D.C Housing Authority - Section 8 Housing Office | Washington, DC

Quick answer: D.C Housing Authority is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) administering Section 8, Public Housing programs in Washington, DC. Call (202) 535-1500 to reach their office. The agency manages approximately 16,525 Section 8 vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist: CLOSED as of July 28, 2026 All DCHA waiting lists, including Housing Choice Voucher program, have been closed since June 11, 2026. Source ↗

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📍 300 7th St SW, Washington DC 20024 📞 (202) 535-1500 ✉️ DCHousingAuth@dchousing.org

Landlord? Learn how Section 8 pays landlords in District of Columbia.

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D.C Housing Authority is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) that administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and other HUD-funded rental assistance programs in its jurisdiction. PHAs receive annual allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are responsible for determining eligibility, maintaining waitlists, issuing vouchers, inspecting units, and processing rent payments to landlords.

To apply for Section 8 assistance through D.C Housing Authority, check whether the waitlist is currently open. Many PHAs open their waitlists for a limited period - sometimes just a few days - and use a lottery system to select applicants. Once on the waitlist, applicants may wait months to years before receiving a voucher, depending on funding and turnover. Priority is typically given to households with extremely low income (30% AMI or below), veterans, and households experiencing homelessness.

When a voucher is issued, the household has 60-120 days to find an eligible unit. The landlord must agree to participate in the HCV program and pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. Rents must be "reasonable" compared to comparable unassisted units in the area. Once approved, the PHA pays the landlord directly each month; the tenant pays only their 30% income share.

Agency Snapshot

MetricValue
Section 8 Vouchers16,525
Total Units Managed23,855
Occupancy Rate82%
Agency SizeEXTRA LARGE (5,000+)
CountyDistrict Of Columbia
Metro AreaWashington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area

Source: HUD Public Housing Authority directory. Data reflects the most recent HUD reporting period.

How do I contact D.C Housing Authority?
D.C Housing Authority is located at 300 7th St SW, Washington DC 20024. Phone: (202) 535-1500. Call ahead to confirm office hours before visiting.
Is the Section 8 waitlist open at D.C Housing Authority?
Waitlist openings at D.C Housing Authority are not guaranteed year-round. Many PHAs only open their waitlists for brief windows, sometimes announced with just days of notice. Use our Find My PHA tool to see the current status.
What documents do I need to apply at D.C Housing Authority?
Typically: photo ID for all adults, Social Security cards or proof of immigration status for all household members, birth certificates for children, proof of all household income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters), and rental history. Requirements vary; contact D.C Housing Authority for their specific checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Section 8 at D.C Housing Authority?
Visit their office at 300 7th St SW, Washington, DC, 20024. Call (202) 535-1500 to ask about the waitlist and application process.
How many Section 8 vouchers does D.C Housing Authority administer?
D.C Housing Authority administers approximately 16,525 Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers according to HUD's most recent data.
What area does D.C Housing Authority serve?
D.C Housing Authority serves Washington, District Of Columbia County, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area.