PHDescription

Public Housing

What is Public Housing?

Public Housing is a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
federally subsidized program which provides decent and safe rental
housing for eligible low-income families and individuals. Currently, there
are approximately 1.2 million families living in Public Housing units across
the nation.
The Manhattan Housing Authority's Public Housing communities consist of
one high-rise and one mid-rise apartment building, two communities with
duplex/fourplex buildings and two communities of town home units.

Public Housing units are generally owned and operated by a local Public
Housing Authority, or PHA. PHA's receive operating subsidy from HUD and,
combined with rental revenues, use the funding to maintain and manage
the properties. HUD and the U.S. Congress establish the regulatory
guidelines that govern how the PHA operates.

What happens after I apply for Public Housing?

After you have applied for Public Housing you will be placed on a waiting
list. You will be contacted by mail when you are approaching the top of the
waiting list in order to determine your eligibility.

How is eligibility for Public Housing determined?

Eligibility for Public Housing is based on several factors. To be eligible, the
applicant must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
Applicants must also be at or below the income guideline for the PHA's
jurisdiction. Applicants are also screened for criminal history prior to
admission to the Public Housing program. Applicants must provide proper
documentation to verify eligibility requirements as requested by the PHA.
These documents will include, but are not limited to: birth certificates,
Social Security cards, landlord references, verification of all forms of
household income and verification of assets. The Housing Authority will
notify you when your determination of eligibility is completed.

When do I move in to Public Housing?

After you have been determined eligible for Public Housing, you will be assigned to a unit which matches the
number of bedrooms required for your family. The time between when you are determined eligible and when you
move in depends on when a vacant unit can be readied for move in.

How much will my rent be?

There are two rent calculation options for Public Housing, Income Based and Flat Rent. The amount of rent you
pay will be determined by which option you choose, and by the amount of your income. Income based rent is
based on 30% of your adjusted monthly income (other deductions may apply). If you choose Income Based rent
and your income changes, you are required to report the change to the Housing Authority so that your rent can
be re-calculated. If you choose Flat Rent, you are still required to report any changes in your income; however,
your rent amount will not change. The Public Housing Manager will explain the rent calculation process in much
greater detail once you are determined eligible so that you can choose the rent option that is best for you.

Will I be required to sign a lease?
Yes, all Public Housing residents sign a lease agreement with the Housing Authority. Residents may terminate
their lease with a proper thirty day notice and will not be held liable for the remaining months of the lease. The
Public Housing Manager reviews the lease agreement with all applicants before the lease is signed.

Will I be required to pay utilities?

If you are placed at the Apartment Towers or Carlson Plaza communities, you will not be required to pay water,
sewer, trash, electric or gas utilities, as these are paid by the Housing Authority. If you are placed at one of the
Housing Authority's other communities, you will be required to pay gas and electric utilities (water, sewer and
trash are paid by the Housing Authority). These utilities must be placed in the resident's name before moving in
to a unit and must be kept on at all times.

Will I be required to pay a Security Deposit?

Yes, a Security Deposit is required. Security Deposits are different for each bedroom size and each Public
Housing community. The Housing Authority will allow residents to make payments over the first four months of
their lease in order to pay the Security Deposit. However, you must pay a minimum of 1/4 of the Security
Deposit and all of your first months rent before being allowed to move in to Public Housing.

The Housing Authority may have grant funds to assist with your Security Deposit through the Tenant Based
Rental Assistance (TBRA) program grant. Ask the Public Housing Manager for more information about TBRA
funding availability prior to moving in.