In Kansas, rental assistance programs are available through a combination of state housing programs, community action groups, and major charitable organizations.
It is important to note that the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program has closed, so new applications are no longer being accepted. However, Kansas offers other housing resources that can assist eligible tenants.
State and federal programs
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
The Kansas Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program is a federally funded initiative supported by HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships program. It is designed to make market-rate housing affordable for income-eligible families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Unlike public housing or project-based subsidies, TBRA assistance is tied to the tenant rather than the property. If you qualify, the assistance moves with you should you decide to relocate to a different rental unit.
What the TBRA program covers
Depending on how the local agency in your area administers the grant, the TBRA program may cover:
Rental subsidies: The program covers the difference between what your household can afford to pay (generally capped at 30% of your adjusted monthly income) and the actual cost of rent and utilities.
Security deposits: One-time assistance to cover initial move-in deposits.
Utility deposits: Assistance to establish or transfer essential utility connections.
Basic eligibility requirements
While local administrators handle application intake, basic state guidelines require the following:
Income limits: Generally, your total household income must be at or below a range of 60% to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI); However, some local programs prioritize families with incomes at or below 50% or 60% of the AMI.
Housing status: Many regional administrators prioritize households that are currently homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness.
Unit inspection: The rental property you choose must meet HUD’s basic Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
How to apply
You cannot apply directly to the state. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) allocates TBRA funds in bulk to local public housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and municipal governments, which then open the application process to the public.
Since each local agency manages its own waiting list, available funds, and local criteria, you must contact the partner agency in your area. For example:
In southeast Kansas, the program is administered by SEK-CAP.
In Salina, it is managed by the Salina Housing Authority.
In Independence, it is processed by the Independence Housing Authority.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) is the federal government’s primary initiative to help very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford safe and healthy housing in the private market.
Like TBRA, the Section 8 program is a tenant-based subsidy, meaning the voucher stays with you if you move. However, unlike state grants, Section 8 is a permanent, long-term federal program.
How the subsidy works
The 30% rule: Generally, you must contribute between 30% and 40% of your household’s adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities.
Government contribution: The local public housing authority (PHA) pays the remaining balance directly to your private landlord each month. Your choice: You can choose any rental unit—including apartments, single-family homes, or townhouses—provided the landlord accepts Section 8 and the property passes a basic safety inspection.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
To meet eligibility requirements, your household income must not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the specific Kansas county where you apply. By law, public housing authorities (PHAs) must allocate 75% of their vouchers to families with incomes below 30% of the AMI.
Current status of waiting lists in Kansas
Demand for the Section 8 program is high; consequently, almost all regional housing authorities use waiting lists. Depending on the geographic location, some lists open only once a year, while others remain open indefinitely.
| PHA Location / Jurisdiction | Current Waitlist Status | Application Link & Portals |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita / Sedgwick County | Open | Apply via the Wichita MyHousing Portal |
| Salina Housing Authority | Open | Apply via Salina Housing Authority |
| Lawrence-Douglas County | Open | Apply online via Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority |
| Kansas City, KS (Wyandotte) | Closed | Check updates at KCKHA Portal |
| Johnson County | Closed | Check updates at JoCo Housing Authority |
| Topeka Housing Authority | Closed | Check updates at THA Section 8 Portal |
HUD-approved housing counselors
HUD-approved housing counselors provide objective, free, or low-cost advice tailored to your housing situation. If you are a tenant, a counselor can help you manage disputes with your landlord, understand local fair housing laws, create a budget to pay rent, and identify available municipal programs to prevent eviction.
Most agencies offer counseling in person, by phone, or online.
Key HUD-approved agencies in Kansas
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) collaborates with various HUD-certified organizations—at both state and regional levels—to provide direct support:
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI):
Services: A leading provider of housing counseling for tenants, fair housing information, and education for tenants and landlords in eastern and central Kansas.
Contact: Call 785-234-0217 or the toll-free line at 800-383-0217.
Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas:
Services: Offers local financial assistance, budget counseling, and guidance on rental voucher eligibility.
Contact: (620) 227-1562 (Dodge City and surrounding southwestern counties).
Credit Advisors Foundation / Community Services League:
Services: Certified counseling focused primarily on homelessness prevention, applications for rent and utility assistance, and eviction mitigation.
Contact: Call 866-966-7662.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp (Wichita Branch):
Services: Housing counseling for tenants, financial management, and emergency credit guidance.
Contact: Call 800-757-1788.
How to find a counselor immediately
If you do not live near the main branches mentioned above, you can find a certified counselor immediately using these federal databases:
Online tool: Use the official HUD housing counseling services locator to search based on your specific Kansas zip code.
Phone line: Call the HUD housing counselor hotline directly at (800) 569-4287 to be automatically transferred to an available regional agency.
Local Community Actions & Charitable Aid
Community Action Agencies (CAA)
These regional networks receive specific funding to assist low-income residents with housing, emergency utility payments, and security deposits. You can locate your corresponding regional office by consulting the KACAP Agency Directory.
The Salvation Army
Operates emergency assistance programs throughout Kansas. They often manage direct aid and utility assistance programs—such as Sharing the Warmth (via Atmos Energy) or Black Hills Cares—designed to help you settle outstanding bills and maintain secure housing.
Kansas 211
Operated by United Way; calling 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898-211 immediately connects you with a local resource specialist. They maintain a database that includes local church ministries, municipal emergency funds, and food and housing assistance programs specific to your county.
