OHFA coordinates affordable housing financing across Ohio. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by county-wide Metropolitan Housing Authorities (MHAs).

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Source of Income Protections & Tenant Rights

The federal Fair Housing Act protects Ohio tenants against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Several Ohio cities (such as Columbus and Toledo) have passed local source-of-income protections.

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Fair Market Rents & Voucher Payment Standards

Ohio’s metropolitan housing authorities set payment standards tied to regional FMRs for major metros including Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron.

Without extra HUD approval, a payment standard is usually any amount from 90% up to 110% of the published Fair Market Rent for that unit size (24 CFR 982.503). Enter your PHA’s written dollar amount in the calculator; otherwise we use 100% of FMR as a stand-in.

How HAP is calculated · Pay by bedroom size

Prominent Public Housing Authorities in Ohio

Contact your local PHA for waiting lists and applications. Links go to official agency sites or HUD’s national PHA directory.

Cleveland / Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)

One of the nation’s oldest housing authorities, administering extensive voucher programs.

Phone: (216) 348-5000
Website / Apply ↗

Columbus / Franklin County

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)

Serves Ohio’s capital region with housing mobility initiatives.

Phone: (614) 421-6000
Website / Apply ↗

Cincinnati / Hamilton County

Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)

Provides affordable rental vouchers throughout Southwest Ohio.

Phone: (513) 721-4580
Website / Apply ↗

View full PHA directory → · National PHA directory (HUD) ↗

Frequently Asked Questions About Section 8 in Ohio

How does Section 8 work in Ohio?

In Ohio, county Metropolitan Housing Authorities (MHAs) manage Section 8 vouchers. Voucher holders pay approximately 30% of their adjusted income, and the MHA pays the balance up to the payment standard directly to the landlord.

Major Cities & Metropolitan Areas in Ohio

Columbus

Cleveland

Cincinnati

Toledo

Akron

Dayton

Canton

How Section 8 Operates in Ohio