What is Section 8?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV)
is the federal government’s major program for assisting very
low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford
decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market.
Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by Public
Housing Agencies (PHA’s), who receive federal funds from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to
administer the voucher program.
Since the housing assistance is
provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants
are able to find their own housing, including single-family
homes, townhomes and apartments. The participant may choose
any housing that meets the minimum standards of health and
safety, as determined by the PHA, and is not limited to
units located in subsidized housing projects
A housing subsidy is paid to the
landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participant.
The participant then pays the landlord a portion of rent
(the difference between the actual rent charged by the
landlord and the amount subsidized by the program) based on
approximately 30% of their monthly household income.
If the participant selects a unit
that is higher in rent than the approved payment standard,
the participant must pay the difference up to 40% of the
monthly household income. However, rent charged by the
landlord for the participants unit must be comparable to
rent charged for unassisted units in the area.
Applications
When
application enrollment is opened, the public will be
notified by an announcement in the Fort Bend Herald.
Applicants should bring information on income, social security numbers,
and address and telephone number where they can be reached.
When
applicants are selected to receive assistance, they will be
invited to an interview to verify their income and assets.
They will need to furnish birth certificates and social
security cards for all family members.
Waiting List
The average wait for
housing approximately two years. Once an application
is complete, applicants must keep it active by updating
changes in income, family size, address, and phone number.
The Family's Responsibilities:
|
• |
Provide the
Housing Authority with complete and accurate
information pertaining to the family income and
composition. |
|
• |
Report any
changes in income and family composition that occur
throughout the year. |
|
• |
Locate a
suitable unit and pay security deposit and
application fee to the owner. |
|
• |
Attend scheduled appointments and
return documents on time. |
|
• |
Maintain
the property and repair any damages beyond normal
wear and tear. |
|
• |
Comply with the terms of the lease.
|
|
• |
Pay their portion of rent on time to
the owner. |
|
• |
Comply with all family obligations
under the Housing Choice Voucher Program |
Fair
Market Rents
Fair
Market Rents for November 1, 2011-October 31, 2012
Utility
Allowances
Utility
Allowances for 2011
Administrative Plan
Administrative
Plan 2011
PHA 5-Year Plan
5 Year Plan beginning
Oct. 2010
