Voucher-Friendly Housing in Paterson

The Housing Authority of the City of Paterson is at 60 Van Houten Street (973-345-5080). It admits applicants only during announced openings, with preference for people who live or work in Paterson, and otherwise orders applicants by date and time of application or by a controlled lottery. Applications are taken online through portal.patersonha.org. Paterson sits in HUD's Bergen-Passaic metro area, where the FY2027 Fair Market Rent (effective October 1, 2026) is $1,987 for a one-bedroom and $2,282 for a two-bedroom.

As of November 2026 Paterson's general Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is not accepting applications; the last general opening was an online lottery in August 2020 that selected 1,000 households. A special 2026 list for Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) vouchers took pre-applications through October 30, 2026 and selected 300 applicants by lottery. Individual developments such as Riverside and Mill Street Square open their own site-based lists from time to time. The statewide NJ DCA voucher list is also closed. Sign up below for an email when any Paterson list reopens.

New Jersey protects renters from source-of-income discrimination statewide. Under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.), landlords generally may not refuse to rent to you, or advertise "no Section 8," because you would pay with a Housing Choice Voucher or other lawful rental assistance. Complaints go to the NJ Division on Civil Rights (NJCivilRights.gov, 1-833-NJDCR4U).

When Paterson announces an opening, apply online at portal.patersonha.org during the window (paper applications are not accepted; public computers are made available at 60 Van Houten Street). Have names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and income for everyone in the household, plus an email address. Between openings, apply directly to the project-based Section 8 and tax-credit buildings on this page and check nj.gov/njhrc. Applications are always free.