There are many different types of housing options for low-income households in an attempt to keep housing affordable, especially as market rents continue to climb. Public housing and Section 8The housing assistance payments program that implements Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. More programs often have a wait list, while income-based and income-restricted complexes are frequently at or near capacity due to demand. So what happens when you finally qualify and get into your apartment? What if your income increases and you no longer officially qualify 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 or low-income housing? Do you have to move?
One of the nagging questions low-income renters ask is, “How long can I stay in 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?” The short answer is, “As long as you pay the rent on time.”
That answer, of course, comes with a few qualifiers.
The goal of all government-subsidized housing programs is not just to help people afford a decent place to live, but also to create stability in their living situation. Specific rules may vary slightly by location, but once you’re in 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, you generally won’t be asked to move out even if your income increases beyond the point of qualifying 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. That said, your local public housing authority (PHAPublic housing authority. A local Agency that may manage public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. More) may adjust your subsidyMoney paid by a government agency to assist a household or property. Depending on the context, this can be in the form of rental assistance or financing assistance to a property. More according to changes in your income.
Report Changes in Your Income or Living Status
Once you have qualified for affordable or low-income housing, anytime you experience a change in income (for example, if you get a job, or get a large raise), or if your family situation changes (e.g., marriage, divorce), you’re required to report it to your PHAPublic housing authority. A local Agency that may manage public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. More. Your subsidies may be adjusted accordingly, but if they discover you haven’t reported these changes, they may revoke your benefits completely.
Periodic Re-Certification
From time to time, your PHAPublic housing authority. A local Agency that may manage public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. More may specifically ask you to update your income and family status to re-certify you to receive benefits. The amount of support you receive may be adjusted up or down based on whether your income has increased or decreased.
What If My Increased Income Means I No Longer Qualify to Receive Housing Benefits? Will I Be Asked to Leave?
Not to worry. In most, if not all, situations, once you’re in 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, you won’t be asked to leave because your income increased. However, your subsidies may decrease accordingly, and you may be asked to pay a greater share of the market valueMarket Value is the value of the asset on the open market. More of your rent. If your income increases to the point that you no longer qualify to receive any 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 benefits, you’ll be allowed to stay in your apartment, but you may be asked to pay the full market valueMarket Value is the value of the asset on the open market. More for the rent.
What About Lease Renewals?
What happens if your leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More comes up for renewal on your income-subsidized apartment, and you no longer qualify 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 benefits? Will you have to move?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including:
- Local regulations for apartment complexes receiving government benefits and tax creditsA reduction in tax liability. Benefits an owner of a property claims under the low-income housing tax credit program. More
- Whether the landlord would have decided not to renew under normal circumstances
- Whether the landlord offers you a month-to-month option
- Whether you have given the landlord a valid reason not to renew your leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More (e.g., consistent late rent payments, poor upkeep, failure to follow complex rules)
- Whether the complex itself is being sold or torn down for any reason
- Whether the regulation 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 status fails to meet the requirements (e.g. full-time studentA person who is attending school or vocational training on a full-time basis. More 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 size changes)
The best way to get an answer to this question for your specific situation is to contact your local PHAPublic housing authority. A local Agency that may manage public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. More to find out their rules and guidelines, and check with your landlord or management company to find out their policies, as well. However, as a rule of thumb, once your income increases to the point that you no longer need housing benefits, you should expect the same treatment from your landlord under as if you had rented your apartment without government help, subject to local and state laws governing tenantA legal resident of a rental property. More/landlord relationships.
To summarize, you should be allowed to stay in 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 for as long as you make your rent payments and for as long as you have a valid leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More or month-to-month agreement with your landlord — even if your income increases.
At 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, we follow local regulations carefully with all our properties across multiple states when it comes to providing 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 for those who qualify. Beyond that, we also do our utmost to be fair in our dealings with new applicants and current tenants. To learn more about the policies of an individual property, give us a call at 256-894-2382.