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Public Housing Q&A
If I fill out the application for public housing today, how long will it take to get an apartment?
There is not a simple answer to this question because an applicant's waiting period will depend upon their qualifications, their needs and the units currently available. In general, waiting periods for assisted housing may take months or several years. In some cases, it can take less than 60 days. However, if you have lived out of state, it may take 8-12 weeks before the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick (HACF) receives a background check, including criminal history. Unfortunately, there are many people eligible for public housing and not enough units to assist everyone who qualifies.
What is the difference between Public Housing and a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)?
Public Housing is property owned by the HACF. A Housing Choice Voucher property is owned by a private landlord.
What happens if I give false information on my application?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) places a high priority on preventing fraud. If your application or recertification forms contain false or incomplete information, you may be:
- Evicted from your apartment or house
- Required to repay all overpaid rental assistance you received
- Fined up to $10,000
- Imprisoned for up to five (5) years
- Prohibited from receiving future assistance
- Be subject to state and local laws and penalties as well
When you fill out your application, you should know what is expected of you. If you do not understand something, say so. The advisor can answer your question(s) or find out what the answer is.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the first of the month. You will be charged a "late fee" if your rent is paid after the 5th of the month.
Who do I call for repairs to my unit?
If a non-emergency maintenance problem occurs, you should contact the Maintenance Department at (301) 662-8227. The Maintenance Department is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
If you need emergency maintenance during evenings, weekends or holidays, please call (301) 662-8227 and your call will be handled by emergency maintenance personnel. If there is a power outage, call the Maintenance Department and they will be able to determine if the service interruption is a HACF localized incident or an Allegheny Power matter.
How often will my unit be inspected?
The HACF will inspect your unit at least annually and may do more frequent inspections in some instances.
What is considered annual income?
Annual income is the anticipated total income from all sources received by the head of household, spouse and by each additional family member who is over 18 years of age and not a full time student. This includes all income derived from assets for the 12 month period following the effective date of verification of income.
Do I have to verify my family's income?
All income must be verified. Some examples of income include wages, social security, supplemental security income, child support, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), family support, pension, etc. If unreported income is found it could result in the termination of housing assistance.
Do I have to report changes in my family's income?
YES! Your rent is based on your adjusted family income. You are required to let us know when there is a change in:
- The source of income (such as TANF to employment, part-time to full-time hours, etc.)
- The amount of income such as salary increase or a raise
- The number of people in your family
Depending on the change, the amount of rent you are required to pay can increase or decrease. If you do not report any changes in income or household compensation within 10 days, you may lose your Public Housing assistance.
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