Securing safe, affordable housing can feel overwhelming, especially when finances are tight. At Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority, we understand that navigating low-income housing options can bring up a lot of questions and concerns. Whether you’re looking for assistance for the first time or need clarity on your next steps, we’re here to help. This guide answers some of the most common questions about Section 8 housing so you can feel informed, supported, and confident in your journey toward an affordable place to call home.
What Is Section 8 Housing?
The Section 8 Voucher program with PMHA increases affordable housing for low-income households in Portage County. It is federally funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Assistance recipients receive rental subsidies that decrease their monthly rent payments.
How Do I Qualify for Section 8 Housing?
Eligibility for Section 8 housing is determined by the family’s annual household income related to area median income (AMI), with some adjustments made for the size and makeup of the family. Generally, if you are below 50% of the AMI, you will qualify for assistance.
How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing?
Apply for Section 8 housing with the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority by heading to our Online Wait List Portal and sending in your application. The online pre-application is the only way to get your name on the PMHA’s waiting list.
Remember that you must complete the entire application for it to be valid. Please double-check you have entered your correct mailing address, Social Security number, and birth date before submitting.
How Much Rent Will I Pay With Section 8?
With the support of Section 8, you will only pay a portion of your landlord’s set monthly rent. What you pay exactly will be determined by the size of the household, current payment standards, your monthly income, and other factors.
What Does a Section 8 Voucher Cover?
Every year, the housing authority establishes a new payment standard amount for various unit sizes. A payment standard is the maximum amount of housing assistance the PMHA will pay towards a tenant’s rent. It is not guaranteed you will receive the full amount listed for your unit size. View Portage County’s up-to-date payment standards.
How Long Does It Take to Get Section 8 Housing?
Housing affordability is at an all-time low, making it challenging for many hardworking individuals to find housing within their budget. That being said, Section 8 housing programs may have a long waiting list.
If you are looking for affordable housing, we encourage you to send in your pre-application to our online wait-list, and then contact the PMHA office to inquire about wait times. Our team is committed to doing everything we can with our resources to find the support you need!
Where Can I Use My Section 8 Voucher?
You can use your Section 8 housing voucher at any qualifying rental unit owned by a private landlord. The unit must pass a housing inspection to ensure it meets PMHA’s safety and sanitation standards. Additionally, if the rental is located in Kent, Ravenna, or Windham, a Residential Rental License is required. The unit’s rent must also be reasonable for the local housing market.
Explore Section 8 units in Portage County today.
Can I Stay in Section 8 Forever?
In Portage County, you can use Section 8 housing assistance for an indefinite period of time as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Remember that you will need to regularly recertify your income to maintain eligibility.
Is Section 8 Housing Safe?
Yes, all Section 8 & public housing should be safe, clean, and decent. The Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) establishes Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to ensure that rental units meet minimum health and safety standards. The idea that Section 8 is unsafe is sadly one of many affordable housing myths that prevents individuals from getting the housing support they need.
Have More Questions?
We know you might have further questions, such as “Is Section 8 housing bad?” or “Are there negative effects of Section 8 housing?” Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions and even misinformation about low-income housing. If you’re ready to learn more about your housing options with the PMHA, please contact us today. Our team is here and ready to help!