Voucher-Friendly Housing in Rochester

RHA serves the city of Rochester, operating public housing communities — such as Lake Tower and Tubman Terrace, Seneca Manor, Lexington Court, and Carlson Commons — along with the Housing Choice Voucher program. Rent in RHA public housing is income-based, set at roughly 30% of adjusted household income.

RHA accepts applications through its online portal at rochesterhousing.org/apply and in person at the Application Processing Center on Lake Avenue. Waitlists open and close periodically depending on availability and funding. RHA also runs a 24-hour automated waiting list status line at (585) 697-7574. Check current status before applying, and never pay to apply.

New York protects renters from source-of-income discrimination statewide. Under the New York State Human Rights Law (Executive Law §§ 292 and 296), as amended by the Lawful Source of Income Non-Discrimination Act of 2019, landlords generally may not refuse to rent to you simply because you would pay with a Housing Choice Voucher or other lawful assistance such as Social Security, public assistance, or child support. If a landlord rejects your voucher, you may have a right to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights.

Apply through the Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) at rochesterhousing.org when waitlists are open, or in person at the Application Processing Center at 270 Lake Avenue. Rent is based on income (about 30% of adjusted household income); eligibility is generally limited to households at or below local income limits. Call RHA at (585) 697-7180. Applications are free — never pay to apply.