LOW INCOME HOUSING AND SECTION 8

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Section 8 Renters Low Income

The Section 8 Rental Voucher Program increases affordable housing choices for very low-income households by allowing families to choose privately owned rental housing. The public housing authority (PHA) generally pays the landlord the difference between 30 percent of household income and the PHA-determined payment standard-about 80 to 100 percent of the fair market rent (FMR). The rent must be reasonable. The household may choose a unit with a higher rent than the FMR and pay the landlord the difference or choose a lower cost unit and keep the difference.

Purpose:
Several assistance programs exist under Section 8. Together, the voucher and certificate programs help more than 1.4 million households in the United States. The administering PHA or governmental agency inspects the housing units to make sure they comply with HUD quality standards. The voucher program is similar to the Section 8 certificate program but gives households more choices, especially in high-demand markets where landlords may be reluctant to accept HUD's FMR level.

Type of Assistance:
Through the Section 8 Rental Voucher Program, the administering housing authority issues a voucher to an income-qualified household, which then finds a unit to rent. If the unit meets the Section 8 quality standards, the PHA then pays the landlord the amount equal to the difference between 30 percent of the tenant's adjusted income (or 10 percent of the gross income or the portion of welfare assistance designated for housing) and the PHA-determined payment standard for the area. The rent must be reasonable compared with similar unassisted units.

What are my rights as a landlord

As a landlord, you should receive full payment of the rent on time, so long as rental property is in good condition.
Tenants should let you know when they are leaving town for an extended period of time.
Tenants should request repairs in a timely manner and in writing.
Tenants must abide by all terms of the signed lease.
Tenant's must provide 15 days written notice before moving, unless the lease specifies another notice period.
What are my responsibilities as a landlord?

Comply with all health and building codes that apply to the rental property.
Make requested repairs promptly.
Maintain peace and quiet. Ensure that tenants can live on the property in peace, without unreasonable disturbances from you or other tenants.
Give fifteen days written notice of any changes in a month-to-month agreement, such as rent increases.
Abide by the lease agreement.
If an eviction is necessary, follow the legal eviction process.

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