Common Questions

What is Section 8?
How do I qualify for Section 8?
Where do I apply for Section 8?
How much rent will I have to pay if I have a Section 8 voucher?
What is Minimum Rent?
Can I choose an apartment with rent higher than the Fair Market Rent established by HUD?
How long does it take to get a voucher?
How do I find a home once I have my voucher?
Do I have to rent an apartment in the same city or county where I received my Section 8 voucher?

What is Section 8?

Section 8, or the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a Federal housing program which provides housing assistance to low-income renters and homeowners. This assistance comes in the form of rental subsidies, limiting the monthly rent payment of the assistance recipient.

How do I qualify for Section 8?

To qualify for Section 8, your family must be very low income (below 50% of the Area Median Income).

Where do I apply for Section 8?

Section 8 is a Federal program administered nationally by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, the program is administered locally by public housing authorities or other designated agencies and organizations.

How much rent will I have to pay if I have a Section 8 voucher?

Your rent payment is based on your income. You need to figure out your household's total annual income. Once this is done, you need to subtract any mandatory deductions, such as child care, disability assistance, and medical expenses. This is your adjusted annual income. Divide this amount by 12, which gives you your monthly adjusted income. To determine your share of rent, it is the highest of the following amounts:

30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income; or 10 percent of the family's monthly income.

What is Minimum Rent?

Minimum Rent is the lowest total tenant payment permitted for tenants receiving Section 8 assistance. The minimum rent is $30 and is used when 30% of adjusted monthly income and 10% of gross monthly income (where applicable) are all below $30. The minimum rent covers the tenant’s contribution for rent and utilities.

The maximum amount that can be paid by the Franklin Housing Authority is as follows:

Can I choose an apartment with rent higher than the Fair Market Rent established by HUD?

Yes. But you will have to pay any additional rent charges in excess of the Payment Standard. So, if the Payment Standard for the area and bedroom size is $795 and the apartment you want rents for $895 you will have to pay $100 in addition to 30% of your adjusted income.

How long does it take to get a voucher?

It varies for each Housing Authority. Currently, the waiting list for housing assistance at Franklin Housing Authority is approximately 6 to 12 months.

How do I find a home once I have my voucher?

So you have your voucher. Now comes the fun part. You go shopping for an apartment. You may use your voucher with any landlord that accepts Section 8. Many landlords accept Section 8 because it is a dependable revenue stream. But landlords are not required by law to accept Section 8 vouchers.

When you find an apartment or home that meets all Section 8 program requirements, including a physical inspection to insure the building is decent, safe and sanitary, the housing authority executes a contract with the landlord to pay a portion of the rent on your behalf.

Do I have to rent an apartment in the same city or county where I received my Section 8 voucher?

Yes. Tenants who do live in the City of Franklin when they apply may take their voucher anywhere in the United States. Tenants who do not live in the City of Franklin when they apply must remain in the jurisdiction of the housing authority that issues the voucher for 12 months. After 12 months, tenants may then use the voucher to lease a unit anywhere in the United States where there is a housing agency operating a housing choice voucher program. This feature of the program is called "portability."