The United States Housing and Urban Department (HUD) established a public housing program to help those who have a difficult time finding or affording housing. This program is designed to help people with disabilities and low income families. If you have trouble finding reasonable housing elsewhere, public housing is a good option. You can learn more about public housing on this page. If you have further questions, please contact our office.
Eligibility
Low income housing intends to help those who have special circumstances that make it difficult for them to find housing. But, not everyone is eligible for low income/public housing. HUD determines your eligibility based on three factors. These factors include:
- You or your family’s annual gross income.
- If and how you qualify (either as a low income family, a person with a disability, or an elderly person).
- Your status as an eligible immigrant or a United States citizen.
If you fulfill these criteria, a local housing agency will review your application. If they determine that you will be good tenants, they will likely accept your application.
Application
If you are eligible for public housing, you should fill out an application. The application asks for basic information, such as your:
- Name and the name of anyone living with you.
- Phone number.
- Current address.
- Family characteristics that could qualify you for the housing.
- Current landlord’s name and address.
- Estimated family income for the year.
- Employer’s name and address.
- Documents such as birth certificate, bank statements, tax returns, etc.
In addition to these requirements, you may also need to participate in a home interview. The home interview tries to show that you keep up with your current place of residence. It also shows that you will be a good tenant.
Selection Preferences
It is important to note that there are some selection preferences for public housing. Preference goes to those in most need. You might have to wait on a lengthy waiting list due to the limited resources that housing agencies have.
Local housing agencies also have the right to set their own preferences for their communities. These preferences should be outlined in their written policy manual. In many cases, when someone is denied for public housing, they will be given a reason from this manual.
However, if you think that you are a perfect candidate for public housing and you are denied based on an unrelated issue, you might want to contact an attorney. Remember that public housing is very competitive and not many people receive it. But, if you think that you face discrimination in the process, you should consult a civil rights attorney. They can help you determine the best course of action to take.