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1. 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.

2. 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 Public Housing Authority’s (PHA) 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
• Landlord references
• Social Security cards
• Verification of all forms of household income and verification of assets

The Housing Authority will notify you when your determination of eligibility is completed.

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.

3. 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.

4. 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 ¼ 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.