Application Instructions for Tennessee Section 8
Step 1
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) is responsible for providing local low-income housing assistance. This assistance, known as Tennessee Section 8, is governed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Individuals and families struggling to find affordable, safe housing can receive assistance through Section 8 services. The following programs are available in Tennessee for residents currently living in the state:
- The Housing Choice Voucher program
- Project-based Section 8
The Housing Choice Voucher program provides Tennessee households with a subsidy to help make rent affordable. Under the HCV program you receive a monthly subsidy that is paid directly to your landlord. This allows you to pay only up to 30 percent of your monthly income for rental expenses. You are allowed to choose your home to rent, as long as your landlord is registered as a Section 8 provider. In order to be a Section 8 provider, the landlord must ensure the home for rent meets HUD standards for health and safety.
With the HCV recipients can also register for the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program that offers homeownership options. Through FSS households are provided with educational classes in money management, as well as job skills training opportunities. This enables households to develop the strengths needed to own a home. Following completion of the program households are given a savings account that includes a subsidy set aside from the HCV program each month. This money is then usable for a down payment or other expenses related to homeownership.
If you are struggling to find a place to live, then you may be able to receive project-based Section 8 services. With this program, you are provided with a rental unit that is managed by public housing authorities (PHA) under the leadership of the THDA and HUD. You receive a pre-set rate for rent that ensures you will not pay more than 30 percent of your income on rent. As long as you meet the rental agreements and income requirements, then you will be able to keep your project-based unit. However, if you want to move to a different housing complex or unit you will be required to reapply for Tennessee Section 8.
For each of these programs, if your household includes someone who is elderly or disabled, you are required to receive priority placement.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
When qualifying for Section 8 services in Tennessee, the most important factor is your household income. You must meet the low-income limits set by the state. For example, a household of four must not earn more than $45,850 annually to be eligible for low-income assistance in housing.
To apply for Section 8 you must be at least 18 years old, or have someone over 18 in your household who can apply for the services. Other factors that must be met, as required by HUD, include:
- Residency status requires you to be currently living in Tennessee
- Your household must not have anyone who is living in the US illegally.
- You and the other members of your household must be able to pass a criminal background check, i.e. no drug convictions or sexual offenses.
- Your rental history must be in good standing.
Once you have met all of these requirements you are eligible to apply for Tennessee Section 8.
How to Apply
The application process starts by contacting a public housing authority in Tennessee. Keep in mind that the PHAs offer various types of Section 8. For instance, Chattanooga offers both the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and the project-based housing program. Meanwhile, Bolivar only offers the HCV, while Sethra only provides project-based housing. Choose the PHA that offers the services you need, in the closest proximity to your home.
When you apply for services you will be required to fill out an extensive application. This will involve providing documents, including IDs and birth certificates for all household members, as well as income and salary verification. Your PHA representative will contact your employers and current landlord to check your application information. Therefore, it is imperative to be honest and forthright with all information on your application. Otherwise you jeopardize your chances of being approved for Tennessee Section 8.
The next step is to get on a waitlist for services. In Tennessee the HCV program includes eight waitlists that are currently open. The project-based housing program includes 78 waitlists that are currently open to applicants.
Applicants will be on a waitlist indefinitely, depending on the number of applicants and available funding. You can find out more about how long your wait will be by contacting the following HUD offices:
- Knoxville Field Office
- Memphis Field Office
- Nashville Field Office