Affordable Housing

This overview will show you how to get qualified for the various affordable housing programs.

Housing For The Public

Who is your landlord? The local public housing agency.

How can you apply? By contacting the public housing agency.

Where are you able to live? In your specific housing unit.

Renters can pay 30% of their income for utilities and rent at these publicly-owned and managed properties, even if their income is meager. As buildings have not always been safe or well-maintained, public housing has seen a lot of popularity over the years. Hollywood portrayals of "the projects," as places where crime and despair are common, mirrored the reality in some high-rises in public housing.

Many older buildings have been demolished over the last few decades. However, there have been many cities that have tried new ways to provide housing. They have invested in units with lower density spread out across the city or focused on new development on mixed-income buildings.

Housing Choice Vouchers

Who is your landlord? A homeowner or property manager.

How can you apply? Contact your local public housing agency.

Where are you able to live? Any property that accepts vouchers.

This federal program, also known as Section 8, provides housing assistance for very low-income families as well as elderly and disabled people. Eligible households may choose any rental property that meets the requirements. However, the property owner can decide whether or not to accept vouchers. Many landlords and property managers do not choose to accept vouchers. Vouchers are still an option for low-income renters. They subsidize rent so that families don't spend more than 30% of their income.

After the voucher holder has found a unit and agreed on the terms of the lease, the local public housing agency that granted the voucher must inspect the property and approve it to ensure that the rent is fair and safe. After approval of the rental, the PHA pays part of the monthly rent directly to the landlord.

Multifamily Housing With Income Restrictions

Who is your landlord? A building owner or property manager.

How can you apply? By following the standard procedure of the property manager.

Where are you able to live? In your specific area.

Multifamily management companies and developers can get tax credits for designing affordable rental units. Rent is often tied to the area's median income. A renter with an income of 80 percent or less would pay more than someone with a 50 percent income.

Renters who meet the income requirements can apply directly to the property manager or apartment leasing office.

Housing Under The Community Pillar

While the Community Pillar program doesn't offer reduced or subsidized rents, it provides a path for people who can afford to pay rent but might have trouble securing a rental for other reasons.

Housing Assistance: Apply

The local public housing agencies manage the HUD programs and renters interested in housing choice vouchers or public housing. You can search for your local PHA on the HUD website.

Here's the problem: The number of qualified applicants is far greater than the available vouchers or units. Many programs have lengthy waiting lists, sometimes spanning years. When waiting lists are not open, some states or municipalities might only open their waiting lists for a few months or weeks each year. If you are able to get on the waitlist, do not expect to receive assistance anytime soon, especially if your household income is higher than the maximum AMI. Many programs prefer applicants with the lowest incomes.

The longest waiting lists for Section 8 are usually the longest. Although units with multiple bedrooms can be found more easily, they are less common. You may be able to find a rental sooner if you are looking for a 1-bedroom or studio unit.

Income-restricted apartments buildings are a great option for those who meet income requirements. These units are highly sought-after and may not be available to renters who live outside of metropolitan areas, where multifamily properties are more common.

Many people find it difficult to find affordable housing. Even though rental assistance programs exist, they can take a while before they are approved. However, if you feel you are eligible, you can visit your local PHA and apply. Ask if additional programs are available in your area to provide immediate housing assistance.