Reno Section 8 Calculator — Washoe County Income Limits & Rent Estimate

Housing Authority Serving Reno

• Agency: Reno Housing Authority (RHA)
• Jurisdiction: City of Reno (Washoe County areas served separately by NNRHA)
• Waiting list status: Opens periodically — monitor renohousing.org for announcements
• Application portal: renohousing.org
• Main office: 1525 E Ninth St, Reno, NV 89512
• Phone: (775) 329-3630

Reno has transformed from a mid-size gambling town into a major tech and logistics hub, drawing workers from across the country — and pushing rents up sharply. The Reno Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers for residents within city limits, while the Northern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (NNRHA) covers nearby Sparks and unincorporated Washoe County. If you’re searching for housing in either jurisdiction, it’s worth applying to both agencies as eligibility and wait times differ.

RHA manages public housing developments, a portfolio of Project-Based Voucher units at specific apartment communities, and tenant-based HCV vouchers that can be used at privately owned rentals throughout Reno. The agency also partners with local landlords through incentive programs designed to expand the pool of units accepting vouchers — a critical effort given Reno’s tight rental vacancy rates.

Income Limits & Fair Market Rent in Washoe County

HUD sets income limits annually based on Washoe County’s Area Median Income. For 2026, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) for a family of four in Washoe County is approximately $48,000, while a single-person household must earn below about $33,600 to qualify. Extremely Low Income households — those at or below 30% AMI — receive priority placement on the waiting list under federal law.

Fair Market Rents for the Reno-Sparks HUD metro area in 2026 are estimated at approximately $990 for a studio, $1,150 for a 1-bedroom, $1,450 for a 2-bedroom, $1,930 for a 3-bedroom, and $2,310 for a 4-bedroom. Reno’s FMRs have climbed significantly since 2020 due to the region’s rapid population growth and limited housing inventory. Payment standards set by RHA typically track at or near 100–110% of these FMR figures.

Downtown Reno, the University of Nevada neighborhood, and the south Reno corridor tend to have the highest rents, while areas near Sparks and south of I-80 offer more affordable options. Many voucher holders find success in outer neighborhoods and in newer apartment complexes that participate in RHA’s landlord partnership programs.

Run your Reno rent estimate →

How to Apply for Section 8 in Reno

1. Watch for waiting list openings at renohousing.org and through local news outlets. RHA announces openings with limited advance notice, so regular monitoring is essential.
2. Prepare your documents in advance: government-issued ID, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns), bank statements, and documentation of any disabilities or special circumstances.
3. Apply online promptly when the list opens. RHA processes applications on a first-come, first-served or random lottery basis depending on the funding cycle.
4. Keep your contact information current on the applicant portal. Update your address, phone, and email immediately if they change — missed correspondence leads to removal from the list.
5. Explore NNRHA if you are open to living in Sparks or unincorporated Washoe County. Their waiting list may have different availability.
6. Complete the eligibility interview when called by RHA. Bring all original documentation to this appointment. After passing eligibility screening, you’ll receive your voucher and a briefing on how to use it.

Waiting List Tips for Reno

• Apply to both RHA and NNRHA simultaneously — you can legally be on multiple waiting lists and simply decline one offer when the other comes through first.
• Look into Project-Based Voucher properties in Reno, which have separate waiting lists and can sometimes offer faster placement than tenant-based vouchers.
• Nevada 211 (dial 2-1-1 or visit nv211.org) connects you with emergency rental assistance, utility help, and short-term bridge housing while you wait for a voucher.
• Document medical or disability needs. RHA grants preference to households with a disabled member, which can move you up the waiting list.
• Start your landlord search early. Reno’s vacancy rate is low, so having a shortlist of voucher-friendly landlords before your voucher arrives can cut your search time significantly.