Mammoth AwardsThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) runs the Housing Choice Voucher program. It helps low-income families with rental assistance, and while the HUD holds the federal funds, its local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) that disburse them.
You’ll be dealing with a PHA if you make the move to secure a housing voucher. You can find your nearest PHA here to contact them and kickstart the Section 8 application process.
If your application is approved, you will then be put on a waiting list, which may be lengthy. In the months or even years that you’ll be waiting for your housing voucher, you may decide to start looking at Section 8 rentals.
As you search for properties, you must know your rights as a Section 8 renter. What are they? Let’s have a look at them now.
Your Section 8 Rights Under the Fair Housing Act
Will your housing voucher be accepted at any property you desire? Not necessarily. But those who do accept Section 8 vouchers must adhere to specific rules. If they do not, you can contact your PHA or the HUD to complain.
Per the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal for property owners that accept low-income housing vouchers to:
- Say that a property is unavailable when it is available.
- Refuse to sell or rent housing to you.
- Advertise housing to only certain groups of people.
- Offer different housing facilities or services.
- Create different conditions, privileges, or terms for the rental or sale of a property.
- Discriminate when conducting property appraisals.
- Refuse property insurance.
In addition to that list, a property owner must also let you modify the home if needed to make it fully functional. As long as you pay for the modifications and, in some instances, agree to restore the property to its original condition when you leave, they cannot deny you this right. It’s worth adding that the modifications must be “reasonable,” as well.
The house must be accessible, especially if a disabled person will be living there. Accessibility can refer to the design and construction of the home, as well as any rules or services.
Lastly, nobody can interfere, intimidate, coerce, or harass anyone helping you with your Fair Housing rights. If they do, contact your PHA so the proper action can be taken.
If and when you do decide to move, it’s worth noting that you can take the Housing Choice Voucher with you. To get all of the specifics if you’re planning a move, be sure to contact your PHA first to be sure.
While the entire Section 8 application process may seem like a lot to swallow, it’s well worth it if you can get a housing voucher. By getting help with the rent, you won’t have to worry as much about putting a roof over your family’s head.
Mark Luigi Dacumos
