Like most people, you are likely to have worked for long hours each day for most of your life, yet still find yourself with insufficient funds to cover your expenses. One possible reason is that prices of food, utilities, and health care all continue to rise, whereas salaries are very slow in increasing. The vast majority of people are struggling, living from paycheck to paycheck, hoping that each month they would be able to stretch their income that little bit further. A single unexpected emergency, such as a broken car, medical bill, or emergency repair, can send the entire house of cards tumbling down. Fortunately, if you are a legal citizen of this country, you may be able to get some help through the Housing Voucher Program in finding section 8 houses for rent.
What Are Section 8 Houses for Rent?
Under the Housing Act of 1937, it was required that the federal government pay some degree of financial aid to LHAs (local housing agencies). Those LHAs have to use this financial aid to improve the standard of living of families with low income. In the said 1937 legislation, there is a Section 8, which specifically states that landlords must be paid federal housing assistance for the 3.1 or so million people who live on a low income. What it effectively means is that there are lots of different housing programs available, including the Housing Choice Voucher program, through which some 2.1 million people can have their rent and utilities payments subsidized.
Section 8 houses for rent are managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which also funds the program. Meanwhile, it is administered locally by PHAs (public housing agencies). To date, there are around 2,400 PHAs in the country.
Understanding the Need for Section 8 Houses for Rent:
Section 8 was first developed during the Great Depression. The U.S. Housing Act was passed at that time and this continues to be in place. Essentially, it aimed to build affordable, high quality housing for people who were financially challenged. Local authorities maintain and administer these units. In 1962, this legilslation was revised, such that the Section 23 Leased Housing Program was added. This ensured that those on a low income could move into local authority-leased housing apartments. In these cases, tenants pay a percentage of the rent and the difference is made up by the local authority.
In 1974, the Housing and Community Development Act was passed, which resulted in the creation of the Section 8 Program. This focused less on building and managing properties and more on helping people on low incomes who spent most of their money on their rent. Now, renters could find properties on the open market, and federal funds would pay for a percentage of that rent, in line with the individual’s income. Further changes have taken place, but most of these rules and regulations are still the same. It essentially means that, if you find yourself in financial difficulties, you may be able to apply for some help through Section 8, regardless of whom you rent your property from.
