Redesign concept. Built by Stoa to show what a modern, accessible AHA website could be. It is not the Authority's official site, which remains at abqha.org.
1840 University Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 · Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Accessibility (505) 764-3920 EN Español
Albuquerque Housing Authority The Road Home Starts Here
Forms & documents Apply for housing

Apply for housing

Start your application, step by step

Most people start by checking whether they qualify, then join a waiting list when it is open. Here is the whole path in plain language, plus a way to check where you stand.

Step 1

See if you qualify

Eligibility for AHA programs depends mostly on three things. You can get a good sense in a minute, and AHA confirms everything before you are housed.

  • Household income. Most programs use HUD income limits for Bernalillo County, by household size. Many households served by AHA earn well below those limits.
  • Household & citizenship status. Programs are open to families, seniors, and people with disabilities who meet citizenship or eligible-immigration rules.
  • Rental history & background. A basic screening applies, the same as most landlords use.

Find the income limits →

Step 2

Join a waiting list when it's open

Demand is high, so AHA opens waiting lists for set periods and announces them in advance. When a list is open, you apply online or in person. Here is the full path.

  1. Watch for an opening

    AHA posts a public notice when a waiting list opens, with the dates and programs. Sign up to be notified so you don't miss the window.

  2. Submit your application

    Apply online or at the Administrative Offices. You'll get a confirmation and a reference number for your application.

  3. Keep your details current

    Update your address, phone, and household changes so AHA can reach you when your name comes up. This is the most common reason people miss their turn.

  4. Complete your interview

    When selected, you'll verify income and household information and review the program rules.

  5. Find your home

    Voucher holders search the private market; public-housing applicants are matched to an available AHA unit.

Step 3

Check where you stand

Already applied? Enter your application reference to see your place on the list. Try a sample code below to see how it works.

Sample codes for this demo:

Note for reviewers

This status checker is a working demo over sample data. On a live site it would sign in through AHA's resident portal (myhousing.abqha.org) and read the real waiting-list position from the housing-management system, so applicants stop calling the office just to ask “where am I on the list?”. The two sample codes above return illustrative positions.

Once you're housed

Build savings with Family Self-Sufficiency

FSS is a voluntary program for voucher and public-housing participants. As your earnings rise, AHA sets the increase in your rent share into a matched escrow account that you can claim when you graduate. AHA has run FSS since 1993 and has paid out more than $100,000 in escrow to graduates.

FSS guide & enrollment →

Plain answers

Common questions

How do I check where I am on the waitlist?

Use the status checker above with your application reference. On a live site you'll also be able to sign in to the resident portal to see your position and update your contact details.

When do I report income or household changes?

As soon as they happen. Reporting changes in income, employment, or who lives in your home keeps your rent share correct and keeps you in good standing. See the Interim Reexamination form.

What if I have a disability and need a change to apply?

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any point in the process, at no cost. Submit the Reasonable Accommodation Request or call the office.

Can I move my voucher to or from Albuquerque?

Yes. Housing Choice Vouchers are portable. See portability for how assistance moves with you.