What Happens After You Get Approved For Section 8?
Once approved for Section 8, you will be placed on a waiting list for public housing or a Section 8 voucher. To find out what happens after you’re approved for Section 8, see our guide to Section 8 below.
What Happens After You Get Approved For Section 8 2024?
Section 8 is a general term for government-funded, low-income housing assistance programs. Individuals and families who meet the program’s income eligibility requirements can apply for Section 8.
Section 8 assistance is provided through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Project-Based Vouchers Tenants can apply for these tenant-based vouchers.
What’s the difference between the two?
Project-based vouchers are attached to a housing unit the housing unit owner contracts with a state/local public housing agency or Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing to low-income tenants.
Tenant-based vouchers allow tenants to rent a home in the private rental market.
Demand for both housing vouchers exceeds supply, so waiting lists are common.
Initial Approval For Section 8 Waiting List
Public housing authorities with very long waiting lists may use a pre-application process to determine eligibility for the waiting list. Only basic information is requested before application.
- Name and address
- Family size
- For any position of preference (disability, domestic or sexual abuse, elderly, homeless, working families)
- Race/ethnicity of the head of household
- Estimate of annual income.
If you have applied successfully, you have only been approved for the waiting list. After the name is selected, you will need to complete the complete application.
Public housing authorities with short waiting lists may use a completed Section 8 application if you have submitted a completed application and it has been approved. Help will come.
Basic Information
Complete applications demand a large level of information, which usually includes the basic information listed above, along with:
- Social Security numbers
- Dates of birth
- Gross income of all applicants
- Housing history of all applicants
- The criminal history of all applicants
- Immigration status
Depending on your local housing authority, you could wait months or years.
Here’s What To Expect When You’re Selected From the Waiting List
After your turn, you will be notified that you have been selected, at this point, you will be asked for further information and documents required by the Housing Authority to ensure that you still qualify for Section 8. You may need additional income and background checks to meet eligibility requirements.
You will then receive your voucher although the exact procedure may vary in your local housing authority the basic process is as follows.
Project-Based Voucher
Once you receive your project-based voucher, you will be shown your housing unit. If it meets your requirements, you will review the paperwork with the housing authority to accept the unit.
The property manager may ask you to fill out an application and pass a background screening. After that, you’ll sign a lease with the landlord and pay the required security deposit. Then you’re given the keys and can move in.
Tenant-Based Voucher
With a tenant-based voucher, the process is more involved. You’ll need to find a rental within your budget that accepts Section 8 and meets the program’s requirements for size and quality.
Your housing voucher will give you a limited period to find a suitable rental. A typical period is 90 days. If you are unable to find a rental, you can ask for an extension.
The search tool at https://www.affordablehousing.com/ will help you find affordable rentals in your area. Type your city name in the search bar.
Once you find a landlord who participates in the Section 8 program (or is willing to participate in the program), make sure they go through the standard tenant application and screening process. The landlord will need to request a tenancy approval packet from the housing authority.
Completed forms must be returned to the Housing Authority with the unsigned lease agreement.
The Housing Authority will review the information provided by the landlord and then schedule an inspection of the property. A property inspection ensures that the rental unit meets the housing standards set forth by HUD.
Housing authorities aim to complete this inspection as soon as possible. If any repairs are necessary, you will need to wait for another inspection after the repairs have been completed.
Once the unit passes inspection and the lease and rent payments are approved by the Housing Authority, the landlord will receive a Housing Stance Payment Agreement (HAPC).
You need to sign the HAPC and lease agreement. Your landlord will send a copy of these documents to the Housing Authority. Finally, you pay your security deposit and are ready to move in.
Part of your rent is paid directly to your landlord through a Housing Voucher, the rest of the rent is your responsibility so you must ensure that it is paid on time.
A tenant cannot pay more than 30% of their adjusted household income on rent under the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
See: Can a Felon Get a Passport? Complete Guide
Summary
Once you are fully pre-approved for Section 8 housing status, you will be placed on a waiting list for your local housing authority.
You will be asked to complete the application when a housing voucher is available. Your income and criminal background checks may be required to ensure your eligibility for the program Are eligible.
If everything goes well, you will receive your voucher. Tenants with project-based vouchers will be able to move into their rental as soon as they pass any required background checks, pay a security deposit, and sign a lease.
Tenants with a tenant-based voucher need to find a landlord willing to accept Section 8 and pass the landlord’s tenant screening, have the rental unit inspected, and pay the rent and the amount of rent from the LAZCO Housing Authority. After all these processes are completed, you pay the security deposit, sign the lease, and move in.
