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Section 8 Housing Assistance

Announcements

The Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program (Section 8) Waiting List is currently closed.  We are not accepting pre-applications at this time.

About Section 8 Housing Assistance Program

 

The TBRA Program is a federally funded rental assistance program designed to help very low income eligible citizens obtain safe, decent and sanitary housing at affordable prices.

Who Is Eligible?

An applicant must be income eligible, be a citizen or legal immigrant, and be a "family".  A "family" consists of an eligible head of household with a group of persons who regularly live together and are related by blood, marriage, adoption or guardianship. A family includes the following:

  • Foster children and non-related individuals that have evidenced a stable family relationship, which has existed over a period of time.
  • A single elderly, displaced or disabled person.
  • Two or more elderly or disabled persons.
  • One elderly or disabled person and their live-in aide.
  • A single person who is in the process of securing legal custody of a minor.
  • A single pregnant woman with no other family members.

Qualifying and Renting

Income eligibility is determined by comparing the family's annual gross income with the HUD-established low and very-low income limits for any given size family.

Household Size           1         2         3          4          5         6              7          8
           Annual Income $20,450 $23,350 $26,250 $29,150 $31,500 $33,850 $36,150 $38,500

Where may a family live?

 

Whether a family chooses to remain in the same unit or move to a new one, the unit must be the appropriate size for the family, have a rent that is reasonable compared to similar housing units in the area and pass a housing quality standards inspection.  The purpose of the inspection is to ensure the residence is safe and sanitary. The residence is inspected annually, but the standards must be maintained for the duration of the lease.   A family who is living in Orange County at the time they apply for Section 8 may choose to live anywhere in the country. Their rent voucher is "portable", meaning it will transfer anywhere in the U.S.A but they may not "port-out" or transfer for twelve (12) months.

portability.doc (Word 29.5 KB)

The Housing Authority's Responsibilities

  • Reviewing applications to determine eligibility.
  • Explaining the rules of the TBRA program to eligible families.
  • Issuing a voucher and, if necessary, assisting the family in locating a unit.
  • Approving the unit, owner, lease and family.
  • Making housing assistance payments to the owner in a timely manner.
  • Ensuring that both the family and unit continue to qualify for the TBRA program.
  • Ensuring that the families and landlords comply with TBRA rules.

    • The Landlord's Responsibilities

  • Screen the families to determine if they will be good renters.
  • Comply with fair housing laws.
  • Make repairs that are not tenant-caused in a timely manner.
  • Comply with the terms of the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) contract.
  • Collect the tenant's rent and enforce the lease.
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