If you are currently on Section 8 or a participating owner and require replacement forms, click here
The original federal housing assistance program that would eventually become Section 8 was established in the US Housing Act of 1937 during the Great Depression due to the housing crisis which accompanied a massive economic collapse. In 1974, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 was passed. This act established the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. It is funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The HCV-Section 8 program is the government’s primary program to assist low and very low income families, especially the elderly and disabled with the opportunity to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing. There are approximately 2 million people receiving Section 8 subsidy in the United States.
The Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) is one of thousands of public housing agencies (PHA) throughout the United States who administer the program and adhere to the regulations located in 24 CFR Part 982.
Eligibility is determined based on the total annual income and family size. Annual income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for Bexar County. Family assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility.
Pre-applications are taken during waiting list events. Notification to the general public is made through various media and social sources. The HABC hosted pre-application events on May 22, 2011 and June 17, 2011. Currently, the waiting list is closed and no applications are being accepted.
Individuals and families with a Section 8 Housing Voucher can find and lease a unit in either apartment complexes or rental homes who accept the vouchers within the Bexar County limits. The family pays a portion of the rent called Total Tenant Payment (TTP), which is 30% of adjusted gross income. HABC pays the difference or Housing Authority Payment (HAP). Payments are based on “Fair Market Rent” figures for Bexar County. Families will not be approved for housing units that exceed more than 40% of the family’s income to cover rent and utilities.
| Final FY 2011 FMRs By Unit Bedrooms | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | One- Bedroom |
Two- Bedroom |
Three- Bedroom |
Four- Bedroom |
|
| Final FY 2011 FMR | $613 | $682 | $842 | $1,086 | $1,319 |
A family that wishes to move to another PHA’s jurisdiction must consult with HABC to verify the procedures for moving.
When a family selects a housing unit and HABC approves that unit and the family will sign a lease for one year. The tenant may be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord. HABC does not assist with security deposits. After the first year, the tenant and landlord may agree to renew or the family may request to move.
The tenant is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify HABC of any changes in household income or family composition. Failure to comply with these requirements may subject the family to an informal hearing. Hearing results can vary from immediate corrective measures being implemented to termination from the HCV-Section 8 program.
The landlord or owner is required to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to a tenant at a reasonable rent. The unit must pass the housing quality standards (HQS) inspection and maintain those standards as long as the owner receives housing assistance payments (HAP). In addition, the landlord is expected to provide the services agreed to as part of the lease signed with the tenant and the contract signed with HABC.
As participants, the landlord/owners benefit from timely and guaranteed subsidy payments for each month all program requirements are met. Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are distributed via direct deposit to the owner or landlord’s bank account. In addition, landlords/owners are protected against tenants’ loss of income. If your (Section 8) tenant experiences a decrease in their household income, their assistance increases so that the tenant can afford to stay in your rental unit.
Housing Authority of Bexar County administers the voucher program and provides the family with the housing assistance that enables the family to seek out suitable housing. HABC also enters into a contract with the landlord to provide housing assistance payments on behalf of the family. If the landlord fails to meet the owner’s obligations under the lease, HABC has the right to terminate assistance payments. HUD mandates that HABC conduct annual re-examinations and review the family’s income and composition. In addition, annual inspections of the unit are performed to ensure that it meets minimum housing quality standards.
HUD covers the cost of the program and provides funds to allow HABC to make housing assistance payments on behalf of the families and pays HABC fees for administering the program. HUD governs the program requirements.
HABC follows HUD’s program requirements as outlined in the Housing Authority of Bexar County Section 8 Administrative Plan.