Section 8 Rental Assistance

PUBLIC NOTICE
The Estes Park Housing Authority announces the closing of the Section 8, rental assistance wait list to all new applicants. The closure is effective January 11, 2013 and shall remain in effect until further notice. No applications will be accepted while the wait list is closed.

The Section 8 Voucher Program is a HUD designed assistance program to help very low to moderate income families rent housing in the private market. Section 8 provides direct monthly payment to property owners on behalf of the qualified voucher holders to cover a portion of rent. Family contributions are approximately 30% of adjusted monthly income for rent.
 

Section 8 Vouchers can help people with low incomes rent safe and affordable housing. 

1. Application Process

Waiting List is CLOSED.  Applications not accepted at this time.

As with most subsidized programs, there is a waiting list for the Section 8 Program. It is very difficult to tell you how long you will have to wait for a Voucher, but it is not unusual to be on the wait list for several years. Applications are weighted by date and time of submission. This application will place you on our waiting list only, and does not in any way guarantee you a Voucher. Waiting list times vary greatly.
 

2. Certification
Once an applicant reaches the top of the waiting list, they must be determined eligible. If eligible, the applicant receives a Housing Voucher Certificate and is able to begin looking for housing.
 

3. Program Rent Limits
Rental limits are set by the US Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). A qualified Section 8 participant must find a unit at a cost which falls within the size of their assistance and the payment standards. A rent reasonableness analysis by the Housing Authority office determines if the rent is comparable to other non-assisted rents in the immediate area. For market rent ceiling caps on a 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedrooms, call the Housing Authority as the numbers change often.
 

4. Participation of Landlords & Tenants
Participating landlords in the Section 8 Voucher Program sign a Housing Assistance Payments Contract with the Housing Authority in addition to a one-year lease agreement with the tenant. The landlord and tenant are not authorized to make any type of supplemental agreement for any portion of rent, which exceeds the contract rent, and the family's portion calculated by the Housing Authority. Private landlords are NOT obligated to participate in the Section 8 program.
 

5. Inspection
All assisted units must be in a safe, decent, and sanitary condition as established by HUD Housing Quality Standards. All units are inspected before admission into the program and annually thereafter.
The above is a general outline of the program. All rules, regulations and other requirements can and do exist. Before admission into the Section 8 program you will be informed of all of your obligations.