Voucher housing in Ohio
Ohio has substantial Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) inventory administered by local housing authorities in each major metropolitan area. While Ohio does not have statewide source-of-income discrimination protection, some Ohio cities — including Cleveland — have adopted local ordinances. Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is the largest PHA in Northeast Ohio, administering Section 8 for Cleveland, East Cleveland, and most of Cuyahoga County.
Cities in Ohio
Voucher Housing in Ohio
Ohio's voucher housing landscape is administered at the local level:
- Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) administers Section 8 in Cleveland, East Cleveland, and most of Cuyahoga County — the largest concentration of voucher housing in Northeast Ohio
- Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA Columbus) administers Section 8 in Columbus and Franklin County
- Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA Cincinnati) administers Section 8 in Cincinnati and Hamilton County
- Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority administers Section 8 in Toledo and Lucas County
- Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority administers Section 8 in Akron and Summit County
- Greater Dayton Premier Management administers Section 8 in Dayton and Montgomery County
HUD Fair Market Rents (FMRs) and PHA payment standards in Ohio are substantially lower than coastal cities — typical 2025 Cuyahoga County payment standards are roughly $890 for a 1BR and $1,090 for a 2BR, with PHAs setting actual payment standards at 90-110% of FMR. Voucher families in Ohio often find that vouchers cover full unit costs in most neighborhoods, making Ohio one of the more reliable voucher markets in the U.S.
Source of Income Protections in Ohio
Ohio does not have statewide source-of-income protection. Most private landlords in Ohio can legally refuse to rent to Section 8 voucher holders. However, several Ohio localities have adopted local ordinances:
- City of Cleveland: Ordinance 213-22 (passed 2022) prohibits source-of-income discrimination within Cleveland city limits
- Columbus: Has fair housing ordinances covering source of income
- Toledo, Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton: Vary by ordinance; check local laws
- East Cleveland, Lakewood, and other inner-ring suburbs: Local protection varies — does not automatically inherit Cleveland's ordinance because these are separate municipalities
Federally-funded properties (project-based Section 8 buildings, LIHTC properties, and public housing) cannot discriminate against Section 8 holders regardless of state or local law.
If you face discrimination in Ohio, document everything and contact local fair housing organizations such as the Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research (Northeast Ohio) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers Section 8 in Cleveland and East Cleveland?
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) administers Section 8 across Cuyahoga County, including Cleveland and East Cleveland. Application info and waitlist status: cmha.net.
Does Ohio have source-of-income protection?
No statewide protection. The City of Cleveland adopted a local ordinance in 2022. Other Ohio cities vary. East Cleveland, although adjacent to Cleveland, is a separate municipality and is not automatically covered by Cleveland's ordinance.
What is the typical Section 8 payment standard in Cuyahoga County?
2025 CMHA payment standards are approximately $890/month for a 1BR and $1,090/month for a 2BR (subject to annual HUD updates and PHA adjustments). Most East Cleveland rents fall within these payment standards.
Are Ohio voucher waitlists open?
Waitlist status varies by PHA and changes frequently. CMHA's Housing Choice Voucher waitlist has been opened periodically in recent years; check cmha.net for current status.
How do I find low-income apartments in Ohio?
Low-income apartments in Ohio include Section 8 voucher units, project-based Section 8 buildings, LIHTC (tax-credit) properties, and public housing. Voucher-accepting private rentals offer the most choice — browse listings by city, or contact your county PHA for project-based and public housing options. Ohio's lower rents mean vouchers often cover full unit costs.
Are there Section 8 apartments available across Ohio?
Yes. Section 8 apartments exist in every Ohio metro — Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, and Dayton — administered by each area's metropolitan housing authority. Northeast Ohio (Cuyahoga County) has the largest concentration. Availability is strongest in inner-city and inner-ring-suburb neighborhoods where market rents align with PHA payment standards.
What housing voucher programs operate in Ohio besides Section 8?
Beyond the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), Ohio voucher holders may use project-based Section 8, public housing, HUD-VASH (for veterans), and EDEN supportive housing in Cuyahoga County for people with disabilities or experiencing homelessness. Each is administered locally; your county PHA can confirm what you qualify for.