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 UHA
is now issuing pre-applications for the Section 8 waiting list.
Click here to download an application and learn more.
The
Housing Authority of the County of Riverside is also accepting
applications for the Section 8 program.
Click here
to visit their website.
The housing choice voucher program
(Section 8) is designed to help very low-income families, the
elderly and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary
housing in the private market.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Section 8 program is determined based on
annual gross income and family size and is limited to U.S.
Citizens and non-citizens who hold eligible immigration status.
The family’s income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for
the area (see
Income Limits). Median income levels are published
by HUD and vary by location, so you may qualify in one area but
not in another.
Waiting List
Because the demand for housing assistance exceeds the limited
resources available to HUD and to the Upland Housing Authority,
UHA maintains a waiting list for the Section 8 program. Long
waiting periods are common. In fact, UHA closes its waiting list
when there are more families on the list than can be assisted in
the near future.
NOTE: Due to financial limitations, Upland Housing Authority
is not currently pulling from the waiting list or issuing any vouchers.
You may still complete and submit an application to have your
name placed on the waiting list.
Application Process
During the application process UHA collects information about a
family’s income, assets, and composition. This information will
be verified with other local agencies, employers and banks, and
is used to determine program eligibility and the amount of the
housing assistance payment. Please see
Income Verification Info for
important new information about HUD's new income verification
system.
If it is determined that the family
is eligible they will be placed onto the waiting list. When they
are reached on the waiting list UHA will contact the family to
issue them a voucher. The voucher issued will specify what size
unit the family is eligible for (based on family size and
composition).
Selecting A Unit
The Section 8 program places the choice of housing in the hands
of the family. Voucher holders are responsible for finding their
own units and negotiating agreements with the landlord over the
lease terms. Once a unit is found it is inspected by UHA to
verify it meets standards of health and safety and the rent
requested is reasonable. If the unit is acceptable, the family
will be able to move in. The family is required to pay 30% of
its adjusted gross income for rent and utilities (see
Utility Allowances), and UHA pays
the difference between this amount and the actual amount charged
for rent directly to the landlord. If the rent charged is
greater than the published payment standard (see
Payment
Standards) the family will be required to pay the additional
amount, as long as the family’s payment does not exceed 40% of
adjusted gross income.
Leasing
Once UHA has approved the eligible family’s housing unit, the
family and the landlord will sign a lease. At the same time, the
landlord and UHA will sign a housing assistance payments
contract which will run for the same term as the lease. This
means that everyone - landlord, tenant, and UHA - has
obligations and responsibilities under the program.
Relocating
The Section 8 program is designed to allow families to move
without the loss of housing assistance. Moves are permissible as
long as the family notifies UHA ahead of time, terminates its
existing lease within the lease provisions, and finds acceptable
alternate housing. If you are an existing voucher-holder and are
interested in moving, see
Portability or contact your worker for
more information and to verify procedures.
NOTE: Due to financial limitations, Upland Housing Authority
is not currently issuing any vouchers to participants who wish
to transfer to another unit or port to another Housing
Authority.
Tenant’s Obligations
When a family selects a housing unit and the unit and lease have
been approved by UHA, the family will sign a lease for at least
one year. The tenant may be required to pay a security deposit
to the landlord. Once settled into the unit, the family is
expected to comply with the lease and program requirements, to
pay its share of the rent on time, to maintain the unit in good
condition, and to notify UHA of any changes in income or family
composition.
Landlord’s Obligations
The landlord is expected to provide decent, safe, and sanitary
housing to a tenant at a reasonable rent. The dwelling unit must
meet UHA’s quality standards and be maintained up to those
standards for as long as the owner receives housing assistance
payments from UHA on behalf of a voucher-holder. Additionally,
the landlord is expected to provide the services agreed to as
part of the lease signed with the tenant and the contract signed
with UHA. |
