The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supervises subsidized housing programs. These programs are also commonly known as Section 8. Section 8 programs are assisting programs overviewed by HUD and services locally distributed by PHAs. It helps low-income households, elderly people, and disabled people to afford safe and sanitary houses in private markets. These services are extended to all United States citizens and also immigrants to meet the requirements of the program.
This program has so far helped millions to find affordable housing. Unfortunately, with the rising prices of rents and houses, the need for low-income housing assistance is increasing day by day, instead of decreasing. This is causing an overflow of applications filed for the program, making it difficult for PHAs to cope. In order to manage the situation, waiting lists have been announced where PHAs place eligible candidates on waiting lists before they process any further. The order of processing applications is selected through the lottery method, as it is the fairest possible way.
In some states due to the abundance of applications, the time period for applicants on waiting lists can take up to years. In some states, if the waiting lists exceed the limit, they close application services entirely. This ensures fair distribution of funds provided by HUD and to cut-time.
Every state has its own tenant selection policies. Although the lottery might seem arbitrary for candidates, it is the only way to fairly select candidates for the program. The standards procedures and policies compliant with the HUD rules are followed, here are 5 things to keep in mind while accepting tenants on waiting lists:
1. Eligibility
Applications selected for the waiting list must meet all the eligibility criteria under HUD policies. Failure to meet requirements can cut the chance of another eligible applicant and cost you time to undertake a new application, as the case would get rejected once in process and found red flags.
2. Credit Records
Waiting list applicants must have a considerable credit history that makes them eligible for the program. The accuracy of information provided by the applicant and investigation reports must match to avoid difficult procedures.
3. Urgent Cases
Urgent cases are required to be handled first and therefore make it to the waiting lists. Wasting long procedures with complicated and ineligible applicants will only drag the process, instead focusing on urgent cases of applicants who meet the requirements saves time and does good.
4. Background checks
As landlords have the right to select candidates as per their background checks, it’s important to select applicants with clear background checks in the first place for waiting lists.
5. Section 8 background
The tenant’s rental history and section 8 background check many boxes. While some PHA’s prioritize such cases, in case of negative reports it’s a quick rejection.
Conclusion
PHAs have their own policies for tenant selection on waiting lists, but must be compliant with HUD tenant requirements. Remember that priorities are given to homeless people or those living in unsanitary houses, victims of domestic abuse, displaced citizens or if you are paying more than 50 percent of your household income for rent.
