Vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies. In Dallas County, the relevant agency is the Dallas County Housing Agency. The subsidy voucher is paid directly to the landlord by your public housing agency. You are then responsible for paying the difference between the subsidy voucher and the rent a landlord is charging for a certain housing unit. (For example, if your voucher is $400/month and the rent on your apartment is $600/month, you’ll be responsible for paying the remaining $200/month. ) Under certain circumstances, Section 8 vouchers may be used toward purchase of a modest home. [1] X Research source To learn about this program in Dallas County, call 214-819-6060.
Section 8 is limited to U. S. citizens and specific categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. Generally, your family’s income cannot exceed 50 percent of the median household income in your county or metropolitan area – in this case, Dallas County, Texas. Public housing agencies are required to provide 75 percent of their funds to families whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of an area’s median income. [2] X Research source Consult the Dallas County Housing Agency for specifics regarding income requirements in your county.
After one year, you may sign a new lease, or your landlord may allow you to switch from month-to-month renting. Section 8 benefits are portable; you may move as long as you notify your public housing authority ahead of time, follow the terms of your rental agreement, and find acceptable alternative housing. [3] X Research source
To learn whether Dallas County is currently accepting applications to the Section 8 waiting list, call 214-819-1871. Consult the Dallas County Housing Agency or online Section 8 assistance sites such as Affordable Housing Online regularly so you do not miss an opportunity to place your application on the waiting list.
Order forms like birth certificates and citizenship documents ahead of time so you can provide all necessary documents when the waiting list does open. Remember, your window of opportunity may be limited. Note that counties may establish preferences for homeless families, those paying more than 50 percent of their income in rent, or those who have been involuntarily displaced. People in these categories may “jump the queue” and receive Section 8 vouchers ahead of others on the waiting list. [6] X Research source
The Dallas Housing Authority provides a variety of services within the City of Dallas, including Section 8 programs and public housing. The estimated wait time for both types of housing is currently three to five years, and waiting lists for both types of programs are closed at present (October 2015). [8] X Research source The City of Dallas Housing/Community Services Department provides a variety of services, including homeowner and mortgage assistance programs and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Among the city’s programs are Community Housing Development Programs that produce affordable housing through nonprofit partnerships with the city. Seek information on low-income renters’ rights and related issues through the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service. [9] X Research source
