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Programs That Help to Pay for Apartments for Low Income Families #apartments #miami

#low income apartments #

Programs That Help to Pay for Apartments for Low Income Families

Some programs help low income families pay rent.

For low income families who have a difficult time finding a decent, safe place to live, several government programs are designed to assist them with rent. Millions of low income families across the country live in some kind of subsidized housing, making it more affordable for them to live in neighborhoods near good schools and decent jobs. Families who are eligible for apartment rental assistance must meet certain criteria set out by the government, including proof of income and family size.

Low Income Families

Each year, states provide numbers that determine what is low income for the purpose of setting limits on government aid and assistance. Income limits vary by state, based on the cost of living in each area. Within a state, income limits may vary by region, county or city. A family must earn below the state standard for low income to be considered a low income family and eligible for government assistance with rent.

Privately Owned Subsidized Housing

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development works with private owners of rental properties to provide housing at reduced rents for low-income renters. These subsidies are given to the landlords, who are obligated to certain conditions about to whom they rent. The subsidy amount is generally based on the tenant's income and is meant to bridge the gap between what the tenant is scheduled to pay and the market rental amount of the apartment.

Public Housing

Public housing is property owned and managed by a government entity. The rental units can only be occupied by tenants who meet certain eligibility requirements. Income limits are imposed, so that only those applicants with gross annual incomes below a set level qualify to rent the apartments. Rental rates are quite affordable for those with low or fixed income, such as the elderly and the disabled.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development manages the housing voucher program known as Section 8. Low income tenants are given a monthly voucher that they can apply to rentals. Landlords agree to set aside a certain amount of rental units for Section 8 tenants. The government provides a guarantee that it will make up the difference between what the tenant can pay and the actual rent.

About the Author

Jenna Marie has been editing and writing professionally since 1993. Her editing background includes newspapers, magazines and books, and her articles have appeared in print and on websites such as Life123 and AccessNurses. She specializes in writing about parenting, frugal living, real estate, travel and food. Her nonfiction book was published in 2008. She earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Utah State University.