subsidized buildings. AMHA also has project-based voucher lists and more than 800 affordable rental homes across nine properties in Akron and Barberton, with rules that vary by property. Other privately owned HUD-subsidized buildings keep their own lists.
- Apply to other lists. HUD says you do not have to live where you apply, but an agency may require you to rent in its area for the first 12 months. See our Columbus Section 8 guide, our Cleveland guide and our list of open Section 8 waiting lists.
- Keep your contact information current. HUD warns you can be removed from a list if you don't report changes.
- Get free alerts. Sign up for VoucherHousing.org waitlist alerts and check our Ohio page.
AMHA does not provide emergency housing. If you need shelter now, see AMHA's Emergency Housing Resources page.
Avoid Section 8 scams
Apply only through AMHA's own website. Never pay anyone who promises a spot on a list or a faster voucher. If someone contacts you about your application and you are not sure it is real, call AMHA at 330-762-9631 before you share anything. VoucherHousing.org is an independent guide, not a government agency, and we never charge for help.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Akron Section 8 waiting list open?
- As of November 4, 2026, AMHA takes preliminary applications online, but its official pages do not say whether the Section 8 list is open right now. Call AMHA's automated status line at 330-252-9284 or the main office at 330-762-9631 to check.
- How do I apply for Section 8 in Akron, Ohio?
- Fill out AMHA's online preliminary application, linked from akronhousing.gov/applicants/how-to-apply. Keep your confirmation number. When your name nears the top of the list, AMHA will contact you for an eligibility interview.
- How do I check my AMHA application status?
- Call AMHA's automated status line at 330-252-9284. AMHA says it gives your application date, the waiting lists you applied for and current wait times. Have your Social Security number ready.
- How long is the Section 8 wait in Akron?
- AMHA lists an estimated wait of 24 to 36 months for its Housing Choice Voucher Program. Your place depends on AMHA's preference points and the date and time you applied. These are estimates, not promises.
- What is the Section 8 income limit in Akron?
- Section 8 is generally for households at or below 50% of Area Median Income. HUD's FY2026 very low income limit for the Akron, OH MSA (effective May 1, 2026) is $34,000 for 1 person and $48,550 for a family of 4. Ask AMHA which limit applies to your program.
- How much rent will Section 8 pay in Akron?
- It depends on AMHA's payment standard, which housing authorities usually set between 90% and 110% of HUD's Fair Market Rent. HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the Akron area, effective Oct 1, 2026, is $952 for a 1-bedroom and $1,231 for a 2-bedroom. You usually pay about 30% of your adjusted income.
- What documents do I need for my AMHA interview?
- AMHA asks for birth certificates and Social Security cards for everyone in the household, ID for each adult, landlord history, recent pay stubs and benefit letters, bank statements, your current lease and utility bills, and three personal references. All adult household members must attend.
- Can an Akron landlord refuse my Section 8 voucher?
- Ohio state law does not protect source of income. But the City of Akron passed Ordinance No. 112-2021, Source of Income Protections, and its Civil Rights Commission takes housing complaints. Inside Akron city limits, most landlords likely cannot legally refuse you just because you use a voucher. Rules may differ outside the city.
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