Voucher-Friendly Housing in Detroit

DHC serves the city of Detroit, operating public housing properties — such as Sheridan Place, State Fair Apartments, and Harriet Tubman Apartments — along with the Housing Choice Voucher program. DHC's public housing staff manages roughly 3,400 public housing and scattered-site units across the city. Rent in DHC public housing is income-based, set at roughly 30% of adjusted household income.

DHC maintains waitlists for public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program, applied for through its online applicant portal. Waitlists open and close periodically depending on availability and funding. Check current waitlist status directly with DHC before applying, and never pay to apply.

Michigan now protects renters from source-of-income discrimination statewide. Under Michigan Senate Bills 205-207, effective April 2, 2025, it is unlawful for a landlord to refuse you simply because you would pay with a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher or other lawful assistance such as Social Security or disability benefits. Important exception: landlords who own five or fewer rental units are generally exempt. If a landlord rejects your voucher, you may be able to file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (1-800-482-3604) or the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit (313-579-FAIR).

Apply through the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) at dhcmi.org via its applicant portal 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. Call DHC at (313) 877-8000 for current waitlist information. Applications are free — never pay to apply.