Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
880 E 11th Ave, Columbus OH 43211-2771

Already applied? What to expect

Allow 60 days for processing. You will receive a postcard as proof that we received your application. The post card will give you instructions on how to check on the status of your application. Keep this post card for proof that you have made an application.

Do not call CMHA prior to the 60 days to check on your application status.

If your application is accepted, your application will be ranked by the following criteria: Veteran status; if your gross income is under 30% of median income; date and time of your application.

CMHA does NOT provide emergency housing assistance.

If your application is accepted, CMHA cannot predict when you will be called to receive your housing voucher. New vouchers are issued to wait-listed families to replace the families who leave the Section 8 Program.

Please be patient and check the wait list number (614) 421-6180 no earlier than 60 days after you have made your application.

Fraud

Report housing program fraud and abuse. Email us at fraud@cmhanet.com or call 421-6499.

Section 8 applications

CMHA has closed the Section 8 waitlist

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority is no longer accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program.

CMHA has determined that the current Section 8 waiting list has a sufficient number of eligible applicants to enable CMHA to issue all available tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers to waitlisted applicants for the next 12 months.

CMHA will continue to accept Section 8 applications for its special Section 8 set-aside and project-based programs for CMHA-approved supportive housing agencies.

Pursuant to CMHA and HUD regulations, CMHA closed the Section 8 waiting list effective April 13, 2007. No applications will be accepted at CMHA offices after that date. Applications returned to CMHA by mail must have been postmarked no later than April 13, 2007.

Guidelines for applying

Be honest about your income and family member information. CMHA will verify all information. CMHA has access to Social Security, wage data sources, and criminal records. Remember that applicants are responsible for updating personal information such as contact address, income and family composition. If there are any changes in the information you provided to CMHA at the time of your application, come to our central office and fill out a change of information form.

You must be at least 18 years old at the time you receive your voucher.

Use last names as they appear on your Social Security Cards.

Your application may be denied if you commit fraud or intentionally mislead CMHA about your income or family composition.

If you are applying as a single individual and are not disabled, CMHA will accept your application. However, it is very likely that you will never be offered a voucher.

Do not submit more than one application per individual or family.

Tenant screening policies

CMHA will screen Section 8 applicants for drug, violent criminal, and sexual offender convictions. We will be accessing public information from Franklin County and State of Ohio websites as part of application processing. Please note that screening for this type of behavior does not guarantee the suitability of an applicant for a prospective tenancy. Owners are strongly encouraged to screen prospective tenants on their own behalf for criminal behavior and rental history by obtaining landlord references and other relevant personal information. Landlords may also request a current and previous address of a prospective Section 8 Tenant (if available) from CMHA by written request.

Upfront income verification

CMHA is participating with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to improve the accuracy of earned income and other benefits information for Public Housing and Section 8 assisted families. Follow this link to read more about UIV.

Landlord bulletin board

Visit the landlord bulletin board at 880 E 11th Ave for help in your housing search. Brochures and leasing information are posted on the bulletin board for 30 days.