Section 8 Rental Assistance Program Overview

WHAT IS THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM?
This program of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) will help pay your rent if you qualify as an income eligible family. Eligible families select their own units and pay a minimum of 30% of their income toward the rent. The HRA pays the balance of the rent directly to the landlord.

 

WHO CAN APPLY FOR RENT ASSISTANCE?
This program is open to low income families without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, source of income, familial status, or present residential location. Elderly, handicapped and single individuals are also eligible.

 

HOW MUCH DOES THE FAMILY PAY?

Initially, the tenant cannot pay more than 40% of their monthly adjusted income toward the rent to the owner. Therefore, household income and gross rent determine how much the family pays. The closer the gross rent is to the payment standard, the more affordable the tenant's portion of the rent will be. 

 

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK? 

You contact the Swift County HRA Office to pick up and complete an application for rent assistance. If the application is approved, you are given a voucher to look for a suitable rental unit. If a voucher is not available, your name is placed on the appropriate waiting list. When your name comes to the top of the waiting list, your income and assets are again verified. If you remain eligible, a voucher is issued. You then find a suitable unit and we inspect it. 

  • You discuss rent assistance with the owner/ agent 
  • You return the completed forms, Rent for Tenancy Approval, and proposed lease to the HRA 
  • The HRA inspects the unit
  • If the unit and lease are suitable, the HRA approves the lease
  • You can move into the unit on the agreed occupancy date 
  • As a voucher participant, you pay a minimum of 30% of your income towards the gross rent 
  • The HRA enters into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract with the owner and pays the balance of the rent directly to the owner

 

WHAT TYPES OF RENTAL UNITS ARE ELIGIBLE? 

Privately owned duplexes, townhomes, apartment units, cooperative, congregate housing, single-family homes, and mobile homes are included if the rent is reasonable and the unit meets the Nation Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) established by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

 

MUST A FAMILY MOVE TO PARTICIPATE? 

If you are already in a suitable unit with a reasonable rent, you may be able to remain in your unit and receive assistance. Eligible families cannot lease units from relatives.