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Common Questions about Subsidized Housing

These are common questions about subsidized housing.

Questions about Subsidized Housing

How do I know if I qualify for housing assistance?

The biggest factor in qualifying for housing assistance is your income level. Your income must be less than the low-income limit level in your county to qualify for subsidized housing. It must be less than the very low-income limit to qualify for vouchers. You can find the income levels for your county at the HUD Income Limits Documentation website.

Other factors such as if you are a family, a veteran, disabled, a senior, past rental history, or immigration status may also affect getting subsidized housing in your local area.

Can I get housing assistance immediately if I qualify?

Many areas have a waiting list for people who are eligible and have been approved for housing assistance. Sometimes the waiting lists are closed. Even if you are likely to be granted assistance, do not count on being able to use subsidized housing or vouchers immediately.

Can I get housing assistance if I have poor credit?

Maybe. When you’re applying for housing assistance, the credit history that matters most is your record of paying rent and utilities. In almost all cases, the subsidized housing provider can consider all the circumstances of your situation, including good explanations for events.

Do I have to give the housing authority my employment information?

Yes. To apply for housing assistance or renew your existing assistance, you must certify your income by disclosing your employer and any other sources of income that you have.

I was denied for housing assistance; can I challenge it?

Yes. You have the right to have the denial reviewed. For more information, read the article Appealing Your Denied Application for a Housing Subsidy. 

How much is rent in subsidized housing?

Your rent will be the highest of the following options:

  • 10% of your monthly income

  • 30% of your adjusted monthly income (income minus deductions), OR

  • An amount up to $50

Deductions to your adjusted monthly income are:

  • $480 for each dependent household member

  • $400 for any elderly or disabled household members, AND

  • Medical deductions if the head of the family is elderly or disabled

How much rent is covered with a Section 8 housing voucher?

If you get a housing voucher, you must pay 30% of your monthly income as rent. The housing authority pays the remainder of the rent up to a fixed “fair market” value for your area. This is called the payment standard. If your rent is higher than the payment standard, you can still use the voucher if you pay the difference. There are some limits on how big the difference can be.

Can I use a Section 8 housing voucher with any home I find?

No. A landlord must agree to accept the housing voucher as part of your lease agreement and the property must pass an inspection before you can use a Section 8 voucher to rent a home.

Can I still use housing vouchers if my current lease doesn’t end until after the 60 day period to use the voucher ends?

Maybe. After you have been issued a housing voucher, you have 60 days to find a landlord and acceptable home. You may be able to get an extension of this 60 day period.

If your current lease doesn’t end until after this period, you can ask your current landlord to end the lease early and sign a new lease using the housing voucher, or you may ask your local housing authority to wait to issue your voucher until your lease ends.

Does my new landlord after foreclosure have to accept my Section 8 housing vouchers?

Yes. Your new landlord must continue your lease, including all agreements such as paying with housing vouchers.