Program Overview
The Housing Choice Voucher Program receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a tenant-based program which consists of housing that is privately owned by individual landlords. Once a family is issued a voucher they are responsible for finding housing anywhere in Trumbull County or anywhere in the United States ( this process is called portability).
Units that are selected by the family will have to pass a housing quality inspection. This inspection ensures that the unit chosen meets certain standards set forth by HUD and the housing authority.
The rent that the landlord is asking for the unit must meet rent reasonableness for the area that the unit is located in. This means that 3 similar in structure type unassisted units in the same area are receiving the same amount of rent.
A housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord by the housing authority on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the housing authority.
Security deposits are determined by the landlords and are usually the equivalent of one month rent. The security deposit is the responsibility of the participating family.
How to Apply for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program are made by appointment only and when the waiting list is open. To determine if the waiting list is open you may call: 330-369-6460 or check the legal notices of the local newspapers. When your appointment is made you will need to bring the following: Birth certificates and social security cards for all household members, any income verification, medical expenses that are paid out of pocket if you are a disabled individual, and photo identification for all persons over the age of 18. Anyone over the age of 18 must accompany you to the appointment. You will fill out an application at that time of the appointment. Someone will review the application with you at that time. You will then be placed on a waiting list according to the date and time of application and any preference you may have. Once your name comes to the top of that waiting list you will be sent a letter to attend a briefing. It is imperative that you keep all information on your application updated.
Preferences that TMHA has are as follows:
- Elderly or disabled
- Veteran or Veteran family
- Victim of a federal disaster
- Children having an elevated lead blood level
- Homeless transitioning from shelter
Related Documents & Forms
Section 8 Waiting List
When your name is pulled from the waiting list you will be notified in writing to come to a briefing at our office. At the briefing the Housing Choice Voucher Program will be explained to you. You will then receive landlord papers and a voucher. Your voucher will be good for 60 days so that you can look for housing in Trumbull County or use the voucher to port out the county/state. Once we receive the landlord papers back, we have 10 days to schedule an inspection on the unit. Once the unit passes inspection and all paperwork is signed, your assistance will begin.