How to Find a Low Income Apartment in Indianapolis

Several resources are available to successfully locate a low-income apartment in Indianapolis.

Low-income housing provides adequate living conditions for families of moderate means. The Indianapolis Housing Agency manages the Housing Choice Voucher program, which pays a monthly rental subsidy on behalf of eligible residents. Additionally, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program reduces debt for private companies that build low-income units. Several search tools provide detailed low-income apartment listings. To find a low-income apartment in Indianapolis, use a variety of available resources to increase your success.

Instructions

Indianapolis Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)

1. Determine the HCV program waiting list status. The HCV waiting list is of reasonable size due to the popularity of the program. The Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) typically accepts new applicants four times a year. Call the housing agency or visit its website to determine if the waiting list is open (see "Indianapolis Housing Choice Voucher Program" in Resource for a link).

2. Apply for the HCV program. Complete the pre-application process by downloading or requesting an application from the IHA. The pre-application requires information about your family's composition, assets and income.

3. If approved, the IHA will contact you to arrange a household interview or orientation. Collect income documentation, identification (social security cards, birth certificates and picture identification) and bank account information for each individual in your household.

4. Search for a low-income apartment. When you receive a contract and rental assistance voucher, locate an apartment using the IHA's online location tool (see Resource for a link to the search tool). This tool allows you to search for housing based on size, desired rent and location. You can also call 1-877-428-8844.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Database

1. Open the LIHTC database. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers an online database for locating low-income apartments in Indianapolis (see "Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Database" in Resource for a link). Enter the web address to navigate to the site.

2. Select Indiana from the "Select Single State" drop-down menu in the left navigation section. Select "Indianapolis" in the "City or Cities" selection box on the next page. Scroll down and click the "Retrieve Project Data."

3. Review the low-income property results. The database provides information on apartments that adjust rental payments for families, the elderly and the disabled. Contact properties that interest you to inquire about available programs.

Indianapolis Housing Counseling

1. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. Housing counselors provide a range of services including renter's assistance, homeless services and pre- and post-purchase counseling. Open the HUD housing counselor search tool (see "Talk to a Housing Counselor" in Resource for a link to the tool).

2. Select Indiana from the HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies page. Click the "Go to this page" link.

3. Click the "Narrow your search" link. Enter "Indianapolis" and select your language from the "Language" drop-down menu. Select "Renters Assistance" from the "Counseling Service" drop-down box. Click the "Search" button to execute the search. You can also select cities in your surrounding area to locate additional housing services.

References

• Indianapolis Housing Agency: Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
• Department of Housing and Urban Development: Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet

Resources

• Talk to a Housing Counselor
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Database
• HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
• Indianapolis Housing Choice Voucher Program