TENANT GUIDLINES
Section 8 Existing Housing Programs
Section 8 Existing Housing Programs are federally-funded programs which provide money to help eligible individuals and families pay their rent. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) administers Certificate or Voucher rental assistance.
Does my income affect eligibility for the programs?
To be eligible for the programs, your gross income must not exceed federally-established income limits for the county in which you eventually reside.
What will I pay for rent?
If you qualify and are accepted as a participant in a program, the amount you personally pay for rent and utilities may vary, but generally your portion of the rent will not exceed 30% of your income.
What if I already am on a waiting list for assisted housing?
If you apply for a Section 8 Existing housing program, you will not lose your place on other public or assisted housing waiting lists.
Does the housing have to meet any standards?
Whether you stay where you live now or find another place, your housing must be decent, safe and sanitary. There must also be:
- Adequate living area;
- Adequate light and ventilation;
- Adequate heating, electrical, water, sewer, and structural systems;
- Freedom from any condition which endangers the health and safety of the occupants, including lead-based paint.
- A MSHDA representative will be assigned to inspect your housing to see if it meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Quality Standards (HQS). This inspection may not comply with local or state laws, ordinances, or codes.
Do I pay a security deposit?
You are required to pay the security deposit to the landlord. The security deposit amount cannot exceed one and one-half month's rent.
Is there an annual recertification?
MSHDA will inspect your rental unit and verify your eligibility each year. Your home will be inspected to see if it meets HUD's HQS. You will be required to provide updated verifications including income verifications.
The amount you pay for rent may change based on this recertification.
Your responsibilities as a tenant:
- Pay your rent on time. If it is specified in your Lease Agreement, your landlord can assess a late charge not to exceed $25.00, if your portion of the rent is not paid on time.
- Use the unit solely for a residence by the family, and as the family's principal place of residence. You cannot assign the Lease or transfer the unit. Only persons listed on the Lease Agreement can live in the unit. The owner/landlord cannot occupy the unit.
- Make your utility payments on time.
- Provide and maintain any tenant-supplied appliances.
- Follow the rules in your Lease Agreement.
- Keep your housing decent, safe, and sanitary.
- Pay for or repair damages caused by you, your family, or your guests.
- Notify your Housing Specialist/Agent immediately of any telephone number, income, or family size changes.
- Tell your Family Independence Agency (FIA) Caseworker of your rental assistance if you are receiving Food Stamps.
- Promptly give any information requested by MSHDA.
- Allow MSHDA to inspect your home at reasonable times and after reasonable notice.
- Notify MSHDA before vacating your home.
- Give a 30-day advance written notice to your landlord and to MSHDA if you intend to terminate your Lease Agreement at any time after the first year of occupancy.
- Repay MSHDA for all moneys paid on your behalf if you sign a Tenant Repayment Agreement.
- Do not engage in any unlawful activities in the home or in your building's common areas.
- Use your unit in a quiet and peaceable manner, so as not to disturb other tenants.
If you do not honor these responsibilities, you will lose your assistance and your participation in the program.
As a participant in these programs, neither you nor any member of your household can:
- Own or have an interest in the housing unit (other than in a manufactured home as approved by MSHDA). If the housing unit is in a cooperative, you may be a member of the cooperative.
- Commit any fraud in connection with the Section 8 Existing Housing Program (i.e. falsely report income or family composition).
- Receive assistance under a Section 8 Existing Housing Program while receiving assistance for occupancy of any other unit assisted under any Federal housing assistance program (including any Section 8 program).
- Live in housing which is not in compliance with HUD's HQS.
- Violate any program obligation or agreement to pay or reimburse MSHDA for debts paid on your behalf.
- Be related to the owner/landlord of the unit where you're receiving assistance. Relatives include parents, children, grandchildren, grandparents, and siblings.
Taxable Bond Program
Financed with the proceeds from taxable bonds, this program provides loans for rental housing in which most tenants will have incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median and rents are similarly restricted. The program is designed to be used in conjunction with the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).
Rent a MSHDA-financed apartment by contacting the on-site manager of the development for an application or waiting list information. See our individual property listing pages for contact information for each property.
