Maryland is one of the wealthiest states in the nation — but that prosperity is unevenly distributed, and affordable housing is in critically short supply across much of the state. From Baltimore City and the Baltimore suburbs to the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. (Montgomery and Prince George’s counties) and the Eastern Shore, low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities face housing costs that far exceed what their incomes can support. Section 8 housing vouchers in Maryland provide essential monthly rent relief that helps eligible households remain stably housed in one of the most expensive regions of the country.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Maryland — including who qualifies, Maryland-specific income limits by county, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Maryland Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, Maryland’s source-of-income protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Maryland?
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 Maryland, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in counties and cities across the state, as well as through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which provides statewide oversight, affordable housing financing, and administers certain rental assistance programs.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your Maryland PHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Maryland where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Maryland Context: Maryland’s Section 8 landscape is defined by stark regional contrasts. Montgomery County and Howard County have some of the highest AMIs — and FMRs — in the entire country, driven by proximity to Washington, D.C. and a highly educated workforce. Baltimore City, while having lower AMIs, faces severe affordable housing shortages driven by decades of disinvestment. The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) and the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) administer the two most prominent HCV programs in the state.
Maryland Source-of-Income Protection Law
Maryland has strong statewide source-of-income (SOI) protections. Under the Maryland Fair Employment and Housing Act and Real Property Article § 8-211 (effective 2021), it is illegal for Maryland landlords to refuse to rent to a tenant solely because they hold a Section 8 voucher or other housing subsidy. This applies statewide. Specifically:
- Maryland landlords cannot refuse to rent based on a prospective tenant’s source of income — including Section 8 vouchers
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8,” “No housing subsidies,” or similar exclusions
- Landlords cannot impose more burdensome terms or conditions on voucher holders than on unsubsidized applicants
- Violations can be reported to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) at mdcivil.maryland.gov or by calling (410) 767-8600
Several Maryland counties and Baltimore City have additional local reinforcement of these protections with their own fair housing offices:
- Baltimore City Commission on Human Relations: (410) 396-3141
- Montgomery County Office of Human Rights: (240) 777-8450
- Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission: (301) 883-6170
- Howard County Office of Human Rights: (410) 313-6430
Important: Maryland’s SOI law became effective in October 2021 and is one of the most important tenant protections in the state. A landlord cannot legally reject your application solely because of your voucher — but may still screen based on credit, rental history, income, and other lawful criteria. File a complaint with MCCR within 2 years of the discriminatory act. In Baltimore City and Montgomery County, local fair housing offices provide an additional enforcement layer.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Maryland?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Maryland, 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 Maryland. These vary dramatically by county — Maryland has some of the nation’s highest county-level AMIs (Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel) alongside much lower rural Eastern Shore counties.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Maryland areas:
| Maryland Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County | ~$47,050 | ~$78,400 | ~$125,450 |
| Howard County | ~$47,050 | ~$78,400 | ~$125,450 |
| Anne Arundel County (Annapolis) | ~$40,400 | ~$67,300 | ~$107,700 |
| Prince George’s County | ~$40,400 | ~$67,300 | ~$107,700 |
| Baltimore County | ~$33,700 | ~$56,150 | ~$89,850 |
| Baltimore City | ~$28,400 | ~$47,350 | ~$75,750 |
| Frederick County | ~$36,850 | ~$61,400 | ~$98,250 |
| Carroll County | ~$33,700 | ~$56,150 | ~$89,850 |
| Harford County | ~$33,700 | ~$56,150 | ~$89,850 |
| Charles County | ~$40,400 | ~$67,300 | ~$107,700 |
| Calvert County | ~$40,400 | ~$67,300 | ~$107,700 |
| Washington County (Hagerstown) | ~$24,650 | ~$41,100 | ~$65,750 |
| Allegany County (Cumberland) | ~$20,400 | ~$34,000 | ~$54,400 |
| Garrett County (western Maryland) | ~$21,550 | ~$35,900 | ~$57,450 |
| Eastern Shore (Wicomico / Somerset / Worcester) | ~$20,850 | ~$34,750 | ~$55,600 |
Note: Montgomery and Howard counties have some of the highest income limits of any counties in the United States — a family of four earning up to $78,400 may qualify at the Very Low Income level. This reflects their extraordinary cost of living and proximity to Washington, D.C. Eastern Shore and western Maryland rural counties have limits among the lowest in the state. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Maryland PHA or DHCD.
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. Maryland’s large immigrant communities — particularly in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore City — are frequently served by Maryland PHAs.
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. Maryland and Baltimore City have adopted fair chance housing policies that limit how PHAs can use criminal history in screening. Contact your specific PHA for their policy if this applies to your household.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Maryland or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Montgomery County and Howard County have among the highest Section 8 income limits in the entire country — a fact that surprises many Maryland residents. A family of four earning up to $78,400 may qualify at the Very Low Income level in these counties. Don’t assume you earn too much to qualify without checking your specific county’s current limits at huduser.gov.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Maryland?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Maryland is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your county, and your PHA’s payment standard. You pay 30% of adjusted income; the PHA covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Maryland markets:
| Maryland Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County | ~$1,950 | ~$2,350 | ~$3,050 | ~$3,700 |
| Howard County | ~$1,750 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,750 | ~$3,350 |
| Anne Arundel County | ~$1,650 | ~$2,000 | ~$2,600 | ~$3,150 |
| Prince George’s County | ~$1,600 | ~$1,950 | ~$2,500 | ~$3,050 |
| Frederick County | ~$1,550 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 |
| Charles County | ~$1,550 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 |
| Baltimore County | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,600 |
| Harford County | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,600 |
| Carroll County | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,600 |
| Baltimore City | ~$1,200 | ~$1,450 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,300 |
| Washington County (Hagerstown) | ~$1,000 | ~$1,250 | ~$1,600 | ~$1,950 |
| Allegany County (Cumberland) | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,600 |
| Eastern Shore (Wicomico / Somerset) | ~$900 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,400 | ~$1,700 |
Note: Montgomery County FMRs are among the highest of any county in the United States. Payment standards set by each Maryland PHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures — HOC Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Housing Authority may receive HUD approval for higher payment standards. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA.
Maryland Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Maryland has PHAs in every county and Baltimore City. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.
Statewide Resource
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) | (301) 429-7400 | dhcd.maryland.gov | Statewide housing oversight, affordable housing finance, and rental assistance programs |
Baltimore City & Baltimore Metro PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) | Baltimore | (410) 396-3232 | Baltimore City |
| Housing Opportunities Commission of Baltimore County (HABC County) | Towson | (410) 887-8850 | Baltimore County |
| Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County | Annapolis | (410) 222-7600 | Anne Arundel County |
| Harford County Housing Agency | Bel Air | (410) 638-3045 | Harford County |
| Carroll County Housing & Community Development | Westminster | (410) 386-3600 | Carroll County |
| Howard County Housing Commission | Ellicott City | (410) 313-6318 | Howard County |
Washington D.C. Suburbs PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) | Kensington | (240) 627-9400 | Montgomery County |
| Housing Authority of Prince George’s County (HAPGC) | Hyattsville | (301) 883-6370 | Prince George’s County |
| Charles County Housing Authority | La Plata | (301) 934-9305 | Charles County |
| Calvert County Housing | Prince Frederick | (410) 535-1600 | Calvert County |
| Frederick County Housing Authority | Frederick | (301) 600-1506 | Frederick County |
| City of Rockville Housing & Community Development | Rockville | (240) 314-8330 | City of Rockville |
Western Maryland PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington County Housing Authority | Hagerstown | (301) 739-8577 | Washington County |
| Allegany County Housing Authority | Cumberland | (301) 777-2000 | Allegany County |
| Garrett County Housing Authority | Oakland | (301) 334-7010 | Garrett County |
Eastern Shore PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicomico County Housing Authority | Salisbury | (410) 749-0432 | Wicomico County |
| Worcester County Housing Authority | Snow Hill | (410) 632-1701 | Worcester County (Ocean City area) |
| Somerset County Housing Authority | Princess Anne | (410) 651-1440 | Somerset County |
| Talbot County Housing Authority | Easton | (410) 820-8888 | Talbot County |
| Queen Anne’s County Housing Office | Centreville | (410) 758-0848 | Queen Anne’s County |
| Caroline County Housing Authority | Denton | (410) 479-4040 | Caroline County |
| Kent County Housing Authority | Chestertown | (410) 778-1661 | Kent County |
| Dorchester County Housing Authority | Cambridge | (410) 228-5955 | Dorchester County |
| Cecil County Housing Authority | Elkton | (410) 996-5235 | Cecil County |
Tip: Maryland is unusual in having a PHA in every county, giving all Maryland residents access to a local program. Use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov to verify the most current contact information for your county’s agency.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Maryland
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Maryland:
Step 1: Identify Every Maryland PHA Serving Your Area
In the Baltimore metro, multiple PHAs serve overlapping areas — HABC covers Baltimore City, while Baltimore County, Anne Arundel, Harford, Howard, and Carroll counties each have their own agencies. In the D.C. suburbs, HOC covers Montgomery County, HAPGC covers Prince George’s, and Frederick, Charles, and Calvert counties each have their own PHAs. Identify every PHA covering your target area and apply to all open waitlists simultaneously.
Step 2: Monitor for Open Waitlists
Most Maryland PHAs — especially HABC and HOC — keep their waitlists closed for extended periods. To stay ahead:
- Check each PHA’s official website regularly for waitlist opening announcements
- Call each Maryland PHA directly to ask about current waitlist status
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Maryland waitlist openings
- Contact Maryland Legal Aid at (410) 539-5340 for guidance on currently available Maryland housing programs
- Sign up for notifications on your county PHA’s website — many now offer email or text alerts for waitlist openings
Step 3: Apply the Moment a Waitlist Opens
HABC and HOC waitlist openings draw tens of thousands of applications. Smaller county PHA openings still draw significant interest. Be ready immediately:
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
- HABC, HOC, HAPGC, and most major Maryland PHAs offer online pre-applications
- Apply to every open Maryland PHA simultaneously — there is no rule limiting you to one
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
Maryland waitlists — particularly in the Baltimore metro and D.C. suburbs — are among the longest in the country. HABC waits can exceed 7 to 10+ years. HOC Montgomery County waits run 5 to 10+ years. HAPGC runs similarly long. In Western Maryland and on the Eastern Shore, waits are typically shorter — 1 to 4 years. While waiting:
- Update your contact information with every PHA every time you move or change your phone number
- Respond immediately to all annual confirmation and update notices
- Document any priority preference eligibility:
- Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Displaced by fire, natural disaster, or government action
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- 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, Maryland TANF (Temporary Cash Assistance — TCA) award 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, Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice / Maryland Children’s Health Program), TCA, or other Maryland benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A Maryland PHA specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. Maryland’s SOI law and fair chance housing protections provide meaningful recourse if you experience improper screening. Contact Maryland Legal Aid at (410) 539-5340 or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights at (410) 767-8600 if your application was improperly handled.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your Maryland Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Maryland’s statewide SOI law means landlords cannot legally reject you solely because of your voucher — use this right actively. In Montgomery County and Baltimore City’s tight markets, request extensions proactively and lean on your PHA’s landlord list and Mobility programs.
Maryland’s Housing Mobility Program: A Unique Opportunity
Maryland offers a particularly important resource for Section 8 voucher holders: the Maryland Regional Housing Mobility Program, operated by the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP). This program helps Baltimore City and Baltimore County voucher holders move to lower-poverty, higher-opportunity neighborhoods — including suburbs with better schools, lower crime, and more jobs — by providing counseling, landlord outreach, and expanded payment standards in opportunity areas.
If you receive a voucher through HABC or Baltimore County, ask specifically about the BRHP Mobility Program — it can dramatically expand where your voucher is usable and help you access communities that may have been out of reach. Contact BRHP at (410) 230-0577 or brhp.org.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Maryland
Maryland’s statewide SOI protection law is a strong advantage for voucher holders — but competitive rental markets in Baltimore and the D.C. suburbs make finding available units challenging. Here are the best resources:
- DHCD Rental Housing Programs: dhcd.maryland.gov — statewide affordable housing search resources and program information
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Maryland county or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database with extensive Maryland listings across Baltimore, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Maryland for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local PHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing
- Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP): brhp.org — mobility counseling and landlord outreach for Baltimore-area voucher holders seeking opportunity neighborhoods; (410) 230-0577
- Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR): If a landlord refuses your voucher application, file a complaint at mdcivil.maryland.gov or call (410) 767-8600 — Maryland’s SOI law is statewide and fully enforceable
Maryland Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Maryland?
Maryland has some of the longest Section 8 waitlists in the country. HABC (Baltimore City) waits routinely exceed 7 to 10+ years and the list is frequently closed. HOC (Montgomery County) waits run 5 to 10+ years. HAPGC (Prince George’s County) is similarly long. Howard County and Anne Arundel County typically run 3 to 7 years. Western Maryland (Washington, Allegany, Garrett counties) and Eastern Shore PHAs generally have shorter waits — often 1 to 4 years when lists are open. Applying to every county PHA simultaneously, including Western Maryland and Eastern Shore PHAs, is the most effective strategy for many Maryland applicants.
Can a Maryland landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. Maryland’s Real Property Article § 8-211, effective since October 2021, prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent solely because a tenant holds a Section 8 voucher or other housing subsidy. Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Howard County have additional local enforcement offices. If a Maryland landlord rejects your application because of your voucher, file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights at mdcivil.maryland.gov or (410) 767-8600, or with your county’s fair housing office.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Maryland?
Maryland income limits span an extraordinary range. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $34,000 in Allegany County to $78,400 in Montgomery and Howard counties — among the highest limits in the nation. Baltimore City is approximately $47,350 and Prince George’s County approximately $67,300. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Maryland?
Maryland payment standards are among the highest in the country in the D.C. suburbs. In Montgomery County, HOC payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $2,150–$2,600. In Prince George’s County, approximately $1,800–$2,150. In Howard County, approximately $1,950–$2,300. In Baltimore City, approximately $1,300–$1,600. In Baltimore County, approximately $1,500–$1,800. In Western Maryland (Hagerstown), approximately $1,150–$1,375. On the Eastern Shore, approximately $1,000–$1,250. Contact your specific PHA for current exact payment standards.
What is the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP) and how does it help?
The Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP) administers the Maryland Regional Housing Mobility Program, which helps Baltimore City and Baltimore County Section 8 voucher holders access higher-opportunity neighborhoods throughout the Baltimore metro region. BRHP provides pre- and post-move counseling, helps identify landlords in opportunity areas, and works to secure enhanced payment standards so vouchers stretch further in more expensive suburbs. This is one of the most effective mobility programs in the country — if you hold a HABC or Baltimore County voucher, contact BRHP at (410) 230-0577 or brhp.org to learn if you qualify.
Are there Section 8 resources specifically for the D.C. metro Maryland suburbs?
Yes. The Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. — primarily Montgomery and Prince George’s counties — have their own robust housing assistance ecosystems. HOC (Housing Opportunities Commission) in Montgomery County at (240) 627-9400 is one of the most sophisticated housing agencies in the country, offering not just vouchers but also HOC-owned affordable units and homeownership programs. HAPGC in Prince George’s County at (301) 883-6370 serves the densely populated suburbs closer to D.C. If you work in D.C. but live in Maryland, you can also apply to the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) — contact DCHA to ask about cross-jurisdictional eligibility. Charles, Calvert, and Frederick counties are also part of the broader D.C. metro and are worth applying to separately.
Can I use my Maryland Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Maryland Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state or to Washington, D.C. Contact your Maryland PHA to initiate the portability process. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards — porting from Western Maryland or the Eastern Shore to Montgomery County, for example, would result in a higher payment standard.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Maryland?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. Maryland VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the VA Maryland Health Care System (Baltimore / Perry Point) at (410) 642-2411, the Washington DC VA Medical Center (serving Montgomery and Prince George’s counties) at (202) 745-8000, and community-based outpatient clinics in Annapolis, Ft. Meade, Loch Raven, and Pocomoke City. Contact your nearest Maryland-area VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What other programs help with housing in Maryland besides Section 8?
Maryland has several additional housing assistance programs including DHCD’s Maryland Rental Assistance Program (MRAP), the Maryland Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MERAP), emergency help through local Community Action Agencies statewide, and DHCD’s LIHTC affordable housing portfolio. Baltimore City also operates the Baltimore City Rental Allowance Program for income-eligible city residents. Maryland’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program can provide emergency housing support. Dial 211 or visit 211md.org for immediate local referrals anywhere in Maryland.
Additional Housing Resources in Maryland
- Maryland Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD): dhcd.maryland.gov — statewide housing programs, rental assistance, homeownership, and affordable housing finance; (301) 429-7400
- 2-1-1 Maryland: Dial 211 or visit 211md.org — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR): mdcivil.maryland.gov — file SOI and housing discrimination complaints statewide; (410) 767-8600
- Maryland Legal Aid: mdlab.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income Maryland residents statewide; (410) 539-5340
- Public Justice Center (Baltimore): publicjustice.org — housing advocacy and legal support for Baltimore-area renters; (410) 625-9409
- Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP): brhp.org — housing mobility counseling and landlord outreach for Baltimore-area voucher holders; (410) 230-0577
- Community Assistance Network (Anne Arundel County): communityassistance.org — emergency rental and housing assistance in Anne Arundel County; (410) 789-4968
- Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless: mcch.net — homeless services and rapid rehousing in Montgomery County; (301) 217-0314
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact VA Maryland Health Care System at (410) 642-2411 for homeless veteran housing vouchers
- CASA (Montgomery & Prince George’s): wearecasa.org — housing, legal, and social services for Latino and immigrant communities in the D.C. Maryland suburbs; (301) 431-4185
- Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services: humanservices.baltimorecity.gov — emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and homeless services coordination in Baltimore City
- Arundel House of Hope: arundelhouse.org — emergency shelter and housing navigation in Anne Arundel County; (410) 768-1500
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Maryland
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Maryland is one of the most competitive and lengthy processes in the country — particularly in Baltimore City and the Washington, D.C. suburbs. But Maryland also offers some of the strongest tenant protections, highest payment standards, and most sophisticated housing programs of any state, including the nation-leading BRHP Mobility Program and a statewide SOI law that gives voucher holders real legal recourse.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Apply to every open Maryland county PHA waitlist simultaneously — don’t limit yourself to your home county; apply to Western Maryland and Eastern Shore PHAs as well, which often have shorter waits
- Know your legal rights — Maryland law prohibits landlords from rejecting your application solely because of your voucher; report violations to MCCR at (410) 767-8600
- If you receive a Baltimore City or Baltimore County voucher, contact BRHP immediately — the mobility program can dramatically expand where your voucher is usable
- Keep all contact information current with every PHA you have applied to — failing to respond to annual notices is the most common reason people lose waitlist positions
- Contact Maryland Legal Aid at (410) 539-5340 for free legal guidance if your application is improperly denied
- 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 Maryland PHA directly or visit the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development at dhcd.maryland.gov.
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. Maryland state and local housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Maryland Public Housing Authority, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.