As rents continue to climb all over the nation, more and more households with limited income are having a difficult time finding places to live within their budget. Even in a state like Louisiana, where housing is less expensive than in other parts of the country, the market values for rentals are increasing faster than the average income, making it harder than ever for middle to low-income families to afford rent. If you are on a fixed income or working a low-wage job, where can you find affordable rentals in Louisiana these days? The following guide should help.

Get Prepared in Advance

Due to rising rents, if you simply start searching the Internet for apartments within your budget, it won’t be long before you feel like you’re hunting for a needle in a haystack. The fact is, there are resources and programs available to match you with affordable housing in your area, and even to help lower your rent payments. Before starting your search, take some time and get your paperwork in order. Gather information about your income and expenses, including recent pay stubs if you have them. Do a quick budget to determine how much you rent you can reasonably afford. (As a rule of thumb, rent should be no more than 30 percent of your income.) You’ll use this information to qualify for rent assistance and affordable housing programs in your area. For more help getting prepared, see our guide on How to Find Affordable Housing.

Check Out Available Affordable Housing Resources in Louisiana

The Louisiana Housing Corporation is the state agency that oversees federal and state resources to help lower income individuals and families obtain affordable housing in Louisiana. Their website includes extensive information on finding affordable rents, including information on qualifying for assistance and restricted income housing, and even a search feature to find qualifying rentals in your area.

Another place to check out available resources is your local housing office, which you can usually find with a Google search like “housing authority in _____” (name of your city). Your local office will have more direct information on rental properties in your area that offer affordable housing and participate in assistance programs.

Scope out Qualifying Properties in Your Area

Once you have a good idea of your budget and the programs you might qualify for, it’s time to start apartment hunting in your local area. Your local housing authority may have a list of properties to check out, or you may find some by searching the Internet for “affordable housing in _____” (name of your city). We urge you to go on-site and tour some of these properties before making a decision — see what units they have available and whether they have the space and amenities to meet your needs.

Olympia Management is pleased to administer a number of clean, safe affordable rentals in Louisiana, including income-based and income-restricted apartments in numerous cities across the state. To learn more about what we have available and how we can help, call us at 256-894-2382.