FAQs • Pensacola, FL • CivicEngage

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Section 8 Rental Assistance Program

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1. What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?: The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program assists eligible very low income families pay a portion of the rent to a private landlord.

2. What are the eligibility guidelines to qualify for assistance?: To qualify for Section 8 rental assistance, families must have at least one member who is an U.S. Citizen or legal residents of the U.S.; meet income guidelines based on family size; meet criminal background requirements; not owe money to any federally assisted housing programs, and must not have been evicted from any unit under a federally assisted housing program.

3. How much rent does the family pay?: The family pays a portion of the rent based on 30% of the adjusted gross monthly income of the entire household.

4. Will the housing agency pay all of my utilities?: No, the family is responsible for paying their own utility bills and any utility deposits needed to start the utility services. The utilities must be on in the head of household's name. Some families with very low income may be eligible for a monthly utility assistance payment.

5. Where do families on the Section 8 Program live?: Families may live anywhere within Escambia County.

6. How does a rental unit qualify under the program?: The rental unit must be inspected by the Pensacola Housing's Inspection Department and meet the HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS). The unit must meet the family's needs based on household size, and rent must be affordable for the family, and market reasonable.

7. How do I find a rental unit?: A list of landlords with available rental units will be provided to applicants at their eligibility briefing. Families are also encouraged to check the local newspapers and to contact realty companies and apartment complexes to inquire about vacancies.

8. How long is the waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?: The City of Pensacola Housing Division will not be able to predict when an applicant will receive a voucher.

9. Is there a way I can get assistance faster?: A household on the waiting list cannot jump over another household at all. Households with the lowest number on the list, and within the lowest target income range, are called in first.

10. Can I move to another state with my voucher?

If you provided an address within Escambia County when you joined the waiting list, once you've been issued a voucher you may take it to any other housing authority. This is called "portability or porting out". If you did not live within Escambia County prior to receiving a voucher you would not be eligible to use portability until you've resided in Pensacola Housing's jurisdiction for 1 year.

A family must be in "good standing" with Pensacola Housing and receiving PHA in order to port to another jurisdiction. This means the family must not owe any unpaid rent and are current on any over payment amounts due to Pensacola Housing or the receiving PHA in order to receive a Housing Choice Voucher to move under portability.

If you currently have a voucher and meet the above criteria contact your counselor to ask about using portability.

11. What if I have special needs?: Please tell us if you need assistance of any kind to access our services. We will make every effort to meet your needs.