The waiting list for Section 8 is about one year long (estimate). If you live “in county” you receive preference points for living in county.
How long will it take to find out if I qualify for Section 8?
Once an applicant has come up on the waiting list and have been scheduled to come in for a briefing appointment, they go through all of the required paperwork a background check gets ran. If an applicant is income eligible and passes the background they will be issued a voucher to search for housing. A voucher is good for a total of 120 days.
Do you have a list of houses that are HUD Approved?
No, we do not have a list that we keep record of. We refer our clients to search the local papers, internet, etc. We try to encourage landlords to contact us when they have units available, take their information and pass it along to our clients.
Can I rent a house that is already HUD approved?
An applicant can rent that unit from the landlord, but they may not necessarily get assistance until they have a Housing Choice Voucher, then an inspection will be done to ensure that the unit is HUD approved.
Can I port my voucher to another county?
Yes, if a tenant has been on the program in Mason County for one year and they must current on rent with their current landlord and must not owe any money for damages. We do ask that if a tenant wishes to port that they ask the other housing agency if they are “absorbing”.
I have a tenant who rents one of my units and they are not on Section 8, how can they get on the program?
Please refer them to our office and they can have an application mailed to them or they can come in to fill one out. There is a waiting list process. Once on the program they will be able to get Section 8 assistance in that unit.
Does the PHA help covering the security deposit with Section 8 tenants?
No, the PHA does not help out with security deposits. In that instance it is completely between the LL and the tenant on covering security deposit payments. The LL may refer the tenant to local churches, community action, etc.
How can I get my house HUD approved?
Contact or come into the office and we will get you a pamphlet on what you need to do to get your house HUD approved.