How to Apply for Low Income Housing in Detroit
Detroit is a city struggling under the burden of a collapsing economy, putting many out of jobs. Thus there is a great burden on the city's public assistance programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and public housing. In fact, waiting lists have been closed and many people have been turned away. Still, once these waiting lists are reopened, Detroit residents can begin to receive government assistance again in the form of public housing and rent subsidization based on their family income.
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Instructions
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Check the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) website to see if Section 8 wait lists have reopened. Find out if you're eligible for the Section 8 or low-income housing, under the guidelines established by HUD, and based on federally determined income limits. Stipulations include being a U.S. citizen and having a family income below 50 percent of the median family income. According to HUD estimates, the FY 2009 median family income in Detroit was $71,000, so a family of four would have to take in less than $35,500 to qualify for government assistance under the program. The same family of four would have to bring home less than $56,800 to be eligible for public housing.
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Contact a DHC housing agent to set up a meeting. Bring along your completed application, payment, references and credit report. The DHC will verify information on family history, income and assets with past employers and banks during the application process. Present a photo ID and birth certificate for every name on the application, and every adult must submit to a background check.
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Review and sign your lease if you are applying for Section 8 program or public housing. Make sure you ask questions before you sign if you do not understand any of the rental terms or your privacy rights. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will schedule an inspection of the rental property within five days of receiving your lease packet to determine if there are any safety or health concerns.
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Pay your landlord a security deposit, which will be no more than one month and a half's rent, before moving in. Continue paying rent and utilities on time, and follow rules as outlined by MSHDA. Report any changes to your income to the housing specialist assigned to your account, and keep your contact information up to date. Continue to meet with your housing agent annually for recertification, income verification and housing inspection.
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Tips & Warnings
Come to your meeting prepared, with all your documents in order and filled out completely.
Have patience, as the entire process may drag out for some time.
References
- Photo Credit Dockside Housing image by Peter Jarvis from Fotolia.com
