Section 8 Voucher Assistance
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a national program that enables extremely-low income income persons to select the unit of their choice in the area they want to live.
The Columbus Housing Authority’s objective in the administration of the Housing Choice Voucher Program is to provide affordable, safe, decent, sanitary housing to financially-disadvantaged persons wishing to reside in CHA’s jurisdiction.
All effort will be made to ensure that persons take advantage of the freedom of housing choice and expansion of housing opportunities made possible by the Program.
How to Apply:
There is currently a waiting list for our program. We do not provide any type of emergency assistance and we do not help pay deposits on rental units. Please check the links tab for information on other organizations that may be able to help. If you wish to get on our waiting list please call for application to be sent or stop by our office and fill one out. Be sure to provide us with social security card(s) and driver's license/photo id(s) for everyone over 18 years of age. Call 402-564-1131 for an application.
To apply for the Voucher program, please stop into our office during business hours to fill out a pre-application. Please be aware that you will need to provide a photos id and social security card for your name to be placed on the waiting list.
FAQ's
+ Who participates in the program?
The program assists extremely-low income households. The CHA selects families who meet income and eligibility requirements. A participating family may choose to remain in its current unit or move to another unit.
+ How is rental assistance provided?
The CHA calculates the amount of assistance each family receives. The level of assistance is based on family size and income. A family is expected to pay approximately 30 percent of income toward rent.
+ What are the tenant’s responsibilities?
The tenant must pay all rent and utilities that are not covered by the Housing Choice Voucher contract. Since the family is receiving assistance, the rent burden is reduced and the family should be able to pay its rent more easily and on time.
+ How are tenants selected?
Owners are responsible for using their normal tenant selection procedures to screen and select prospective tenants. Before the tenant can receive assistance in a unit, the owner must agree to rent the unit to the tenant and to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
+ How long is the lease?
A written lease for a minimum of one year is required.
+ Is there a security deposit?
Landlords are allowed to charge a security deposit equal to the equivalent of one month’s rent. The security deposit is the responsibility of the tenant. CHA does not pay security deposits.
+ What are the housing conditions?
All units in the Housing Choice Voucher Program must meet the health, safety, security, and occupancy standards of the program.
+ Anything else?
Each year the CHA re-evaluates the tenant income, family composition and on-going eligibility. A change in the tenant’s income or family circumstances is likely to result in a change in the portion of rent paid by the tenant and by the CHA.
