Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Section 8 Housing?
- What is the difference between Project Based Section 8 and a Section 8 Voucher?
- Would I be eligible?
- How do I apply?
- How much would my rent be?
- Can I have assets such as a savings account or a car and still qualify?
- How much will my security deposit be?
- Will I have a lease agreement?
- Will I have to move if my income changes?
- What happens if my family composition changes?
- Can I have a pet?
- Can I have a service animal?
- Do you provide furnished apartments?
- Do I pay my own utilities?
- Do I have to pay for parking?
- What is the Section 42 program?
1. What is Section 8 Housing?
Section 8 is the name of a housing program that is administered by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). This program provides rental assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, individuals, and family households.
2. What is the difference between Project Based Section 8 and a Section 8 Voucher?
With Project Based Section 8, the assistance stays with the apartment and not the individual. An individual receives the assistance only as long as they live at that property.
With a Section 8 Voucher, the assistance stays with the voucher holder. This means that the voucher holder picks out a market rate apartment and uses their portable voucher to supplement the rent. When they move from the apartment, they take their voucher with them.
If an individual with a Section 8 Voucher wants to live at a Project Based Section 8 property the person may apply to the property but prior to moving in would need to give up their Section 8 Voucher.
3. Would I be eligible?
In order to qualify for Section 8 housing you must meet certain income requirements that are based on the number of individuals in your household. Credit, criminal, and landlord background checks are run on all adult applicants.
4. How do I apply?
You should determine which property(s) you would like to live at and complete an application for the specific property(s). It is very important that you answer all of the questions on the application. Submit your completed application right away so the application can be processed. Some of our properties have waiting lists and individuals are considered based on the date and time the completed application is received.
5. How much would my rent be?
The rent for each household living in Section 8 is different. Your rent would be approximately 30% of your household's adjusted gross monthly income. Your gross monthly income amount is the amount you receive before any taxes or deductions are withheld.
For instance, if you were a family of three with two minor children and your gross monthly income was $500, your rent would be about $126 a month. Section 8 provides certain allowances based on your family composition.
6. Can I have assets such as a savings account or a car and still qualify?
Yes. The income that your bank accounts may earn will be counted towards your annual income. Personal assets such as your car, clothes, etc. do not count.
7. How much will my security deposit be?
Your security deposit will be approximately one month's rent.
8. Will I have a lease agreement?
For Section 8 housing, the initial term of your lease would be one year. After that, the lease is on a month to month basis.
9. Will I have to move if my income changes?
No. Your rent will be adjusted based on an additional recertification of household income required when income changes occur. HUD wants to make sure that every household pays rent based on their current income, so they use a data matching system called EIV. This system reports Social Security, Wages, and Unemployment benefits. It helps to make sure that every household member's income is counted correctly in calculating the rent.
10. What happens if my family composition changes?
If a household member is added, or one moves out, an additional recertification is completed.
11. Can I have a pet?
Pets are allowed at properties designated for seniors and/or people with disabilities. Pets are required to comply with Meridian's Pet Policy and a pet deposit is required. A copy of the pet policy can be obtained directly from the property you're interested in.
12. Can I have a service animal?
Service animals are allowed at all properties as they are not considered pets. They are animals that work, provide assistance, or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or animals that provide emotional support that alleviates one or more symptoms of a person's disability.
13. Do you provide furnished apartments?
Our apartments are not furnished but do come with kitchen appliances. Each apartment offers specific amenities which are outlined on this website.
14. Do I pay my own utilities?
Most of the properties require you to pay your own electric bills. Most properties with Section 8 units offer utility allowances or the heat and electric is included. The utility allowance is an amount taken off of the tenant's portion of the rent to help them pay their utility bill.
15. Do I have to pay for parking?
Most of the properties offer off-street parking at no additional charge. Some properties have covered parking or garages in which additional charges may apply.
16. What is the Section 42 program?
This is an affordable housing program which is administered by the IRS. Many of the income requirements are the same as the Section 8 program. There are a few rules that are more restrictive with this program, especially pertaining to full-time students.
