What the Housing Authority of Baltimore City does

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Baltimore. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages public housing developments where it does own the buildings. HABC administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency information programs, though not all programs are open to new people at the same time.

HABC is separate from the city government, though it receives public funding. It has its own board, its own staff, and its own process process. If you live in Baltimore and need housing help, HABC is usually the first place to contact, but the specific program you need depends on your situation — whether you need a voucher to use at a private landlord, a unit in a public housing building, or emergency help with current rent.

Key Takeaways

  • HABC runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information, but each program has its own waiting list and may not be open to new people.
  • You contact HABC directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office; there is no online process for most programs.
  • Income limits vary by program and by household size, and HABC will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to verify income.
  • Waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers and public housing can be years long, and HABC publishes whether each list is open or closed on its website.
  • If you are facing eviction or cannot pay rent now, ask HABC about emergency rental information, which may move faster than voucher programs.

Section 8 vouchers through HABC

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly payment HABC sends to a landlord on your behalf. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HABC pays a portion of the rent — you pay the rest from your own income. The voucher amount depends on the size of the unit and the neighborhood, not on your income. You are responsible for the difference between what HABC pays and what the landlord charges.

To get on the Section 8 waiting list, you must contact HABC directly. The waiting list opens and closes; when it is closed, you cannot explore. HABC publishes the status of the waiting list on its website and by phone. If the list is open, you will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of identity, and proof of residency in Baltimore. The process itself is on paper, not online.

Wait times for Section 8 vouchers in Baltimore are typically several years. HABC prioritizes people who are homeless, living in substandard housing, or paying more than half their income toward rent. Even after you receive a voucher, you have a limited time to find an apartment and have it inspected before the voucher expires.

Public housing units managed by HABC

HABC owns and operates public housing developments throughout Baltimore — apartment buildings where the agency is the landlord. Rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. Public housing is not temporary; you can stay as long as you meet the lease terms and income limits, though HABC can raise your rent if your income rises.

The process process for public housing is similar to Section 8: you contact HABC, provide income verification and identity documents, and your name goes on a waiting list. Like Section 8, the waiting list may be closed. HABC will conduct a background check and a home inspection (if you are currently housed) before offering you a unit. Criminal history, eviction records, and unpaid debts to previous landlords can disqualify you or delay approval.

Public housing waiting lists are also long, sometimes years. HABC prioritizes based on need — homelessness, substandard housing, and high rent burden move you higher on the list. Once you are offered a unit, you must accept it or lose your place on the list.

Emergency rental information from HABC

HABC sometimes administers emergency rental information funds for people facing eviction or unable to pay current rent. These programs are different from Section 8 and public housing: they are temporary, they cover rent you already owe (arrears) rather than future rent, and they may have shorter waiting lists because the money runs out and the program closes.

To explore for emergency information, contact HABC and ask whether the program is currently open. If it is, you will need to provide proof of the hardship (a notice to quit, a letter from your landlord, or proof of job loss), proof of income, and your lease. HABC pays the landlord directly, not you. Approval typically takes two to six weeks, though it can be faster if the program is not overwhelmed.

Emergency information is not may provide and depends on available funding. If the program is closed when you call, ask HABC when it might reopen and whether there are other programs through the city or nonprofit organizations that might help in the meantime.

Income limits and household size

HABC programs have income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for Baltimore. Section 8 vouchers are typically available to households earning no more than 50 percent of AMI. Public housing may have slightly different limits depending on the development. Emergency rental information often has higher income limits because it is meant for people in crisis.

Income limits change each year and depend on household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. HABC counts income from wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular sources. It does not count one-time payments or money from friends and family. You will need to provide recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, or a letter from your employer stating your wages.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the requirement for that program. HABC will tell you the limit when you call or visit. There is no exception process; if you are over the limit, you are not may be able to access for that program at that time.

How to contact HABC and what to bring

HABC's main office is located in Baltimore, and you can reach it by phone, mail, or in person. The phone number and office address are on the HABC website. When you call, have your Social Security number, current address, and household size ready. Staff can tell you whether waiting lists are open and what documents you need to bring if you visit in person.

If you visit the office, bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return). Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies may not be accepted. If you are explore for emergency information, also bring your lease and proof of the hardship (eviction notice, letter from landlord, or termination notice from your job).

HABC does not have online applications for most programs. You must explore in person or by mail. Processing times vary, but expect to wait at least a few weeks to hear back after you submit your process.

What happens after you explore

After you submit an process, HABC will review your income, background, and rental history. If you have an eviction judgment on your record, unpaid rent from a previous landlord, or a criminal conviction, HABC may deny your process or delay a decision while it investigates. You have the right to request a hearing if you are denied, though the process for requesting a hearing is not always clearly explained — ask HABC staff directly.

If you are approved for a voucher, HABC will issue it and give you a important date to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and pass an inspection. If you are approved for public housing, HABC will call you when a unit becomes available and you must accept it or lose your place on the list. If you are approved for emergency information, HABC will contact your landlord and arrange payment.

During the process, HABC may ask for additional documents or clarification. Respond quickly; delays from your end can slow approval. Keep copies of everything you submit and note the name of the staff member you speak with, in case you need to follow up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Baltimore?

Wait times vary and change as people move off the list or new funding becomes available. HABC does not publish an exact wait time, but it is typically several years. Call HABC to ask the current status; they may be able to give you a rough estimate based on how many people are ahead of you.

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

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate applications. You can be on both lists simultaneously. Some people receive a voucher first; others get a public housing unit first. There is no penalty for being on both lists.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction judgment does not automatically disqualify you, but HABC will review the details. If the eviction was years ago and you have paid rent on time since, you may still be approved. If it was recent or you owe money to the previous landlord, approval is less likely. Ask HABC what it needs to move forward — sometimes paying off the old debt helps.

Does HABC help with utilities or other housing costs besides rent?

HABC's main programs (Section 8, public housing, and emergency rental information) cover rent only. Some nonprofit organizations in Baltimore offer utility information or help with security deposits, but that is separate from HABC. Ask HABC staff whether they know of other programs in your area.

What if I move out of Baltimore — can I take my voucher with me?

Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be transferred to another housing authority if you move, but it depends on the receiving authority's policies and whether they have funding. Public housing ends if you move out of Baltimore. Contact HABC before you move to ask about portability options.