The Section 8 program was established to help make housing more affordable for households with low incomes. Thanks to paperwork, long waitlist times, and often-limited resources, navigating the process to qualify for Section 8 housing assistance can feel confusing and even downright discouraging.
That’s why Jerry
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, is here with this introductory guide to the basics of Section 8. Read on to learn more about what the Section 8 program is, what the requirements are, and how you can apply for Section 8 housing assistance in Tampa, Florida
. What is Section 8 housing?
Section 8 is an affordable housing program established by the federal government in the 1970s. It’s intended to help make decent housing more affordable and accessible to households with low incomes, including families with children and people who are elderly or have disabilities.
For those who qualify, the federal government will cover a certain portion of their rent expenses.
This is how Section 8 works:
Applications can be submitted to a local public housing agency (PHA) for housing choice vouchers or project-based vouchers.
Housing choice vouchers allow families to find a rental unit that meets the specifications listed on the voucher, like the number of bedrooms,
Project-based vouchers are tied to a specific property that’s been designated as low-income housing.
Tenants must pay at least 30% of their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities, but not more than 40%. The remaining portion is paid by the government.
Section 8 obligations
Tenants, landlords, and local PHAs all have certain responsibilities under Section 8. Some of these obligations include:
| | |
|---|
Pay rent on time and keep the rental unit in good condition | Provide safe, sanitary housing at reasonable rent | Provide vouchers to qualifying households |
Inform promptly of any changes to income or family size/composition | Make necessary repairs and maintenance | Inspect rental units to ensure safe, sanitary conditions |
Comply with lease agreement | Comply with the lease agreement and contract with PHA | Provide a portion of rent payments on behalf of family |
Attend required appointments | Screen tenants, avoiding discriminatory practices | Reexamine family’s income and composition at least once per year |
What are the requirements for Section 8 housing in Tampa?
To qualify for Section 8 rentals in Tampa, you’ll need to meet federal requirements established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Some of these requirements include:
Must be 18 years old or older
Must be a U.S. citizen or documented immigrant
Income cannot exceed 50% of the area’s median income
If approved, the unit must be the household’s only residence
When determining a household’s income, the HUD includes the following in its calculations:
For a more in-depth look at what is and isn’t included in income calculations for Section 8 assistance, you can review this list
. The 2021 estimated median family income
for the area, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater
, is about $72,700. Section 8 income limits will additionally depend on family size, which is broken down in the table below for the 2021 fiscal year: | | | | | | | | |
|---|
| | | | | | | | |
Extremely low income (30%) | | | | | | | | |
How to apply for Section 8 housing in Tampa
Section 8 housing assistance in Tampa, Florida, is managed by the Tampa Housing Authority (THA)
. The THA accepts and reviews applications submitted for Section 8 assistance in Tampa. You can start a housing assistance application on the THA’s website
and review more information about housing choice and project-based vouchers before applying. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll need to provide extensive documentation of the income you receive. If your application shows that you meet eligibility requirements, you’ll typically receive a confirmation letter telling you you’re on your local PHA’s waiting list.
Unfortunately, because demand for affordable housing assistance often outweighs available resources, it’s not unusual for applicants to linger on waiting lists for one to two years.
Local housing authorities are required by HUD to give 75% of available vouchers to those whose income is 30% of the local median income or lower. Depending on the number of applications they have on hand, they may close waiting lists for a time and establish locally-determined preferences, including families with children, those who are currently houseless, or those who have disabilities.
The THA states its local preferences
are: People employed at least 20 hours per week
Individuals with disabilities
According to the THA, approximately 14,000 families
are on its rental assistance waitlist for housing choice vouchers, meaning that its waitlist may not re-open for five to seven years. You can monitor your place on the THA waitlist here
. In the meantime, it’s important to keep your address up to date so you can be informed when your name reaches the top of the list. You’ll also want to inform the THA of any changes to your income and family composition. When your name does reach the top of the list, you’ll receive a written notice asking you to provide more information or informing you of an upcoming appointment to determine your eligibility. If the THA doesn’t receive a response after sending two notices, your name will be removed from the list.
Pro Tip Because waiting lists in areas like Tampa can be long, HUD recommends considering applying to more than one PHA
if you’re seeking Section 8 housing assistance.
How to find Section 8 housing in Tampa
Once you’ve finally received a housing choice voucher, you’ll typically have 90 days to find a rental unit before the expiration of your voucher. Your voucher will specify the requirements the rental unit must meet, like the number of bedrooms based on your family size and composition.
To help with your housing search, you can use AffordableHousing.com
or this resource locator map
from the HUD. As you search for housing, it’s a good idea to document the various aspects of your search, from submitting applications to meeting with landlords. This can be especially helpful if you’re having difficulty finding a suitable rental and need to apply for an extension.
Once you’ve settled on a place and submitted the necessary paperwork to the THA, the THA will then arrange for an inspection of the property to make sure it’s up to standard.
Navigating the Section 8 housing assistance can be complicated, so don’t hesitate to contact the THA for clarification if you need it.
How to save money on car and renters insurance in Tampa
Finding affordable housing in Tampa can be a major headache, and the time it takes to find it can feel like an eternity. If you’re looking for more ways to save on a limited budget, it might be worth taking a look at your current car insurance
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