Section 8 Waiting Lists / Maryland
Section 8 Waiting List in Maryland: Open Lists & Status (2026)
In Maryland, one of the 1 housing authority we track says it is accepting Section 8 applications as of October 23, 2026: Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) — "Yes, the Wait List will remain open for applications. HOC has paused processing new applications and program orientations for most housing vouchers because of an HCV funding deficit HUD communicated on June 30, 2026; HOC anticipates resuming voucher issuance to new applicants in early spring 2027.".
Maryland has other housing authorities we do not track; HUD's PHA contact directory lists all of them. Each row below quotes the authority and links the page it came from.
Status as published by the authority on October 23, 2026; confirm with the authority before applying. We do not estimate wait times or predict openings.
The authority says it is accepting Housing Choice Voucher applications. Read the wording — some openings are limited to one preference group.
The authority accepts pre-applications at any time and draws applicants at random when vouchers are available. Applying puts you in the pool, not in a queue.
The authority says its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed to new applicants.
The authority's page did not state a status, or could not be read, on the date shown. Confirm with the authority before relying on anything.
How to apply through each Maryland authority
Other Maryland housing authorities: HUD PHA contact directory (choose Maryland). An authority must publish a notice before it opens its list (24 CFR 982.206). See also how to check your status and the waiting list guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Section 8 waiting list open in Maryland?
As of October 23, 2026, Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) says: "Yes, the Wait List will remain open for applications. HOC has paused processing new applications and program orientations for most housing vouchers because of an HCV funding deficit HUD communicated on June 30, 2026; HOC anticipates resuming voucher issuance to new applicants in early spring 2027." The other tracked Maryland authorities say their lists are closed or do not state a status. Confirm on the authority's page before applying.
How do I apply for Section 8 in Maryland?
Apply directly to a housing authority whose list is open — each one takes its own applications, and this page tracks 1 of the Maryland authorities. Each authority above links its own application or portal page. Under 24 CFR 982.206 an authority must give public notice before it opens its list, so sign up for its announcements. You can apply to more than one authority, including a state agency voucher program where Maryland has one (see HUD's PHA directory).
How do I check my Section 8 status in Maryland?
Use the applicant portal or phone number of the Maryland authority you applied to; the links in the table above go to each one's own page. Authorities do not share lists, so check each one separately, and report any change of address or phone in writing — applicants who miss an update letter are removed.
Does Maryland use a Section 8 lottery?
None of the tracked Maryland authorities describe a lottery on the pages we read. Many authorities nationwide form their waiting list by random drawing from pre-applications, so read the opening notice when a list opens.
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