How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Tucson, Arizona

The Section 8 program in Tucson is also referred to as the City of Tucson Housing Choice Voucher Program. Section 8 Housing in Tucson, Arizona, is funded by a block grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD). Because funding is provided in this manner, application periods for Section 8 housing are very limited, and wait lists are long. Requirements for eligibility may differ on an individual basis, so be prepared to provide additional documentation or to complete additional steps to be approved for Section 8 housing.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Land-line telephone
• Valid identification (driver's license)
• Birth certificates of family members
• Income statements for at least 3 months
• Immigration documents
• Proof of disability or special need

1. Dial 211 from a land-line telephone to inquire about the Section 8 application period for Tucson, Arizona. You can also visit the City of Tucson Community Service website, which is listed in the Resources section here, to check for application filing dates.

2. Gather and make copies of the following documents so when the filing period opens up, you will be ready. You need identification for all family members who will be housed. Documents required for each family member may be one or more of the following: state-issued ID, driver's license, birth certificate, Social Security card and immigration documents. Save all income statements that you receive, which include not only check stubs from any work that you do but also proof of cash income, such as receipts for services rendered or bank deposits.

3. File an application via the Internet, or by pick up an application for Section 8 housing when the filing period opens up. You can apply online by accessing an application on the City of Tucson Community Services website (first link in Resources below), or you can pick up an application at a specified location. Dial 211 to find out where an application can be found. Fill out the application and mail it to the address specified in the application packet. Remember, filing periods tend to be short, so your application must be postmarked by the filing date deadline.

4. Wait up to 90 days to receive a letter informing you of your status. More than likely, your name will be placed on a waiting list. Check your status occasionally by calling the City of Tucson Housing Choice Voucher Program at [phone].

5. Access the list of available rental units in Tucson, Arizona, by visiting the U.S. Department of Housing and Development website and searching the Subsidized Apartment database. The link to this website is listed in the Resources section below. This step is only necessary once you have been approved for Section 8 housing.

6. Apply for a rental unit by contacting the person or agency listed in the contact information on the HUD site mentioned above. Each landlord or rental agency may have additional requirements, so be prepared to qualify for these. A criminal background check will be done on all adult family members who will be housed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you move, contact the Tucson Housing Authority and provide your new address. You can find more information about updating your record by accessing the Tucson Housing Authority--Applicant Update Form link listed below in the Resources section.

Resources

• City of Tucson Community Services
• Arizona Department of Housing
• Arizona Department of Housing Contact Sheet
• Tucson Housing Authority--Applicant Update Form
• HUD Subsidized Apartment Database