Minnesota’s housing market has grown significantly more expensive over the past decade — particularly in the Twin Cities metro, where Minneapolis and St. Paul rank among the most competitive rental markets in the Upper Midwest. But affordable housing scarcity extends well beyond the metro: Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and even smaller cities like Mankato and Moorhead face real affordability gaps driven by job growth, student populations, and limited rental supply. For low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across the North Star State, Section 8 housing vouchers in Minnesota provide critical monthly rent relief — though competition for them is intense and waitlists can stretch for years.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Minnesota — including who qualifies, Minnesota-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Minnesota Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, Minnesota’s source-of-income protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in cities and counties across the state, as well as through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (Minnesota Housing), which provides statewide oversight, affordable housing financing, and administers certain rental assistance programs for areas not fully served by a local PHA.
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 Minnesota PHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Minnesota where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Twin Cities Context: The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and the Metropolitan Council’s Section 8 Program — administered through the Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) — are the two largest HCV programs in Minnesota. Metro HRA administers vouchers across the seven-county Twin Cities metro area, making it a critical resource for suburban Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Carver, and Scott county residents. Applying to both MPHA and Metro HRA is essential for anyone in the Twin Cities area.
Minnesota Source-of-Income Protection Law
Minnesota has statewide source-of-income (SOI) protections under the Minnesota Human Rights Act (Minn. Stat. § 363A.09), which prohibits housing discrimination based on participation in a government housing assistance program — including Section 8 vouchers — statewide. This means:
- Minnesota landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you hold a Section 8 voucher
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8” or “No housing subsidies”
- Landlords cannot impose more burdensome screening requirements on voucher holders than on unsubsidized applicants
- Violations can be reported to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) at mn.gov/mdhr or by calling (651) 539-1100 or (800) 657-3704
Minneapolis and St. Paul have additional local reinforcement through their own civil rights ordinances and fair housing offices:
- Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights: (612) 673-3012
- St. Paul Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity: (651) 266-8966
Important: Minnesota’s SOI protection under the Human Rights Act is statewide and fully enforceable. A landlord cannot legally reject your application solely because of your voucher. If you believe you were illegally denied, file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights within 1 year of the discriminatory act. MDHR investigates at no cost and can order remedies including back rent, damages, and civil penalties against violating landlords.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Minnesota?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota. These are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by county — the Twin Cities metro has the state’s highest AMIs, while rural northern and western Minnesota counties run considerably lower.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Minnesota areas:
| Minnesota Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro (Hennepin / Ramsey) | ~$37,550 | ~$62,600 | ~$100,150 |
| Anoka County (northern suburbs) | ~$37,550 | ~$62,600 | ~$100,150 |
| Dakota County (southern suburbs) | ~$37,550 | ~$62,600 | ~$100,150 |
| Washington County (eastern suburbs) | ~$37,550 | ~$62,600 | ~$100,150 |
| Scott / Carver County (southwest suburbs) | ~$37,550 | ~$62,600 | ~$100,150 |
| Rochester / Olmsted County | ~$34,150 | ~$56,950 | ~$91,100 |
| Duluth / St. Louis County | ~$25,350 | ~$42,250 | ~$67,600 |
| St. Cloud / Stearns County | ~$26,500 | ~$44,200 | ~$70,700 |
| Mankato / Blue Earth County | ~$27,700 | ~$46,200 | ~$73,900 |
| Moorhead / Clay County | ~$26,350 | ~$43,950 | ~$70,300 |
| Winona County | ~$24,500 | ~$40,850 | ~$65,350 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Minnesota | ~$20,700 | ~$34,500 | ~$55,200 |
Note: All seven Twin Cities metro counties share the same AMI and income limits — a family of four earning up to $62,600 may qualify at the Very Low Income level anywhere in the metro. Rochester’s limits are notably high for greater Minnesota, reflecting Mayo Clinic’s economic impact. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Minnesota PHA or Minnesota Housing.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance. Minnesota has large and diverse immigrant and refugee communities — particularly Somali communities in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Hmong communities in St. Paul and Duluth, Karen and other Southeast Asian communities in the Twin Cities, and East African communities across the metro — that are frequently served by Minnesota 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. Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis have adopted meaningful fair chance housing reforms — Minneapolis’s Fair Chance in Housing Ordinance (effective 2020) significantly restricts how landlords can use criminal history in tenant screening, including for Section 8 applicants. Contact your specific PHA or Minnesota Housing for their policy if this applies to your household.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Minnesota or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Rochester’s income limits are among the highest in greater Minnesota — driven by Mayo Clinic’s status as one of the nation’s largest employers. A family of four earning up to $56,950 may qualify at the Very Low Income level in Olmsted County. If you work at Mayo Clinic or related healthcare facilities and are struggling with Rochester’s rising rents, check your current income against Olmsted County’s limits at huduser.gov before assuming you don’t qualify.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Minnesota?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Minnesota 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 adjusted income; the PHA covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Minnesota markets:
| Minnesota Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro (7-county) | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,150 | ~$2,600 |
| Rochester / Olmsted County | ~$1,100 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,750 | ~$2,150 |
| Duluth / St. Louis County | ~$950 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,850 |
| St. Cloud / Stearns County | ~$900 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,450 | ~$1,750 |
| Mankato / Blue Earth County | ~$900 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,450 | ~$1,750 |
| Moorhead / Clay County | ~$850 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 |
| Winona County | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,600 |
| Brainerd / Crow Wing County | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,600 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Minnesota | ~$700 | ~$850 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,350 |
Note: The Twin Cities seven-county metro shares a single FMR area — payment standards are consistent across all metro suburbs. MPHA and Metro HRA may set payment standards higher than FMR in some bedroom sizes given the competitive Twin Cities market. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA or Metro HRA.
Minnesota Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Section 8 in Minnesota is administered by local PHAs and Metro HRA across the state. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.
Statewide & Regional Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (Minnesota Housing) | (651) 296-7608 | mnhousing.gov | Statewide housing oversight, affordable housing finance, and rental assistance programs |
| Metropolitan Council HRA (Metro HRA) | (651) 602-1400 | metrocouncil.org/hra | Seven-county Twin Cities metro area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Carver, Scott counties) — administers HCV for suburban metro communities |
Twin Cities Core PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) | Minneapolis | (612) 342-1400 | City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County |
| St. Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) | St. Paul | (651) 298-5664 | City of St. Paul / Ramsey County |
| Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Bloomington | (952) 563-4926 | City of Bloomington |
| Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority | Brooklyn Park | (763) 493-8070 | City of Brooklyn Park |
| Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Plymouth | (763) 509-5400 | City of Plymouth |
| Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Richfield | (612) 861-9793 | City of Richfield |
| Coon Rapids HRA | Coon Rapids | (763) 767-6479 | City of Coon Rapids |
| Burnsville Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Burnsville | (952) 895-4444 | City of Burnsville |
Greater Minnesota PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Public Housing Agency | Rochester | (507) 281-6143 | Olmsted County |
| Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Duluth | (218) 529-6300 | St. Louis County |
| St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority | St. Cloud | (320) 252-0880 | Stearns County |
| Mankato Economic Development Authority | Mankato | (507) 387-8650 | Blue Earth County |
| Moorhead Economic Development Authority | Moorhead | (218) 299-5430 | Clay County |
| Winona HRA | Winona | (507) 457-8270 | Winona County |
| Bemidji HRA | Bemidji | (218) 759-3555 | Beltrami County |
| Brainerd HRA | Brainerd | (218) 828-5217 | Crow Wing County |
| Fergus Falls HRA | Fergus Falls | (218) 736-5475 | Otter Tail County |
| Worthington HRA | Worthington | (507) 376-6171 | Nobles County |
| Marshall HRA | Marshall | (507) 537-7003 | Lyon County |
| Virginia HRA | Virginia | (218) 741-5381 | St. Louis County (Iron Range) |
Tip: For Twin Cities suburban residents, Metro HRA at (651) 602-1400 is often the most accessible program — it administers HCV across all seven metro counties and many suburban communities that don’t have their own PHA. For communities in greater Minnesota not listed above, contact Minnesota Housing at (651) 296-7608 or mnhousing.gov for referral to the appropriate local program. Use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov filtered by Minnesota for a complete list.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Minnesota
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Minnesota:
Step 1: Identify Every Minnesota PHA and Program Serving Your Area
In the Twin Cities, applying to both MPHA (Minneapolis residents) or St. Paul PHA (St. Paul residents) AND Metro HRA (all seven-county metro residents) simultaneously is essential — these are separate programs with separate waitlists and separate funding. For suburban metro residents, your city’s HRA may also operate its own program. For greater Minnesota residents, contact the appropriate local PHA and Minnesota Housing.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists
Minnesota PHAs manage waitlists that open and close based on funding and turnover. To stay current:
- Check each PHA’s official website regularly for waitlist opening announcements
- Call each Minnesota PHA directly — many will maintain a notification list even when their HCV waitlist is closed
- Visit metrocouncil.org/hra for Metro HRA’s current waitlist status — Metro HRA’s waitlist status is updated regularly
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Minnesota waitlist openings
- Visit mnhousing.gov for statewide Minnesota Housing program updates
- Contact HOME Line at (612) 728-5767 — Minnesota’s tenant advocacy hotline tracks housing program availability statewide
Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens
MPHA, St. Paul PHA, and Metro HRA waitlist openings draw large numbers of applications. Act immediately when an opening is announced:
- MPHA, Metro HRA, and most Minnesota PHAs offer online pre-applications
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
- Apply to every open Minnesota program simultaneously — including greater Minnesota PHAs if you are flexible on location
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
Minnesota waitlists can be lengthy, especially in the Twin Cities. MPHA (Minneapolis) waits typically run 3 to 7 years. St. Paul PHA runs similarly — 3 to 6 years. Metro HRA varies by community — 2 to 5 years across most suburban metro areas. In greater Minnesota cities like Duluth, Rochester, and St. Cloud, waits typically run 1 to 4 years. While waiting:
- Update your contact information with every PHA every time you move or change your phone number
- Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices — failing to do so is the most common reason people lose their waitlist position
- Ask about priority preferences that may advance your position:
- 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, flooding, 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, Minnesota TANF (Minnesota Family Investment Program — MFIP) 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, Minnesota Medicaid (Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare), MFIP, or other Minnesota benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A Minnesota PHA specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact HOME Line at (612) 728-5767, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid at (612) 332-1441, or the Minnesota Department of Human Rights at (651) 539-1100.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your Minnesota Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Minnesota’s statewide SOI law means landlords cannot legally reject you solely because of your voucher — use this right actively. Request extensions proactively if needed.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Minnesota
Minnesota’s statewide SOI law provides meaningful legal protection. Here are the best resources for finding participating landlords:
- Minnesota Housing Locator: mnhousing.gov — Minnesota Housing maintains affordable housing search tools statewide
- Metro HRA Rental Listings: metrocouncil.org/hra — Metro HRA maintains a landlord and listing database for the seven-county metro area
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Minnesota city or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database with strong Minnesota and Twin Cities listings
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Minnesota for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local PHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing
- Craigslist Minnesota / Facebook Marketplace: search “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK”
- Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR): If a landlord refuses your voucher, file a complaint at mn.gov/mdhr or call (651) 539-1100 — Minnesota’s SOI protection is statewide and fully enforceable
- HOME Line: homeline.org — free tenant advocacy, SOI violation support, and housing search guidance statewide; (612) 728-5767
Minnesota Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s waitlists vary by program and location. MPHA (Minneapolis) typically runs 3 to 7 years and is frequently closed. St. Paul PHA runs approximately 3 to 6 years. Metro HRA varies by community — suburban metro areas typically run 2 to 5 years. In greater Minnesota, Duluth and Rochester typically run 1 to 4 years. Smaller cities like St. Cloud, Mankato, and Moorhead can have shorter waits. Applying simultaneously to MPHA or St. Paul PHA, Metro HRA, and greater Minnesota PHAs is the most effective strategy.
Can a Minnesota landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. The Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent solely because a tenant holds a Section 8 voucher or participates in a government housing assistance program. If a Minnesota landlord rejects your application because of your voucher, file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights at mn.gov/mdhr or (651) 539-1100. Minneapolis residents can also file with the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights at (612) 673-3012, and St. Paul residents with the St. Paul Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity office at (651) 266-8966.
What is Metro HRA and how is it different from MPHA?
The Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) is administered by the Metropolitan Council — the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metro — and administers federal Section 8 HCV across suburban metro communities that don’t have their own housing authority. Metro HRA is separate from MPHA (which serves Minneapolis) and St. Paul PHA (which serves St. Paul). If you live in a Twin Cities suburb — Edina, Eagan, Plymouth, Apple Valley, Cottage Grove, Maple Grove, etc. — Metro HRA at (651) 602-1400 is likely your primary Section 8 application point for suburban areas. Apply to both Metro HRA and your city’s HRA (if it has one) simultaneously.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Minnesota?
Income limits vary by county. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $34,500 in rural Minnesota to $62,600 in the Twin Cities seven-county metro. Rochester (Olmsted County) is approximately $56,950, Duluth (St. Louis County) approximately $42,250, and St. Cloud (Stearns County) approximately $44,200. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Minnesota?
In the Twin Cities metro (seven-county area), payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $1,500–$1,815. In Rochester (Olmsted County), approximately $1,250–$1,485. In Duluth (St. Louis County), approximately $1,050–$1,265. In St. Cloud, approximately $1,000–$1,210. In rural Minnesota, payment standards are typically $785–$935 for a two-bedroom. Contact your specific PHA or Metro HRA for current exact payment standards.
Does Minnesota have housing programs for its large Somali and Hmong communities?
Yes. Minnesota has the largest Somali population and one of the largest Hmong populations of any state in the U.S. Both communities face housing challenges including large household sizes that require larger units, language barriers in navigating housing systems, and discrimination. Key resources include Somali Community Resettlement Services in Minneapolis, Hmong American Partnership (HAP) at (651) 495-9160, Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) for Latino households, and the Karen Organization of Minnesota at (651) 222-2021. These organizations provide housing navigation support in multiple languages and can help community members access Section 8 and other housing programs. MPHA and Metro HRA also provide interpreter services — request one when you contact them.
What is Minneapolis’s Fair Chance in Housing Ordinance?
Minneapolis’s Fair Chance in Housing Ordinance (effective January 2020) is one of the strongest fair chance housing laws in the country. It prohibits Minneapolis landlords from asking about or considering most criminal history during the rental application process — including history involving housing subsidies. Landlords may only consider certain specific, recent convictions after a conditional offer has been made, and must provide individualized assessment opportunities. This protection applies to Section 8 applicants in Minneapolis. If a Minneapolis landlord denied your application based on criminal history without following the ordinance’s requirements, contact the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights at (612) 673-3012.
Can I use my Minnesota Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Minnesota Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state. Contact your Minnesota PHA or Metro HRA to initiate the portability process. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards — porting from rural Minnesota to the Twin Cities, for example, would result in a higher payment standard.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Minnesota?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. Minnesota VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the Minneapolis VA Health Care System at (612) 725-2000, the St. Cloud VA Medical Center at (320) 252-1670, and the Fargo VA Medical Center (serving western Minnesota) at (701) 232-3241. Contact your nearest Minnesota VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What other programs help with housing in Minnesota besides Section 8?
Minnesota has several additional housing assistance programs including the Minnesota Housing’s Rental Assistance for Family Stabilization (RAFS), the Minnesota Emergency Rental Assistance program, emergency help through local Community Action Agencies statewide, and Minnesota Housing’s LIHTC affordable housing portfolio. The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) — the state’s TANF program — can also provide emergency housing assistance. Dial 211 or visit 211unitedway.org for immediate local referrals anywhere in Minnesota.
Additional Housing Resources in Minnesota
- Minnesota Housing Finance Agency: mnhousing.gov — statewide housing oversight, affordable housing finance, and rental assistance programs; (651) 296-7608
- Metro HRA (Metropolitan Council): metrocouncil.org/hra — HCV administration for the seven-county Twin Cities metro; (651) 602-1400
- 2-1-1 Minnesota: Dial 211 or visit 211unitedway.org — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR): mn.gov/mdhr — file SOI and housing discrimination complaints statewide; (651) 539-1100 or (800) 657-3704
- HOME Line: homeline.org — free tenant hotline, SOI violation support, and housing rights information statewide; (612) 728-5767
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid: mylegalaid.org — free housing legal assistance statewide; (612) 332-1441
- Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP): mhponline.org — statewide housing advocacy and affordable housing resources
- Hmong American Partnership (HAP): hmong.org — housing navigation and community services for the Hmong community in the Twin Cities; (651) 495-9160
- Karen Organization of Minnesota: mnkaren.org — housing and resettlement services for Karen and other Southeast Asian communities; (651) 222-2021
- Simpson Housing Solutions (Minneapolis): simpsonhousing.org — homeless services, rapid rehousing, and housing navigation in Minneapolis; (612) 874-8511
- Listening House (St. Paul): listeninghouse.org — day services and housing support for individuals experiencing homelessness in St. Paul
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact Minneapolis VA Health Care System at (612) 725-2000 for homeless veteran housing vouchers
- Heading Home Hennepin: hennepin.us/headinghome — Hennepin County’s coordinated homeless response and housing navigation system
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Minnesota
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Minnesota is a competitive, multi-year process — especially in the Twin Cities. But Minnesota also offers some of the strongest tenant protections of any Midwestern state, including a statewide SOI law, Minneapolis’s nation-leading Fair Chance in Housing Ordinance, a robust legal aid network, and HOME Line’s free tenant advocacy hotline. Strategic applicants who cast a wide net — applying to MPHA, St. Paul PHA, Metro HRA, and greater Minnesota PHAs simultaneously — maximize their chances of receiving assistance sooner.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Apply simultaneously to MPHA (or St. Paul PHA), Metro HRA, and your city’s HRA — these are separate programs with separate waitlists; Twin Cities residents should apply to all three
- Apply to greater Minnesota PHAs — Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Mankato often have shorter waits; you can port your voucher to the Twin Cities after 12 months
- Know your legal rights — Minnesota law prohibits landlords from rejecting your application solely because of your voucher; report violations to MDHR at (651) 539-1100
- Call HOME Line at (612) 728-5767 for free tenant advocacy, housing search help, and SOI violation support
- Keep all contact information current with every PHA you have applied to — this is the most common reason people lose their waitlist position after years of waiting
- 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 Minnesota PHA, Metro HRA at (651) 602-1400, or visit Minnesota Housing at mnhousing.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. Minnesota state and local housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Minnesota Public Housing Authority, Metro HRA, Minnesota Housing, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.