What the Housing Authority of Maricopa County does

The Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) is a government agency that runs rental information and public housing programs across unincorporated Maricopa County and some incorporated cities that contract with it. It does not serve Phoenix, Tempe, or Scottsdale — those cities run their own housing authorities. HAMC administers Section 8 vouchers (which help you pay rent at a private landlord), public housing (apartments HAMC owns), and emergency rental information when funding is available.

HAMC is separate from the City of Phoenix Housing Department and the individual city housing authorities. If you live in Phoenix city limits, you contact Phoenix Housing instead. If you live in an unincorporated area or a smaller city like Mesa, Chandler, or Gilbert, HAMC is likely your local authority — but you should confirm by checking HAMC's service area map on their website or calling their main line.

Key Takeaways

  • HAMC serves unincorporated Maricopa County and some cities, but not Phoenix, Tempe, or Scottsdale, which have their own housing authorities.
  • The agency runs three main programs: Section 8 vouchers for private rentals, public housing it owns directly, and emergency rental information when funds are available.
  • Section 8 waiting lists in Maricopa County are typically closed to new applicants, and when they reopen, they fill quickly.
  • HAMC's main office is in Phoenix, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current program status and what documents you need.
  • Emergency rental information through HAMC requires proof of income loss or hardship, a signed lease, and rent arrears — it does not cover future rent.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

HAMC administers Section 8 vouchers, which pay a portion of your rent at a private landlord's property. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the area's fair market rent. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and what the landlord charges, usually 30 percent of your income.

The Section 8 waiting list in Maricopa County is almost always closed. When HAMC does open it — which happens irregularly and is announced on their website — the list fills within days or hours. There is no way to know in advance when it will reopen. Your best option is to check HAMC's website regularly or call their main office to ask whether the list is currently open. Some people call every few months; others sign up for email alerts if HAMC offers them.

If you are on the waiting list, HAMC will contact you when your number comes up. The process from that point takes several weeks: you choose a landlord and property, HAMC inspects it, the landlord signs the lease with HAMC, and then the voucher begins. During this time, you are responsible for finding a place that accepts Section 8 and that the landlord is willing to rent to you.

Public housing owned by HAMC

HAMC owns and operates public housing apartments in several locations across the county. Public housing is different from Section 8: HAMC is your landlord, you live in an HAMC property, and your rent is set at 30 percent of your income (or a minimum amount, whichever is higher). There is no voucher involved.

Public housing waiting lists also vary in status. Some HAMC properties have open lists; others are closed. You can call HAMC or visit their office to ask which properties currently have openings and what the wait time is. If you are interested in a specific property or neighborhood, ask whether that location is accepting new names on the list.

To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits (which vary by household size and are set by HUD, the federal agency that funds public housing) and pass a background check. HAMC will ask for proof of income, identification, and a history of your housing for the past two years.

Emergency rental information from HAMC

When HAMC has emergency rental information funding, it pays landlords directly to cover rent you already owe. The program does not pay future rent, and you must have fallen behind because of a recent hardship — job loss, illness, reduced hours, or unexpected expense. You need a signed lease, proof of the hardship, and documentation of the arrears (usually a letter from your landlord or an eviction notice).

HAMC's emergency rental information fund opens and closes based on available money. When it is open, processing typically takes two to six weeks. When it is closed, there is no timeline for reopening. Call HAMC to ask whether the fund is currently open and whether you can explore. If it is closed, ask to be added to a waiting list or check back in a few weeks.

The amount HAMC covers varies by program year and available funding. In some years, the program covers all arrears; in others, it covers a maximum amount per household. Ask HAMC what the current limit is before you explore.

How to contact HAMC and what to bring

The Housing Authority of Maricopa County's main office is located in Phoenix. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about program status, waiting lists, and what documents you need to bring. Their website lists the phone number, office address, and hours. Some HAMC offices also accept walk-in visits, though calling first is recommended to confirm they can see you that day.

When you contact HAMC, have ready: your name, current address, phone number, and the program you are interested in (Section 8, public housing, or emergency rental information). If you are explore for emergency rental information, also have your lease, proof of income, and any eviction notice or landlord letter about arrears.

HAMC's website also lists frequently asked questions and may have online forms or portals for certain programs. Check there first to see whether you can get information without calling.

Income limits and who can explore

All HAMC programs have income limits set by HUD. The limits depend on your household size and the area's median income. A household of one might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 per year (this varies by year and is adjusted annually), while a household of four might have a limit around $55,000 to $60,000. These numbers change yearly, so call HAMC or check their website for the current limits.

You must also pass a background check. HAMC looks at criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. A past eviction or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HAMC will consider the details. Ask HAMC what their specific policy is if you have concerns about your background.

Citizenship or immigration status requirements vary by program. Section 8 and public housing require that at least the head of household be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Emergency rental information may have different rules depending on the funding source. Ask HAMC directly about your situation.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for Section 8, HAMC gives you a voucher and a packet of information about how to use it. You then have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and property. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the property must pass HAMC's inspection. Once everything is approved, your voucher begins and you move in.

If you are approved for public housing, HAMC will contact you when a unit becomes available. You sign a lease with HAMC, pay your first month's rent and any required deposits, and move in. Your rent is recalculated each year based on your income.

If emergency rental information is approved, HAMC contacts your landlord directly and arranges payment. You do not receive the money yourself. The landlord receives it and applies it to your account. Make sure your landlord's contact information is correct on your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For Section 8 or public housing, you may wait months or years on the waiting list before HAMC contacts you. For emergency rental information, if the fund is open, you should hear back within two to six weeks. Call HAMC to ask for an update on your process status if you have not heard anything after that time.

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

Yes. The two programs are separate, and being on one waiting list does not affect the other. Some people are on both lists and take whichever becomes available first. Ask HAMC how the process works for both.

What if I live in Phoenix city limits?

You contact the City of Phoenix Housing Department, not HAMC. Phoenix runs its own Section 8 program and public housing. Check the City of Phoenix website or call their housing department to learn about their programs and waiting lists.

Can HAMC help if I have an eviction notice?

Emergency rental information may prioritize cases with active evictions. Bring the notice to HAMC when you explore. Some programs can contact the court to ask for a delay while your process is being processed, though this is not may provide.

What if HAMC's waiting list is closed?

Check HAMC's website or call every few weeks to see when it reopens. When it does, it fills quickly, so explore as soon as you can. Some people set a calendar reminder to check monthly.