What Montco Housing Authority Does

Montco Housing Authority (officially the Housing Authority of the County of Montgomery) is the public housing agency for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It administers federally funded rental information programs, manages public housing properties, and runs the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the county. The Authority does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits.

Montco HA is a separate legal entity from Montgomery County government, though it operates under state and federal oversight. It answers to a board of commissioners and must follow HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) rules for every dollar it spends. If you live in Montgomery County and need rental help, Montco HA is the body that determines whether you meet the income and residency rules, and it is the one that pays your landlord.

Key Takeaways

  • Montco Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing for Montgomery County residents, and it is the only body that can tell you whether you are on a waitlist or what your current status is.
  • The Authority's Section 8 waitlist is typically closed to new applications, and reopening dates are announced on its website and through 211 Montgomery County.
  • Income limits for Montco HA programs are set by HUD and vary by household size; a single person's limit differs from a family of four's, and limits change yearly.
  • You must explore directly to Montco Housing Authority — the county social services office cannot process Montco HA applications, and neither can any nonprofit.
  • Processing times for new applications vary depending on the program and current caseload, so contact the Authority directly for a realistic timeline.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Through Montco HA

The Section 8 program is Montco HA's largest rental information offering. When you receive a voucher, the Authority pays your landlord a portion of your rent (usually 70 to 80 percent), and you pay the rest from your own income. You choose your own apartment in the private market, as long as the landlord accepts the voucher and the unit passes a housing inspection.

Montco HA's Section 8 waitlist is almost always closed. The Authority opens it periodically — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months — and then closes it again once a certain number of applications arrive. You can check the current status on Montco HA's website or by calling 610-278-5417. When the list does open, the Authority typically gives a specific date range and may limit applications to people who live or work in Montgomery County.

If you are on the waitlist, Montco HA ranks applicants by date of process and by preference categories set by HUD (such as homelessness or living in substandard housing). Waiting times vary widely — some people receive vouchers within a year or two, while others wait five years or longer. The Authority will contact you by phone or mail when a voucher becomes available.

Public Housing Managed by Montco HA

Montco HA owns and operates public housing apartments and townhouses across Montgomery County. These are older buildings, many built in the 1970s and 1980s, and rents are set at 30 percent of your household income. Public housing is separate from Section 8 — you explore to one or the other, not both at the same time.

Public housing waitlists are also typically closed. Like Section 8, Montco HA opens the list periodically and announces the dates on its website. The process process is similar: you provide income verification, residency proof, and references. Processing can take several months, and the Authority will contact you if a unit becomes available in your area.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

Montco HA programs have income limits based on household size and area median income. For 2024, the limit for a single person is roughly 50 to 60 percent of the county median income, and limits rise for larger households. These numbers change every year in March or April when HUD releases new figures. You can find current limits on Montco HA's website or by calling the Authority.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to receive information. You must also have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Montco HA will ask for proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Montgomery County. If you are unemployed, you may need to provide documentation of your job search or a letter from a social services agency.

The Authority also conducts a criminal background check and reviews your rental history. A prior eviction or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but Montco HA will consider the nature and timing of the offense. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the Authority before you explore.

How to Contact Montco Housing Authority

Montco HA's main office is located in Norriton Township. You can reach the Authority by phone at 610-278-5417 during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The website is www.montcohousing.org, where you can find current waitlist status, income limits, required documents, and process forms.

You can also reach Montco HA through 211 Montgomery County, a free referral service. Call 211 or visit 211.org and search for "Montco Housing Authority" to get the most current phone number and office hours. If the main line is busy, 211 can sometimes provide additional contact information or tell you when the next process period opens.

Do not explore through a nonprofit, a social services office, or any intermediary — you must explore directly to Montco HA. Some nonprofits offer help filling out the process or gathering documents, but only Montco HA can accept and process your process.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit an process to Montco HA, the Authority will send you a letter confirming receipt. This letter will include a case number and instructions for what to do next. Do not assume your process was received unless you get this letter — if you do not hear back within two weeks, call the Authority to confirm.

Montco HA will then verify your income, residency, and background. This process can take several weeks to several months depending on how quickly you provide documents and how busy the Authority is. The Authority may ask you to come in for an interview or to provide additional paperwork. Respond promptly to any requests — if you miss a important date or do not return documents, your process may be denied or delayed.

If you are approved, Montco HA will notify you in writing and explain next steps. For Section 8, you will receive orientation materials and a list of landlords who have worked with the program. For public housing, the Authority will tell you about available units and move-in procedures. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am on the Montco HA waitlist?

Call Montco HA at 610-278-5417 and provide your name and date of birth. The staff can tell you your position on the list, how long you have been waiting, and whether the list is currently open. You can also visit the website at www.montcohousing.org to check waitlist status, though the phone line will give you the most current information.

What if I was denied by Montco HA?

The denial letter will explain the reason and include instructions for requesting a hearing. You have a right to appeal and to present your side of the story. Contact Montco HA when ready if you believe the decision was wrong or if your circumstances have changed since you applied.

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

No. You must choose one program and explore to that one. If you are denied for one program, you can then explore to the other. Ask Montco HA which program might be a better fit for your situation — staff can explain the differences in rent, wait times, and housing options.

Does Montco HA help with security deposits or moving costs?

Standard Section 8 and public housing programs do not include moving information or security deposit help. Some nonprofits in Montgomery County offer emergency moving funds or security deposit loans — ask Montco HA or call 211 Montgomery County to learn what other resources exist in your area.

What if I move out of Montgomery County?

If you have a Section 8 voucher, you may be able to transfer it to another housing authority in a different county or state, but you must request this before you move. Public housing ends when you move — you cannot take a public housing lease with you. Contact Montco HA before you relocate to understand your options.