Housing or Section 8, etc in the USA

[Jennifer J]

This site is extremely helpful.

HOW TO GET ON​

A self-advocacy guide for anyone who is homebound or bedbound in the US. Special focus on folks with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (sometimes called “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”).

https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/

Section 8 Guide for the Disabled and Plucky​

https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/20...hing-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-section-8/

 

[Nacht_Segler]

Is anyone in the US on SSDI and on Section 8 housing? I am really sick since Covid, CFS, Sjogrens and I know at some point I will have to go into Government housing. I want to get a head start on how to go about doing it.

The way I found, in my state (PA), at least, is to go through the Housing Authority. I actually did this to see if I qualified - and I do, but my landlord doesn't do HUD, so unfortunately I had to pass on the assistance (as much as I could use it since I pay all my rent out of my SSI). There were different types I was told about - there are the Rent Vouchers (which is where part of your rent is paid for - which is the one I qualified for), and then there is the low income housing units (one of which I used to live in back in the early 2000's and moved out of in the mid-2000's). The Housing Authority should be able to guide you through for your needs.

 

[Zebra]

Hi, @Nacht_Segler

It's the same here in California, at least in my county.

You can get either the Section 8 housing voucher that subsidizes your rent OR you can apply for Section 8 housing. The latter of which is often undesireble or downright dangerous.

The demand is so high, that neither option is available right now, but I did hear from a journalist that getting the rent-based voucher is only 50% of the struggle. The other 50% is finding a landlord that will actually accept it.

I learned that landlords are disinterested because the property has to be inspected and registered, etc. and most landlords are unwilling to do that. This strikes me as short-sighted on the landlord's part because Section 8 essentially guarantees that the rent will be paid, while some tenants often struggle to pay rent month to month and end up getting evicted.

It's amazing that you were able to get approved for this program, and I'm deeply sorry that your landlord won't participate.

 

[Nacht_Segler]

The demand is so high, that neither option is available right now, but I did hear from a journalist that getting the rent-based voucher is only 50% of the struggle. The other 50% is finding a landlord that will actually accept it.

I learned that landlords are disinterested because the property has to be inspected and registered, etc. and most landlords are unwilling to do that. This strikes me as short-sighted on the landlord's part because Section 8 essentially guarantees that the rent will be paid, while some tenants often struggle to pay rent month to month and end up getting evicted.

I inquired about the low income units and it was due to COVID that they are pretty well full. I'm not far from major cities - about 2hrs from Philly and NYC and many people from the cities have moved to around where I live, it seems. Possibly due to the extortionate costs with rent in the cities now.

The inspector reason is why my landlord won't get involved with it. I live in an old building, but my apartment is very nice - however the inspector may take issue with hair-line cracks in the old lathe-plaster walls, etc., and stupid little things that don't bother me, since I am fine with old buildings...but may set off some inspection. I'll stick with where I'm at as I've been renting from this landlord since 2008, and he takes good care of the apartments, rather than risk going somewhere I don't like, just to get part of my rent covered. Besides - all the other tenants are so quiet as well. I like the peace and prefer that to the potential crazy and noise that could come from living in a low income unit. (I know - I had lived in such in the early 2000's, and don't miss it.)

 

[Tammy]

The inspector reason is why my landlord won't get involved with it. I live in an old building, but my apartment is very nice - however the inspector may take issue with hair-line cracks in the old lathe-plaster walls, etc

I can only comment on what inspection is like where I live which is New Mexico. The inspections really aren't a big deal. They want to make sure there are smoke alarms that are working, nothing is blocking exit routes including the windows. They make sure you have running water. They wouldn't even care about the hair-line cracks in the old plaster walls. The inspection here is very basic. They are in and out in less than 5 minutes. I'm really surprised that more landlords don't get involved with Section 8 as it is guaranteed rent.

 

[Nacht_Segler]

I can only comment on what inspection is like where I live which is New Mexico. The inspections really aren't a big deal. They want to make sure there are smoke alarms that are working, nothing is blocking exit routes including the windows. They make sure you have running water. They wouldn't even care about the hair-line cracks in the old plaster walls. The inspection here is very basic. They are in and out in less than 5 minutes. I'm really surprised that more landlords don't get involved with Section 8 as it is guaranteed rent.

That sounds very similar to the regular inspections done by the town for apartments here.

 

[Zebra]

Just in case this of interest to anyone (besides me) the Wait List for housing vouchers in Alameda California is open from Dec 3rd to the 16th, 2024.

https://www.alamedahsg.org/applicants/wait-lists/