How to Find Low-Income Housing in Tempe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding low-income housing in Tempe usually involves three main systems: the local housing authority, subsidized/affordable apartment properties, and support services that help you apply and stay housed. This guide walks through how those actually work in Tempe and what you can do today.

Quick summary: Low-income housing in Tempe

• Main public agency: Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) – manages Housing Choice Vouchers and some public housing.
• City touchpoint: City of Tempe Housing and Revitalization / Human Services – runs local affordable housing programs and referrals.
• Most common options:
  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
  • Project-based/affordable apartment complexes in Tempe
  • Short-term rental help through Tempe or local nonprofits
• First real step you can take today: Contact HAMC or the City of Tempe Human Services office to ask which waiting lists or interest lists are currently open.
• Expect: waitlists, document checks, and background screening, not same-day placement.

Rules, income limits, and openings change regularly, so always confirm with the official offices for the most current information.

1. Where low-income housing is handled in Tempe

In Tempe, there is no separate “Tempe Housing Authority”; instead, the Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) is the main official government housing authority that generally covers Tempe residents for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and some subsidized units.

The City of Tempe Housing and Revitalization / Human Services Department is the city-level touchpoint that connects residents to affordable housing programs, emergency rent help, and local nonprofit partners.

Key terms to know:

• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) — A federal program where you rent from a private landlord and part of your rent is paid directly by the housing authority.
• Public housing — Apartments or homes owned by a housing authority with reduced rent based on your income.
• Project-based voucher / LIHTC (tax-credit) unit — A unit in a specific building where the rent is restricted and lower; the subsidy is tied to the unit, not the tenant.
• Waitlist — A formal list you get placed on when there are no immediate openings; you must usually keep your contact information updated or risk removal.

Two main official system touchpoints in Tempe:

• Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) – official housing authority; handles vouchers, some public housing, and waitlists.
• City of Tempe Human Services / Housing and Revitalization – city office that often manages local affordable housing initiatives, landlord-tenant help, and referrals to emergency or supportive housing.

When searching online, look for websites that clearly show “.gov” and list addresses and phone numbers for Maricopa County or the City of Tempe to avoid scams.

2. Decide which type of low-income housing to pursue

You can apply or get on lists for more than one option at the same time; this is often necessary because wait times can be long.

Common types in Tempe:

• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) through HAMC

  • You find your own landlord in Tempe (or other eligible areas), and the housing authority pays part of your rent.
  • Typically a long wait; the list may only open for a short window.

• Public or project-based subsidized units

  • These are specific complexes where units are reserved for low-income tenants, seniors, or people with disabilities.
  • You usually apply through the property management office, not directly at City of Tempe, though the city or HAMC can give you lists of these properties.

• Tax-credit (LIHTC) affordable apartments

  • Rents are below market but not always as low as voucher rents.
  • You apply directly at the property; they verify income against set limits.

• Short-term rental assistance / eviction prevention

  • Often run by the City of Tempe Human Services or local nonprofits.
  • These programs may help you stay where you are while you wait for something more permanent.

If you are currently homeless or at immediate risk (e.g., active eviction case, living in shelter), tell the office this clearly; you may be referred to special coordinated entry or rapid rehousing programs that run separately from the standard voucher waitlist.

3. What to prepare before you contact Tempe housing programs

Most housing programs in Tempe will ask for proof that you meet income, identity, and household requirements before they place you or finalize assistance.

Documents you’ll typically need:

• Government-issued photo ID for adults (driver’s license, state ID, or other official ID).
• Proof of income for everyone in the household who works or gets benefits (recent pay stubs, Social Security award letter, unemployment letter, child support printout).
• Proof of current housing situation (current lease, rent receipt, eviction notice, shelter verification, or a written statement from where you are staying).

Other items that are often required:

• Social Security cards or official proof of SSN for household members, if available.
• Birth certificates for children.
• Bank statements or benefit card printouts showing recent balances for some programs.

Because housing programs deal with large volumes of applicants and strict federal rules, missing one key piece (for example, proof of income for one adult) can delay your file for weeks. To save time, gather everything you can into a folder before you call or visit.

4. Step-by-step: How to start the low-income housing process in Tempe

Step 1: Contact the official housing authority or city housing office

Your first concrete action today: call or visit one of these:

• Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) – ask:
  • “Are the Housing Choice Voucher or public housing waitlists currently open for Tempe residents?”
  • “How do I get on the list, and what documents do you require?”
• City of Tempe Human Services / Housing and Revitalization – ask:
  • “What affordable housing programs or rental assistance are open right now for low-income Tempe residents?”

Simple phone script you can use:
“Hi, I live in Tempe and I’m looking for low-income housing or help with rent. Can you tell me which programs or waitlists are open now, and how I can apply?”

What to expect next:
You’ll typically be told whether key waitlists are open, how to apply (online form, paper application, or in-person), and what income limits or priorities apply (for example, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, or homeless households).

Step 2: Get on all appropriate waitlists or interest lists

If the voucher or public housing waitlist is open, they will usually direct you to:

• Complete an online pre-application through an official county housing portal, or
• Fill out a paper pre-application form and submit it to their office by a stated deadline.

For project-based and tax-credit properties in Tempe:

• The city or HAMC can often give you a printed or emailed list of affordable properties.
• You then contact each property’s leasing office directly to ask if their waitlist is open and how to apply.

What to expect next:

• After you submit a pre-application, you usually receive a confirmation number or letter.
• You will not get a unit right away; you’re placed on a waitlist sorted by date, preference category, and other factors.
• It may take weeks or months before you hear anything more; during that time, it’s your responsibility to update your address and phone number if they change.

Step 3: Complete full eligibility screening when your name comes up

When you reach the top of the list or a unit is available:

• HAMC or the property management will contact you (by mail, phone, email) to schedule an intake appointment or interview.
• You’ll be asked to provide full documentation for everyone in the household.

Typical screening parts:

• Income verification – they compare documents and may contact employers or benefit agencies.
• Criminal background check – they run required checks; certain offenses may affect eligibility.
• Rental history / landlord references – some programs ask about evictions or serious lease violations.

What to expect next:

• If you pass screening, you may receive a voucher briefing appointment (for Section 8 vouchers) or unit offer (for project-based/public housing).
• For vouchers, you then have a limited time window (often 60–120 days) to find a landlord whose unit can pass inspection.
• For project-based units, you’ll review and sign a lease with the property manager once final approvals are complete.

No office can guarantee how long this will take or that every applicant will be approved, but staying reachable and quickly responding to any requests for more documents helps move things along.

Step 4: Understand how rent and inspections usually work

If you receive a Housing Choice Voucher in Tempe:

• You search for a unit where the rent and utilities fall within program limits and the landlord is willing to participate.
• The housing authority schedules a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection to make sure the unit meets safety and quality rules.

If you move into public housing or a project-based unit:

• Your rent is typically set at about 30% of your adjusted monthly income, though exact formulas vary.
• The property will perform periodic unit inspections and annual income recertifications.

What to expect next:

• You’ll sign a lease and possibly additional program-specific agreements.
• Each year, you’re usually required to recertify your income and household size; failing to complete recertification or report changes can lead to loss of assistance.

Real-world friction to watch for

A common snag in Tempe is that people apply for vouchers or project-based waitlists and then change phone numbers or addresses without telling HAMC or the property, so when their name finally comes up, the letter or call never reaches them and they are removed from the list. To avoid this, keep a dedicated folder with your confirmation numbers and immediately contact the housing authority or property management any time your contact information changes, even if you’re still far down the list.

5. Avoid scams and find legitimate help in Tempe

Because housing assistance involves money, identity information, and Social Security numbers, there are frequent scams targeting renters in tight markets like Tempe.

To stay safe:

• Do not pay any “application fee” to third-party sites that claim they can “guarantee” low-income housing or immediate vouchers.
• Only provide sensitive documents to:
  • Offices or websites clearly associated with Maricopa County, City of Tempe, or known nonprofit agencies, preferably ending in “.gov” or well-established “.org” sites.
• If someone says they can move you to the “top of the list” for a fee, treat it as a scam.

Legitimate in-person help sources in Tempe typically include:

• City of Tempe Human Services offices – for information on local programs, referrals, and help understanding notices.
• Local nonprofit housing counseling agencies – sometimes HUD-approved housing counselors offer free help with applications, budgeting, and landlord issues.
• Legal aid organizations – for help with eviction cases, subsidy denials, or housing discrimination concerns.

When you call or visit these offices, bring your ID, proof of income, and any housing notices or court papers so staff can give more specific guidance.

Once you have contacted either HAMC or the City of Tempe Human Services, gathered your documents, and applied or placed yourself on all available waitlists, you are in position to respond quickly when an opening comes up and to ask local agencies about any new programs that may start in the meantime.