Subsidized Housing Regulations
The housing voucher program is the U.S. government's primary subsidized housing initiative. The program is designed to make housing more affordable for low-income families, elderly citizens and the disabled. Once accepted into the program, you can find a house or apartment in which to live. The types of housing in the program are townhouses, publicly- and privately-owned apartments and single family homes.
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Eligibility Requirements
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The Public Housing Agency (PHA) determines your family's eligibility for subsidized housing vouchers. Eligibility is based on your family's total annual gross income and the number of people in your family. Generally, your family's total gross annual income cannot exceed 50 percent of the median income in the area where you live. Federal law requires PHAs to provide 75 percent of voucher assistance to people whose annual incomes are at or below 30 percent of the median income in their area of residence.
Submitting an Application
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Contact your local Public Housing Agency to obtain an application for housing assistance. Each state typically has one or more agency offices in each of its counties. For example, Pennsylvania has more than 50 PHA offices throughout the state. To apply you must provide documentation, like recently filed income tax reports and birth certificates, to show your family income and size. Agency officials will contact your family members' employers, banks and other federal and state agencies to validate the data. The information will be used to determine the amount of assistance your family is eligible to receive.
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Waiting Lists
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When the demand for subsidized housing is high, your family may be placed on a waiting list until resources become available. Families on a waiting list who are homeless or who are living in poor housing conditions may be given preference and receive help before other applicants. Families who spend more than 50 percent of their total income to pay rent also may be given preference.
Approved Housing Units
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Families approved for subsidized housing can search for a house or apartment on their own. Families whose income is exceptionally low are given a list of housing choices to review to ensure that they receive the best value for their money. Approved houses and apartments must meet health and safety guidelines. Before a family can move into a dwelling a PHA representative must inspect it to determine if the price is reasonable. Federal law limits the amount a qualifying family can pay for rent to 40 percent of the family's adjusted monthly income.
Lease Agreements
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Qualifying families must sign a lease after choosing a housing unit. Some landlords may require a security deposit before the family can move in. The landlord is allowed to review the rent at the end of a year and initiate a new lease. Second-year lease agreements can be annual, six month or month-to-month. Occupants are expected to keep the dwelling in good condition and follow local housing laws.
Benefits
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Local public housing agencies administer the vouchers to streamline and shorten the time involved in the application and renewal process. You can apply to receive subsidized housing directly through a local rental office if you live in a privately-owned apartment. Typically, the management office will file for assistance on your behalf. Your application will be reviewed annually when you re-sign your lease. You are responsible for reporting any income level changes to the management office.
Considerations
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Families who qualify for subsidized housing should check their units to make sure they are safe, that there is no structural damage and that they are located close to businesses, restaurants, hospitals, schools and other public service organizations. If you have questions about subsidized housing arrangements, contact a housing counseling agency representative at 800-569-4287. Individual state Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offices also will assist residents with paying utility and elderly living assistance bills.
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