How to Find Section 8 Apartments for Rent

Need help finding low-income apartments for rent in your area? Follow these tips and suggestions to find the right kind of affordable housing for your situation.

Types of Low-Income Housing

There are several types of low-income housing options for you to look into and availability will vary depending on the community you live in. True section 8 housing is that which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, better known as HUD. Most HUD offices will have a variety of housing types they provide, including houses, townhouses and apartments, both small and large. Other reduced-cost housing may be available in your area that is funded by non-profit or charitable organizations. Certain co-operative communities also offer low-income alternatives.

The income requirements for properties can vary as well. Very-low income housing will have a maximum monthly salary amount that you can’t go over and in most cases your rent will be calculated at a 30 percent share of your monthly wages. Other housing will be designed for people whose income falls within a certain range; rent for this type of housing will typically be offered at a fixed reduced rate.

Who to Contact

Your first contact should be to your local HUD or PHA (Public Housing Agency) office, whose personnel can provide you with a list of low-income housing available in your area. Make sure to ask them for both government and privately funded properties so that you have as many options to choose from as possible. Depending on your situation, you should also do an internet search for other available programs in your area, such as Aid for Friends or Habitat for Humanity, and for organized cooperative communities if you think such an option might work for you.

What You’ll Need to Apply

Program requirements can differ from property to property, but most will need you to provide verification of your income and citizenship status, as well as a list of assets, such as vehicles owned, and a list of liabilities, such as utility payments. Some housing will have age requirements, require you to have dependent children or have other such criteria that you will need to meet in order to qualify.

Things to Keep in Mind

The waiting list for these programs can be quite long. Low income apartments or townhouses may have a waiting list of a few months. Section 8 houses for rent are more popular and may have a waiting list of a year or more. Plan as far ahead as possible to unsure you find the type of housing that’s right for you.

Know that low-income housing providers are required to follow the same laws as any other landlord. As you conduct your search, make sure the property is safe and properly maintained, and that property owners and managers protect your privacy and treat you fairly.