Contact Howard County Housing Commission
- Phone(443) 518-7800
- Fax(443) 518-7829
- Email[email protected]
- Address9770 Patuxent Woods Dr Ste 100
Columbia, MD 21046 - CountyHoward County
- ProgramsSection 8 Housing Choice Vouchers only
- HUD codeMD023
Section 8 and public housing at Howard County Housing Commission
Howard County Housing Commission administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: you rent from a private landlord and the agency pays part of the rent directly to the owner. It does not own public housing units.
Income limits for Howard County Housing Commission
HUD sets the income limits for Howard County, MD based on the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA figures. Section 8 eligibility depends on your total household income and household size.
| Household size | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $28,150 | $46,900 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $32,200 | $53,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $36,200 | $60,300 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $40,200 | $67,000 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $43,450 | $72,400 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $46,650 | $77,750 | $123,900 |
Fair Market Rent near Columbia
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of what a modest rental costs in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA. Housing authorities set their Section 8 payment standard, the most the voucher can cover, usually between 90% and 110% of these figures.
How to apply at Howard County Housing Commission
- Check that you qualify. Compare your household income with the limits above. You also need U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status for at least one household member.
- Find out if the waiting list is open. Call (443) 518-7800 or email [email protected]. Many agencies open their lists only a few days a year and announce it in advance.
- Submit the pre-application. Most agencies take it online or on paper during the open period. Fill it in for Section 8.
- Keep your contact details up to date. When your name comes up, the agency writes to you. If it cannot reach you, you lose your place.
- Bring your documents to the interview. IDs, Social Security numbers, birth certificates and proof of income for everyone in the household. Full checklist.
We cannot tell you whether this agency's waiting list is open today: HUD does not publish that data, and lists change often. Only Howard County Housing Commission can confirm it.
Housing authorities near Columbia
Applying to more than one agency increases your chances: you can be on several waiting lists at once.
Frequently asked questions
What is the phone number of Howard County Housing Commission?
(443) 518-7800. Fax: (443) 518-7829. Email: [email protected]. These are the contacts the agency reports to HUD.
Where is Howard County Housing Commission located?
9770 Patuxent Woods Dr Ste 100, Columbia, MD 21046, in Howard County.
Does Howard County Housing Commission offer Section 8?
Yes. HUD reports 1,184 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) at this agency, 856 of them in use.
What are the income limits for Howard County Housing Commission?
In Howard County, MD, the FY2026 Section 8 (very low income) limit is $46,900 for one person and $67,000 for a family of four. Public housing accepts up to $106,800 for a family of four.
Is the Howard County Housing Commission waiting list open?
Waiting lists open and close on dates each agency sets, often for a few days only. Call (443) 518-7800 or check the agency's notices to confirm whether it is taking applications now.
Section 8 guides
Sources: HUD Public Housing Authorities dataset (agency record updated October 6, 2026) · HUD USER income limits FY2026 · HUD USER Fair Market Rents FY2027. This page is not affiliated with Howard County Housing Commission or HUD.