Colorado has experienced one of the most dramatic housing cost increases of any state in the country over the past decade. From Denver and Boulder to Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, rents have surged well beyond the reach of low-income residents — making Section 8 housing vouchers in Colorado more critical than ever before.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Colorado — including who qualifies, Colorado-specific income limits, Fair Market Rents by region, a full directory of Colorado Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Colorado?
Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Colorado, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) across the state, as well as through the Colorado Division of Housing (CDOH) under the Department of Local Affairs for statewide oversight and certain programs.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income, and your Colorado PHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Colorado where the landlord participates and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Colorado Housing Crisis Context: Denver consistently ranks among the top 10 least affordable rental markets in the United States. The Front Range — stretching from Fort Collins through Denver to Pueblo — has seen rent increases of 40–60% over the past decade. Colorado’s PHAs are under enormous pressure, and most major waitlists are closed or have multi-year queues. Applying early, often, and to multiple PHAs is essential.
Colorado’s Source-of-Income Protection: Know Your Rights
Colorado passed HB 19-1286 in 2019, which prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent to a tenant solely because they use a Section 8 voucher or other housing subsidy. This source-of-income (SOI) protection applies to all Colorado landlords and means:
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8” or “No housing subsidies”
- Landlords cannot reject your application solely because you hold a housing voucher
- Landlords cannot impose stricter screening criteria on voucher holders than on other applicants
- Violations can be reported to the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) at dora.colorado.gov/ccrd or by calling (303) 894-2997
Important: Colorado’s SOI protection means landlords cannot use your voucher as a reason to deny your application — but they can still screen based on credit history, rental history, income, and other lawful criteria. If you believe you were illegally denied housing because of your voucher, file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division immediately.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Colorado?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Colorado, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in Colorado. These are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary significantly between high-cost areas like Boulder and Denver versus rural Colorado counties.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Colorado areas:
| Colorado Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | ~$33,450 | ~$55,750 | ~$89,200 |
| Boulder | ~$40,500 | ~$67,500 | ~$108,000 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | ~$33,200 | ~$55,350 | ~$88,550 |
| Colorado Springs | ~$27,600 | ~$46,000 | ~$73,600 |
| Greeley | ~$27,150 | ~$45,250 | ~$72,400 |
| Pueblo | ~$20,700 | ~$34,500 | ~$55,200 |
| Grand Junction | ~$22,950 | ~$38,250 | ~$61,200 |
| Durango / La Plata County | ~$28,350 | ~$47,250 | ~$75,600 |
| Steamboat Springs / Routt County | ~$32,500 | ~$54,200 | ~$86,700 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Colorado | ~$20,050 | ~$33,400 | ~$53,450 |
Note: Boulder County has some of the highest income limits in the state due to its elevated AMI. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Colorado PHA.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen — such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing. Individual Colorado PHAs set their own additional screening policies. Denver and several other Colorado cities have adopted “ban the box” or fair chance housing policies that limit how criminal history can be used in screening. Check your local PHA’s policy.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Colorado or another state — must be resolved before you can be approved.
Pro Tip: Boulder County’s income limits are among the highest in Colorado — a household earning up to $67,500 (family of four) may still qualify at the Very Low Income level. Don’t assume you earn too much without checking your specific county’s current limits at huduser.gov.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Colorado?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Colorado is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your area, and your PHA’s payment standard. You pay 30% of your adjusted income; the PHA covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Colorado markets:
| Colorado Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora Metro | ~$1,650 | ~$2,050 | ~$2,750 | ~$3,350 |
| Boulder County | ~$1,900 | ~$2,400 | ~$3,200 | ~$3,900 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | ~$1,550 | ~$1,950 | ~$2,600 | ~$3,150 |
| Colorado Springs | ~$1,250 | ~$1,550 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,550 |
| Greeley / Weld County | ~$1,250 | ~$1,550 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,550 |
| Pueblo | ~$900 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,450 | ~$1,750 |
| Grand Junction | ~$950 | ~$1,200 | ~$1,600 | ~$1,950 |
| Durango / La Plata County | ~$1,200 | ~$1,500 | ~$2,000 | ~$2,400 |
| Rural Colorado | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 |
Note: Payment standards set by each Colorado PHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. High-cost PHAs like Boulder and Denver may receive HUD approval to set payment standards above 110% of FMR. Verify current payment standards directly with your local PHA.
Colorado Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Section 8 housing vouchers in Colorado are administered by a network of local PHAs across the state. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.
Denver Metro Area PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Housing Authority (DHA) | Denver | (720) 932-3000 | City and County of Denver |
| Aurora Housing Authority | Aurora | (303) 739-7900 | City of Aurora |
| Lakewood Housing Authority | Lakewood | (303) 987-7580 | City of Lakewood |
| Arapahoe County Housing Authority | Littleton | (303) 738-8070 | Arapahoe County |
| Jefferson County Housing Authority | Lakewood | (303) 271-4100 | Jefferson County |
| Adams County Housing Authority | Brighton | (303) 654-6011 | Adams County |
| Douglas County Housing Partnership | Castle Rock | (303) 814-2998 | Douglas County |
| Broomfield Housing Authority | Broomfield | (303) 438-6350 | City and County of Broomfield |
Northern Colorado PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder County Housing Authority | Boulder | (303) 441-3918 | Boulder County |
| Fort Collins Housing Authority | Fort Collins | (970) 416-2950 | City of Fort Collins / Larimer County |
| Loveland Housing Authority | Loveland | (970) 962-2411 | City of Loveland |
| Greeley Housing Authority | Greeley | (970) 350-9728 | City of Greeley / Weld County |
| Longmont Housing Authority | Longmont | (303) 651-8581 | City of Longmont |
Colorado Springs & Southern Colorado PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs Housing Authority (CSHA) | Colorado Springs | (719) 477-7913 | City of Colorado Springs / El Paso County |
| Pueblo Housing Authority | Pueblo | (719) 544-4811 | City and County of Pueblo |
| Canon City Housing Authority | Canon City | (719) 275-0363 | Fremont County |
| Trinidad Housing Authority | Trinidad | (719) 846-4428 | Las Animas County |
| Alamosa Housing Authority | Alamosa | (719) 589-6175 | San Luis Valley region |
Western Colorado PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Junction Housing Authority | Grand Junction | (970) 244-1600 | Mesa County |
| Durango Housing Authority | Durango | (970) 375-4900 | La Plata County |
| Montrose Housing Authority | Montrose | (970) 249-7016 | Montrose County |
| Glenwood Springs Housing Authority | Glenwood Springs | (970) 945-4350 | Garfield County |
| Steamboat Springs Housing Authority | Steamboat Springs | (970) 871-8200 | Routt County |
Statewide / State-Level Resource
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Division of Housing (CDOH) | (303) 864-7810 | cdola.colorado.gov/housing | Statewide housing programs and oversight |
Tip: If your city or county is not listed, contact the Colorado Division of Housing at (303) 864-7810 or visit cdola.colorado.gov/housing to identify the program serving your area. You can also use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov and filter by Colorado.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Colorado
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Colorado:
Step 1: Identify Your Local Colorado PHA
Use the directory above or HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts filtered by Colorado. In the Denver metro, multiple PHAs operate independently — the City of Denver (DHA), Aurora, Lakewood, and the surrounding county PHAs all run separate waitlists. Apply to as many as are open in your area.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists
Most major Colorado PHAs keep their waitlists closed for extended periods due to high demand. To stay ahead of openings:
- Visit each PHA’s official website regularly and look for waitlist announcements
- Call your local PHA directly every few months to ask about waitlist status
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Colorado waitlist openings
- Sign up for email notifications from the Colorado Division of Housing at cdola.colorado.gov
- Follow Colorado housing advocacy groups like Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (coloradocoalition.org) on social media for announcements
Step 3: Submit Your Pre-Application Immediately
When a waitlist opens in Colorado, act fast — especially in Denver and the Front Range, where openings can close within 24 to 72 hours. Most Colorado PHAs now offer online pre-applications. Have the following ready to submit instantly:
- Full names and dates of birth for all household members
- Current address and contact information
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Total estimated annual household income
- Household size and composition
- Any special circumstances (disability, homeless status, veteran, domestic violence survivor)
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
Colorado PHA waitlists — particularly in Denver and Boulder — can run from 3 to 8+ years. Proactive management is essential:
- Update your contact information with every PHA the moment you move or change your number
- Respond immediately to all annual confirmation notices
- Apply to multiple Colorado PHAs simultaneously — and consider PHAs in smaller cities like Pueblo, Grand Junction, and Alamosa where waits are shorter
- Check whether you qualify for any of the following priority preferences that can move you up the list faster:
- Currently homeless or living in a shelter or vehicle
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (protected under VAWA)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Displaced by a natural disaster, fire, or government action
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents to avoid delays:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, Colorado Works (TANF) letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Colorado Works, or other benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A Colorado PHA specialist will review your application, verify your documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. Be thorough and honest. If you have prior evictions, criminal history, or PHA debt, bring supporting context and documentation — Colorado’s fair chance housing policies at many PHAs allow for more individualized consideration than the federal minimum.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If approved, you receive your Colorado Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Given Colorado’s competitive rental markets — particularly along the Front Range — request extensions proactively if needed. Remember: Colorado’s source-of-income protection law means landlords cannot legally reject you solely because you have a voucher.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Colorado
Colorado’s source-of-income protection law significantly improves your ability to find housing with a voucher. Here are the best resources to find participating landlords:
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Colorado city or ZIP code for Section 8-friendly listings
- GoSection8.com: national database with strong Colorado listings, especially in Denver and Colorado Springs
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Colorado for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local PHA landlord list: Colorado PHAs maintain internal lists of participating landlords — request it at your briefing
- Zillow / Apartments.com / Craigslist Colorado: search for listings mentioning “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK”
- Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: coloradocoalition.org — Denver-based organization with housing navigation services and landlord referral networks; (303) 595-1399
- Volunteers of America Colorado: voacolorado.org — housing placement and supportive services across Colorado
- Colorado Civil Rights Division: If a landlord illegally rejects your application because of your voucher, report it at dora.colorado.gov/ccrd or call (303) 894-2997
Colorado Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Colorado?
Wait times vary dramatically by location. In Denver, the Denver Housing Authority waitlist typically runs 4 to 8+ years and is frequently closed. Boulder County has similarly long waits. Colorado Springs and Greeley waits run approximately 2 to 5 years. In Pueblo, Grand Junction, and rural Colorado, waits are often shorter — sometimes 1 to 3 years. Applying to multiple Colorado PHAs simultaneously is the most effective strategy for reducing wait time.
Can a Colorado landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. Colorado HB 19-1286 prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent to a tenant solely because they use a housing voucher. If a Colorado landlord refuses your application because of your Section 8 voucher, report it to the Colorado Civil Rights Division at dora.colorado.gov/ccrd or call (303) 894-2997.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Colorado?
Income limits vary by county. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $33,400 in rural Colorado to $67,500 in Boulder County. Denver is approximately $55,750. Check current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Colorado?
In Denver, payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $1,900–$2,200 per month. In Boulder, they run higher — roughly $2,200–$2,600. Colorado Springs and Greeley run approximately $1,450–$1,650 for a two-bedroom. In Pueblo and rural areas, payment standards are typically $1,000–$1,200. Contact your specific PHA for their current exact payment standards.
Is the Denver Housing Authority Section 8 waitlist open?
The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) Section 8 waitlist opens infrequently. Monitor denverhousing.org directly and sign up for DHA notifications. Also apply to the Aurora Housing Authority, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, and Adams County PHAs, which serve the broader Denver metro and operate separate waitlists. Acting on multiple openings simultaneously is strongly recommended.
Can I use my Colorado Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Section 8-assisted unit in Colorado for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state using the program’s portability feature. Contact your Colorado PHA to initiate the transfer. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Colorado?
Yes. The HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program provides Section 8 vouchers specifically for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. In Colorado, HUD-VASH is administered through the Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System in Denver at (303) 399-8020 and the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center at (720) 723-7000. Contact your nearest VA facility to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
Are there Section 8 resources specifically for the Colorado ski resort communities?
Yes — and workforce housing in Colorado’s mountain resort towns (Aspen, Vail, Telluride, Steamboat Springs) is one of the most acute housing crises in the state. Several mountain counties have dedicated affordable housing programs:
- Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority: (970) 920-5050 — aspenhousingoffice.com
- Eagle County Housing & Development: (970) 328-8700 — eaglecounty.us/housing
- Summit County Housing Authority: (970) 453-2561 — summithousing.us
- Steamboat Springs Housing Authority: (970) 871-8200
These programs often have their own waitlists and income limits separate from the standard Section 8 program — contact them directly for details.
What other programs help with housing in Colorado besides Section 8?
Colorado offers several additional assistance programs including the Colorado Rental Assistance Program, Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) administered through local agencies, Colorado Works (TANF) which can include housing assistance, LIHTC affordable housing developments, and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless rapid rehousing programs. Dial 211 for immediate local referrals anywhere in Colorado.
Additional Housing Resources in Colorado
- Colorado Division of Housing (CDOH): cdola.colorado.gov/housing — statewide housing programs, rental assistance, and homeownership resources; (303) 864-7810
- Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA): chfainfo.com — administers tax credit rental housing and homeownership programs statewide; (303) 297-2432
- 2-1-1 Colorado: Dial 211 or visit 211colorado.org — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: coloradocoalition.org — comprehensive homeless services, housing navigation, and rapid rehousing in Denver and statewide; (303) 595-1399
- Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD): dora.colorado.gov/ccrd — report source-of-income discrimination and other fair housing violations; (303) 894-2997
- Colorado Legal Services: coloradolegalservices.org — free legal assistance for low-income Coloradans facing housing issues including eviction; (303) 837-1321
- Volunteers of America Colorado: voacolorado.org — housing placement services and supportive housing across Colorado; (303) 297-0408
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact Denver VA at (303) 399-8020 for homeless veteran housing vouchers
- Servicios de La Raza: serviciosdelaraza.org — housing and supportive services for Latino/Hispanic communities in Colorado; (303) 458-5851
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Colorado
The path to a Section 8 housing voucher in Colorado is long and competitive — especially along the Front Range where housing costs have skyrocketed. But Colorado also gives voucher holders more legal protection than most states, with its statewide source-of-income law ensuring landlords cannot turn you away simply because you have a voucher.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Apply to every open Colorado PHA waitlist immediately — and think beyond just your current city
- Apply to multiple PHAs across Colorado — smaller cities like Pueblo, Grand Junction, and Alamosa often have shorter waits
- Keep all your contact information current with every PHA you have applied to
- Organize your documents now so you are ready the moment your name is called
- Know your legal rights — Colorado’s source-of-income protection law means landlords cannot legally reject your application solely because of your voucher
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist information, contact your local Colorado PHA directly or visit the Colorado Division of Housing at cdola.colorado.gov/housing.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Colorado state housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Colorado Public Housing Authority or the Colorado Division of Housing before applying.