4 Tips to Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in Your Area

Hard economic times have forced many people into looking for low income apartments for rent. If you’re new to the process, you can make things easier on yourself by using the following information as a guide to find a suitable space.

#1 – Pay a Visit Your Local Housing Authority or HUD Office

When seeking low-income housing, it’s generally the wisest to pay a visit in person to your local HUD (U.S. Housing and Urban Development) office first. You’ll need to bring records that show your annual income as well as related personal information, such as social security card, tax records and birth certificate.

Once you’ve explained your situation, a counselor can advise you as to whether or not you’re the right candidate for their program. The agency has a listing of apartment communities that accept low-income applicants and can give you the information you need in order to contact them. The Section 8 Voucher Program for low-income individuals, which is offered through HUD, allows you to rent apartments at a significantly reduced rental amount. HUD picks up the tab for the difference.

#2 – Contact Low-income Apartment Communities in Person

If it’s determined that you’re a suitable candidate for Section 8 housing, you’ll be able to contact the apartments from the HUD listing that accept applications from lower income applicants. It’s best to go directly to the rental offices of the apartments you’re interested in living and applying.

If there are no apartments available, then you’ll typically be put on a waiting list until an opening occurs. Nevertheless, make an effort to phone the manager of the apartment complex on a routine basis so she remains aware of your interest in living there. The process sometimes takes up to a year.

#3 – Contact Your Local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Office

You may also want to check out the eligibility requirements for low income housing through your local Habitat for Humanity office. Habitat for Humanity has built over 350,000 homes world-wide and has provided 1.75 million people with basic shelter. Through labor from volunteers and cash and material donations, Habitat for Humanity rehabilitates houses in partnership with the designated homeowner and his family. Those who receive housing must put a down payment on the home they’re rehabbing as well as pay back a no-interest mortagage.

Applications are accepted based on the need of the applicant, their willingness to work on the project to improve the home and their ability to pay back the non-profit, no-interest loan. The money from Habitat loans goes towards the rehabilitation of more Habitat houses.

#4 – Look Over Your Community’s Rental Guide

Pick up an apartment Rental Guide at your local convenience store or anywhere the publication is distributed. The Rental Guide offers a quick way to view apartments in your area that are affordably priced. It’s a good idea to narrow down your choices to those apartments that include utilities in the rental amount, which, in some instances, includes the cost of cable.

While you’re looking, keep your expenditures at a minimum. Make a checklist of your contacts and follow up with them regularly. Above all, stay positive and focused on your objective.