Section 8 in Albany, Schenectady & Troy: How to Apply

How to apply for Section 8 in the Capital Region: Albany, Schenectady and Troy housing authorities (all closed now), NYS HCR, and how to get notified.

The Capital Region has several Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) agencies, and each keeps its own waitlist. As of September 2026, the Albany, Schenectady and Troy lists are all closed, so the key is knowing where each one announces its next opening.

Albany Housing Authority (AHA)

Address: 200 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202
Program size: about 2,188 tenant-based and 252 project-based vouchers
Status: AHA says it is not currently accepting applications for Section 8 and will publish a public notice before reopening. Its most recent opening we could confirm was March 18–22, 2019, in person or online.
Public housing: AHA is separately taking applications for 1–5 bedroom public housing units (as of August 31, 2026) through its online portal.

Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority (SMHA)

Address: 375 Broadway, Schenectady, NY 12305, 518-386-7000
Status: SMHA's Section 8 waitlist is closed. Reopenings are announced on its website, in local newspapers and through local human service agencies.

Troy Housing Authority

Address: 12 Congress Street, Troy, NY 12180, 518-271-8353
Status: the waiting list is closed to new applications. It serves the City of Troy and Lansingburgh only.

NYS HCR in Albany and Schenectady Counties

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) runs a statewide voucher program. When an HCR list opens, you can apply online at the MyHousing Portal (section8.hcr.ny.gov) or on paper through HCR's local administrator. HCR's local administrator for Albany and Schenectady counties is JEM Inc, 518-372-8846.

Tips

Apply to every list you qualify for when it opens. Each agency is separate.
Keep your mailing address current. AHA contacts applicants by mail.
Applying should never cost money. Never pay anyone to apply.

Your rights

Since 2019, the New York State Human Rights Law bans landlords across the state from refusing you because you pay with a Section 8 voucher or other lawful income. There are limited exemptions, such as an owner-occupied two-family home or a room in the owner's own home. To report discrimination, call the NYS Division of Human Rights at (844) 697-3471.

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Albany Section 8 waiting list open?

No. The Albany Housing Authority says it is not currently accepting Section 8 applications and will post a public notice before reopening.

Is the Schenectady Section 8 waiting list open?

No. The Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority says its Section 8 list is closed. Call 518-386-7000 or check its website for reopening notices.

Who runs the state Section 8 program in the Capital Region?

NYS HCR, through its local administrator JEM Inc (518-372-8846) for Albany and Schenectady counties.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Albany, Schenectady & Troy

Get alerts when waitlists open.