Here in AlabamaFrom the rolling mountains of the north to the pristine Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a state with natural beauty all its own. Since it was first settled, Alabama has largely been a ru... More, as is the case in virtually every state across the country, today’s housing market makes it challenging for many lower-income individuals and families to find affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More. As property values continue to rise and rents keep going up, it’s not unusual for some households to end up spending nearly half their monthly income on rent. For most people, that’s not sustainable for a long period of time.
The good news is that there are options available for low-income families. The Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentEstablished in 1965, HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development, and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. To fulfill this mission, HUD will em... More works with multiple local agencies across the state to help subsidize affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More across AlabamaFrom the rolling mountains of the north to the pristine Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a state with natural beauty all its own. Since it was first settled, Alabama has largely been a ru... More. But how does the process work? How do you qualify? And how do you find available housing with rents you can afford?
What is the definition of affordable housing?
Let’s start by looking at how the government defines “affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More.” Generally speaking, housing costs are considered affordable when you are spending no more than 30 percent of your monthly householdAll the people who occupy a housing unit. A household includes the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the hous... More income on housing costs (including rent/mortgage, utilities, etc.). If you are paying more than this amount, you may qualify for a number of government programs designed to offset your costs and keep them manageable.
Is affordable housing the same as public housing?
No. Public housing (Section 8The housing assistance payments program that implements Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. More) refers to properties that are directly owned and managed by the Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentEstablished in 1965, HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development, and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. To fulfill this mission, HUD will em... More. These properties are intended for individuals and families making considerably less than the median family income (MFI) for that local area. Conversely, affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More refers to privately or corporately owned properties that reserve a specified number of units for low-income households. The rents on these units are subsidized through a number of different incentives, including the Low Income Housing Tax CreditA tax incentive intended to increase the availability of low-income housing. The program provides an income tax credit to owners of newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated low-income rental h... More (LIHTCA tax incentive intended to increase the availability of low-income housing. The program provides an income tax credit to owners of newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated low-income rental h... More), to help keep rents affordable for qualifying individuals and households.
How is affordable housing eligibility determined in Alabama?
Eligibility for affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More is based on your income, weighed against the Median Family Income (MFI) for your local area. Generally speaking, families making 80 percent or less of the MFI are considered low income; those making 50 percent or less are “very low income”; and those making 30 percent or less are “extremely low income.” Here in AlabamaFrom the rolling mountains of the north to the pristine Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a state with natural beauty all its own. Since it was first settled, Alabama has largely been a ru... More, as well as in other areas, the subsidies you qualify to receive will be largely based on where your income falls on this scale. (Obviously, the actual numbers vary by city; in high-rent areas like New York or San Francisco, a family can make a lot more money and still be eligible for some form of affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More.)
How is housing made affordable?
There are several ways the government helps make housing affordable in AlabamaFrom the rolling mountains of the north to the pristine Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a state with natural beauty all its own. Since it was first settled, Alabama has largely been a ru... More. For families with a low enough income who can’t get into public housing, HUDEstablished in 1965, HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development, and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. To fulfill this mission, HUD will em... More may issue Section 8The housing assistance payments program that implements Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. More vouchers which may follow the family into whatever housing development is available to them. In other situations, developers receive tax incentives and other subsidies directly from the government to designate certain units — or even entire complexes — as affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More.
How do I obtain affordable housing in Alabama?
Affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More programs are administered by local agencies in every city or jurisdiction in AlabamaFrom the rolling mountains of the north to the pristine Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a state with natural beauty all its own. Since it was first settled, Alabama has largely been a ru... More. Here’s how to find out whether you are eligible for assistance and locate affordable rent properties in your area.
- Gather your financial documentation proving your householdAll the people who occupy a housing unit. A household includes the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the hous... More income. This includes recent income tax returns as well as pay stubs from the past several months. You’ll be asked for this information when you apply, so it’s best to get it together beforehand.
- Apply for assistance at your local housing authority. The AlabamaFrom the rolling mountains of the north to the pristine Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a state with natural beauty all its own. Since it was first settled, Alabama has largely been a ru... More Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (AAHRA) maintains a directory by city. Click here to find the agency in your area.
- Look for available properties based on your eligibility. The local housing authority should maintain a list of available housing, or you can look on your own for properties that offer low-income housing.
- Bring proof of eligibility with you when filling out your rental application.
The rising cost of rent doesn’t mean you can’t find comfortable, affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More in AlabamaFrom the rolling mountains of the north to the pristine Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a state with natural beauty all its own. Since it was first settled, Alabama has largely been a ru... More. In fact, a lot of households are eligible for these programs and don’t even realize it. Check with your local housing authority to see if you qualify.
Olympia ManagementOlympia Management, Inc. exists to meet the needs of the affordable housing community by providing top-quality living conditions, excellent management, compassionate interaction with tenants, and cons... More, Inc. is pleased to offer quality affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More in dozens of locations across AlabamaFrom the rolling mountains of the north to the pristine Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama is a state with natural beauty all its own. Since it was first settled, Alabama has largely been a ru... More. To learn more, call us at 256-894-2382 or visit our website.