What is affordable housing?

Generally, there are four types of affordable housing: Public Housing; Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 Voucher); Site-Based Subsidized Housing; and Tax Credit sites.

Public Housing: These are apartment complexes owned and managed by a Housing Authority. The tenant pays a portion of the rent each month, and the federal government pays the remainder of the rent.

Housing Choice Voucher: Formerly called Section 8 vouchers, voucher holders locate their own rental unit (apartment, house, condo, townhouse, manufactured home). The voucher holder pays a portion of the rent each month, and the voucher pays the remaining portion.

Subsidized sites (site-based Section 8, USDA Rural Development, Rental Assistance) offer rents based on household income in accordance with federal regulations. The tenant pays a portion of the rent each month, and the federal government pays the remaining portion. The majority of these sites are privately owned and managed, although subsidized by the federal government. Unlike a Housing Choice Voucher, the tenant cannot take the subsidy with them when they move out of a site-based subsidized apartment.

Tax Credit sites, though not subsidized by the federal government, are considered affordable. They offer lower than market rate rents to families and individuals with modest incomes. The tenant is required to pay the full rent and utilities, and must have a minimum income to qualify (as opposed to subsidized housing, which has provisions for those with no regular income).

Rental Programs

Looking to rent? There are several options to choose from. Pick which one works for you and get started on finding your new home!

Kent & Sussex Counties - DSHA Public Housing

This program, offered in Kent and Sussex Counties, provides safe, decent affordable rental housing and access to supportive services for low-income families. A total of 518 units at ten Public Housing sites are owned and managed by the Delaware State Housing Authority. Note: Program participants, except the elderly or disabled, must also be enrolled in the Moving to Work (MTW) program. Learn more .

You can also contact Dover Housing Authority. They maintain a separate Public Housing waiting list for housing in the City of Dover. Not in Kent or Sussex County? Contact one of the housing authorities in New Castle County.

Kent & Sussex Counties - DSHA Housing Choice Vouchers

This program, offered in Kent and Sussex Counties, offers housing subsidies to eligible low-income individuals and families to rent existing, privately-owned dwelling units from participating landlords. The Delaware State Housing Authority administers 902 vouchers. Note. Program participants must also be enrolled in the Moving to Work (MTW) program. Learn more .

You can also contact Dover Housing Authority. They maintain a separate Housing Choice Voucher waiting list for housing in the City of Dover. Not in Kent or Sussex County? Contact one of the housing authorities in New Castle County.

Kent and Sussex Counties - Other Subsidized and Affordable Housing Options

Low-income families, disabled persons and elderly persons whose incomes do not exceed 50% of median income (in some cases, 80%), are eligible to reside in site-based subsidized complexes. Normally, resident families pay 30% of their adjusted gross income to rent a unit at a site-based subsidized site. The federal government subsidizes the balance of the rent.

Tax credit sites offer lower than market rate rents to families and individuals with modest incomes. The tenant is required to pay the full rent and utilities, and must have a minimum income to qualify (as opposed to subsidized housing, which has provisions for those with no regular income).

Note. Specific income limits and payment standards are determined based on family size and county location of the unit. Please contact the sites directly for rates and availability.

Resources.

Looking for Public Housing or a Housing Choice Voucher in New Castle County? Contact one of the housing authorities in New Castle County.

Housing Options in New Castle County

Subsidized and Affordable Housing

Low-income families, disabled persons and elderly persons whose incomes do not exceed 50% of median income (in some cases, 80%), are eligible to reside in site-based subsidized complexes. Resident families pay 30% of their adjusted gross income to rent a unit at a site-based subsidized site. The federal government subsidizes the balance of the rent.

Tax credit sites offer lower than market rate rents to families and individuals with modest incomes. The tenant is required to pay the full rent and utilities, and must have a minimum income to qualify (as opposed to subsidized housing, which does not require any income to qualify).

Note. Specific income limits and payment standards are determined based on family size and county location of the unit. Please contact the sites directly for rates and availability.

Resources.

Looking for Public Housing or a Housing Choice Voucher in New Castle County? Contact one of the housing authorities in New Castle County.

Emergency and Transitional Housing

Emergency shelters provide immediate housing for up to 30 days, unless otherwise specified. Transitional housing provides temporary housing and support services over an extended period of time. Contact the sites directly for populations served and available space.

Income Limits and Payment Standards