All about Government Housing Section 8
For those who are not familiar with government housing Section 8, the best option is to go to the official HUD website or attend a briefing about Section 8. Either way you will learn how to use a voucher. To get the voucher apply at your local housing, fill up the application form and submit. When you are approved you will get your voucher.
Making Use of Your Voucher
The voucher serves as the agreement between you and the government. By signing your voucher, you have 60 days to find a suitable apartment for use that is in the Section 8 program. Section 8 will provide financial assistance for your monthly rent. If you cannot find a Section 8 home in 60 days, you can get an extension.
The extent and validity of the voucher is usually good anywhere in the United States. It has to be emphasized that you need to locate a rental unit prior to the expiration of your voucher. If this happens, the voucher will expire and you will be placed on the waiting list. Extension is possible though, but this has to be in writing.
The tenant and the landlord have to first come to an agreement. In addition, the unit must adhere to the quality standards that the HUD imposes. If these conditions are not met, you need to look for another suitable unit.
Locating a Home – Guidelines
In some cities and states you are allowed to use the voucher in your current unit, and you can also use it for other apartments. You can find a list of Section 8 apartments on the Internet. When you do find a home, you will be required to sign a lease agreement with the landlord for at least 12 months. Before you do so, someone from the HUD will inspect the place and make sure that it is suitable for habitation.
While the HUD will help in the inspection of the place, you also have to assess the neighborhood. Is it near schools and public transportation?
Notes on Applying for Units
The majority of landlords will require you to fill and sign an application form. Before you do so, make sure that you have phone numbers, addresses and names of your references. The majority of landlords will also charge an application fee as the landlord will have to check the references. Your local housing authority for instance will check your present and former landlords and addresses.
The landlord may also require you to make an initial deposit; this is not covered by Section 8. Also keep in mind that landlords have their own criteria. For instance, they may have certain rules such as no eviction records, not a convicted felon, must have a good credit history and has a good record when it comes to paying rent. If you think that you are the victim of housing discrimination, you can go back to your HUD and report it.
If there are still things about Section 8 that you do not understand, must get in touch with your HUD or local housing authority. Many websites have compliant forms. They will provide you with the help and assistance you need. Before you sign up for the agreement, make sure that the unit passes muster in terms of inspection.
Bio: Jean Rivers is a freelance writer who has studied Section 8, including its history and how the program can differ from one state to the next. She is also an expert on SEO and Internet marketing and written several articles about them. Rivers lives in Saint Louis, Missouri. He also writes for http://www.section8housesforrent.org/
Category: Housing
