Section 8 Rental Assistance

Section 8 Rental Assistance
SEMMCHRA has operated HUD's Section 8 Rental Assistance Program since 1979. This program provides affordable rent to eligible applicants who rent units in the private sector. The HRA administers this program to citizens residing in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona Counties.

How will the Rental Assistance Program help me?
Rents are based on 30% of your adjusted income. Program participants select a privately owned house, apartment, duplex or mobile home. The home must pass federal inspection standards and the landlord must agree to participate in the program. The HRA pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord.

Who is eligible?
The program is open to low income individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or status regard to public assistance.


How does the program work?
1. Complete Application
An application can be mailed to you by SEMMCHRA or you may pick one up at our office. If you are coming to the office, bring along your social security card and the card(s) of the other household members living with you so we may obtain copies. 

2. Application Approval
Once your application is approved, your name is put on a waiting list with other applicants. Vouchers can only be given as they become available. The list is first come, first served. Some local hardship preferences are given, but all applicants must complete the required paperwork.

3. Attend Briefing
Once your have filled out an application, you are required to attend a briefing before receiving rental assistance. At the briefing you will learn how the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program functions. Briefings are held monthly.

4. Voucher Offered
Once your application is verfied to be eligible, you will be offered the first available voucher. You will then have 60 days to locate an acceptable rental unit. You may choose to stay in your current rental unit or move to a new location. The owner must be willing to participate and sign a contract with the Section 8 Porgram prior to receiving assistance.

5. Complete Lease Forms
Once you have found suitable housing, you and the owner need to complete the Request for Lease Approval forms and submit them to us. If you or the owner have questions about the form, our staff will be able to assist you.

6. Rental Inspection
SEMMCHRA inspects the unit to be sure that is passes the program standards. Rental owners are given 30 days to correct items that may fail the inspection.

7. Rent Payment
After the unit has passed inspection and all involved parties agree, the lease and contract are executed. SEMMCHRA will pay a portion of your rent directly to your landlord.


What does the program offer the landlord?
1. Rent
Owners are guaranteed a portion of the rent by SEMMCHRA. The program allows the families to better afford their rent portion, resulting in more consistent, timely, and full payments to owners.

2. Annual Inspections
The annual inspection of the units helps to alert owners of required and/or recommended repairs. Ideally, this timely maintenance will reduce costly investments.

3. Security
Tenants on the rental assistance program are required to sign a lease, giving owners some security. The rental assistance program also offers specific guarantees.