How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Clearwater, Florida
Low-income individuals and families in Clearwater, Florida, may be eligible for rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Under this program, individuals and families choose their own rental accommodations, and landlords receive a portion of their rental fees through vouchers. To qualify, your total family income must fall below limits set by HUD and the Clearwater Housing Authority. Income limits change from year to year but, as of 2010, a family of four could not have a total annual income of more than $47,500 to qualify for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
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Instructions
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Contact the Clearwater Housing Authority, which administers the Section 8 Voucher program in Clearwater on behalf of HUD. Ask the housing authority agent if the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is open. If the waiting list is closed, you can take no further action. When the waiting list opens, the housing authority will advertise this information in local newspapers and you can apply at that time. If the waiting list is open, request an appointment to apply for Section 8 assistance. Contact the Clearwater Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Program at 461-5777, extension 204.
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Apply for Section 8 assistance. You must go to the Clearwater Housing Authority office to apply. When you make initial contact on the telephone, an agent will inform you of what documentation you need to bring to your application interview. Expect to provide proof of your and your family's income, social security numbers and bank account information and proof of your assets. Find the Clearwater Housing Authority office at 908 Cleveland St.
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Find housing. You can request Section 8 assistance for the rental housing in Clearwater that you already occupy, or you can request assistance for a new residence. In both cases, however, your rental housing must meet minimum standards regarding safety, cleanliness and maintenance. It is your responsibility to inform your landlord that you are planning to use Housing Choice Vouchers, and also to negotiate your rental fees.
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Inform the Clearwater Housing Authority of your new housing. Once you have selected your rental unit, the Authority will conduct an inspection of the premises. If your residence meets minimum standards, you may sign a lease with your new landlord. The housing authority will also sign an agreement with your landlord outlining how much he will receive through vouchers, and also delineates your landlord's obligations.
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