What Anne Arundel County Housing Authority does

Anne Arundel County Housing Authority (AACHA) administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The agency owns and manages public housing units, maintains a waiting list for those units, and distributes federal housing vouchers that let you rent from private landlords while the program subsidizes part of your rent. AACHA does not run emergency rental information, homelessness prevention, or down payment help — those come from the county's Department of Social Services or other nonprofits.

The Housing Authority is a separate government entity from the county government itself. It has its own board, its own budget (funded by federal HUD money and tenant rent), and its own staff. When you need to reach them about public housing or a Section 8 voucher, you contact AACHA directly, not the county executive's office or the Department of Social Services.

Key Takeaways

  • Anne Arundel County Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers; contact them directly at 410-222-1820 or visit their office at 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.
  • Public housing waiting lists are typically closed, and when they open, they fill quickly; call to ask whether applications are being taken.
  • Section 8 voucher waiting lists are also usually closed; AACHA maintains a list of people waiting and reopens it periodically, sometimes with preferences for people experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have income below 80 percent of the area median, and pass a background check to be considered for either program.
  • If you already hold a Section 8 voucher from AACHA, you contact them for recertification, lease issues, and landlord disputes — not the county.

How to reach Anne Arundel County Housing Authority

The main office is located at 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. You can reach them by phone at 410-222-1820 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The office does not typically accept walk-ins without an appointment, so calling first is the fastest way to find out what you need to bring and when you can come in.

AACHA also has a website where you can find information about current waiting list status, required documents, and income limits. The website address and any online portals are best confirmed by calling the main number, since web addresses change and the phone line can direct you to the current resources.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, ask the person who answers the phone to connect you with their relay service or TTY line. Maryland has a statewide relay service you can also use to call any government office.

Public housing waiting lists and how they work

AACHA owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Anne Arundel County. These are federally subsidized units where your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and the program pays the rest to the landlord (who is AACHA itself). To get on the waiting list, you must call or visit the office and ask whether applications are being taken.

The waiting list is usually closed. When it opens, it fills within days or weeks. There is no online way to check your position on the list; you must call AACHA directly. If the list is closed when you call, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does.

Once you are on the waiting list, AACHA contacts you when a unit becomes available that matches your family size and income. The wait can be months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units turn over. You do not need to reapply or call repeatedly to stay on the list — AACHA keeps your process active.

Section 8 voucher waiting lists and preferences

Section 8 vouchers let you find your own apartment and the program pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. AACHA administers these vouchers for Anne Arundel County. Like public housing, the Section 8 waiting list is usually closed and opens periodically.

When AACHA reopens the Section 8 waiting list, they may give preference to certain groups — typically people who are currently homeless, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of their income toward rent. If you fall into one of these categories, bring documentation when you explore: a shelter letter, a housing inspection report, or recent rent receipts and pay stubs. Call AACHA before you explore to ask what preferences are in effect and what proof you need.

The Section 8 waiting list is also very long. Depending on the year and how many vouchers become available, the wait can be several years. AACHA will contact you by phone or mail when a voucher is available for you. Do not assume you have been denied if you do not hear anything for months — you are straightforward waiting your turn.

Income limits and basic requirements

To be considered for public housing or Section 8, your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income for Anne Arundel County. This limit changes each year. For 2024, a household of one person must earn no more than roughly $52,000 per year; a household of four, roughly $74,000. Call AACHA to confirm the current year's limits for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have an may be able to access immigration status (such as a green card, refugee status, or asylee status). AACHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status when you explore. A Social Security number is required, and you must pass a criminal background check and a credit check. AACHA has the right to deny you if you have a recent felony conviction, a history of violence, or other factors they consider a risk to other residents or property.

You must also provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity, and proof of residency in Anne Arundel County. Ask AACHA for the full list of required documents before you visit, so you do not make multiple trips.

What happens after you are approved for a voucher

Once you receive a Section 8 voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord sign a lease. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a housing inspection. Not all landlords accept Section 8, and some neighborhoods have fewer participating units than others. AACHA can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program in the past, though the list is not exhaustive.

After you move in, you must recertify your income and household composition every year. AACHA will send you a form or schedule an appointment. If your income changes, your rent changes — it stays at 30 percent of what you earn. If you move, you must notify AACHA and get permission to transfer your voucher to a new unit in the same county or, in some cases, to another county's housing authority.

If you have a dispute with your landlord — repairs not being made, harassment, or an illegal eviction notice — contact AACHA's Section 8 program office. They can sometimes intervene or refer you to legal aid. Do not ignore an eviction notice; contact AACHA and a lawyer when ready.

When the waiting list is closed

If AACHA tells you the waiting list is closed, you have a few options. First, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request a call or letter when it does. Second, look into other housing programs: Anne Arundel County's Department of Social Services runs emergency rental information (when funds are available), and nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and the Community Action Agency offer down payment help, landlord negotiation, and other support.

You can also contact your county council representative or state delegate and ask them to advocate for more housing funding. Housing authorities are funded by Congress, and local elected officials sometimes push for increased appropriations. This does not speed up your individual process, but it can help over time.

In the meantime, if you are at risk of homelessness or living in unsafe housing, contact Anne Arundel County's Department of Social Services at 410-222-7000 to ask about emergency information, rapid rehousing, or other crisis programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

AACHA typically processes applications within 30 to 60 days. You will be notified by phone or mail if you are approved, denied, or if they need more information from you. If you do not hear anything after 60 days, call the office to confirm they received your process and ask for a status update.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate approval processes. Being on one list does not affect your chances on the other. However, once you receive a voucher or are offered a public housing unit, you typically must choose one or the other — you cannot use both simultaneously.

What if I have a criminal record?

AACHA conducts a background check on all applicants. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — especially violent felonies or drug-related offenses — may. Call AACHA and ask whether your specific conviction would be a barrier. Some people are denied initially but can reapply after a certain number of years have passed.

Do I have to live in Anne Arundel County to explore?

You do not have to live there now, but you must be willing to move there and you must provide proof that you intend to live in the county. This can be a lease, a letter from a family member, or documentation of a job offer. Call AACHA to ask what proof they accept.

What if I lose my job after I get a Section 8 voucher?

Your rent will drop because it is based on your income. You must report the job loss to AACHA at your next recertification or within 30 days if your income drops significantly. AACHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. If you have no income, your rent will be the minimum amount AACHA charges (usually $50 to $100 per month).