Tennessee Section 8 Housing
/Finding affordable housing in Tennessee is increasingly important as over 15% of residents live below the poverty line, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and rental costs have risen by nearly 12% over the past five years. These trends highlight the urgent need for programs like Section 8 to provide stability for vulnerable households.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Tennessee?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Tennessee, you must meet certain requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These requirements include:
Income limits and household size: To be eligible for Section 8 in Tennessee, your household income must be below a certain limit based on the size of your family. The income limits vary depending on the area in which you live and the number of people in your household. In general, the lower your income and the larger your family, the more likely you are to be eligible for the program.
Citizen and residency status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status to be eligible for Section 8 in Tennessee. You must also live in Tennessee and plan to use your voucher in the state.
Criminal background check: HUD requires that all Section 8 applicants undergo a criminal background check. Certain criminal convictions may make you ineligible for the program.
The Section 8 program receives more applications than it has funding available, so there may be a waiting list for assistance.
What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Tennessee?
The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Tennessee is based on a payment standard established by the local Public Housing Agency (PHA). The payment standard is the maximum amount of subsidy that a voucher holder can receive. The voucher holder is responsible for paying any additional rent amount above the payment standard.
The payment standard is based on the fair market rent for the area, which is established by HUD. The PHA sets the payment standard at a percentage of the fair market rent, typically between 90% and 110%. The payment standard can vary depending on the number of bedrooms in the rental unit and the location of the unit.
Fair market rent for a one-bedroom unit in Tennessee ranges from $679 to $788 per month, depending on the location. For a two-bedroom unit, fair market rent ranges from $844 to $991 per month. For a three-bedroom unit, fair market rent ranges from $1,153 to $1,328 per month.
Section 8 tenants are responsible for paying a portion of their rent, based on their income. The tenant's portion is generally 30% of their adjusted monthly income. The PHA pays the remainder of the rent directly to the landlord, up to the payment standard.
This payment standard is not the same as the actual rent charged by the landlord. If the rent of the unit is below the payment standard, the tenant's portion of the rent will be lower. If the rent of the unit is above the payment standard, the tenant will be responsible for paying the difference.
Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Tennessee
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Tennessee, your household income must be below a certain limit based on the size of your family. The income limits are set annually by HUD and vary by location. The lower your income, the more likely you are to qualify for Section 8.
Annual income is calculated as the total income earned by all household members, including wages, tips, social security benefits, child support, and any other income sources. Income from assets such as investments and savings accounts is also taken into account. The following chart shows the current income limits in Tennessee.
There are some exceptions to income limits for Section 8 housing in Tennessee. For example, households that include a person with a disability or a senior citizen may be eligible for higher income limits. In addition, some PHAs may be able to grant exceptions to income limits in certain circumstances, such as if the household has medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.
Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Tennessee
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) is the amount of rent, including utilities (except telephone), that the typical tenant would pay for a privately owned rental unit in the market area. FMR is established by HUD and varies by geographic location, unit size, and unit type.
FMR is based on the rental market in a given area and is meant to reflect the cost of renting a unit that meets certain minimum standards for safety and sanitation. The FMR is updated annually by HUD and is used to determine the payment standard for Section 8 vouchers.
It's important to note that the FMR is not the same as the actual rent charged by the landlord. The actual rent may be higher or lower than the FMR, depending on factors such as the location and condition of the rental unit. If the rent of the unit is below the payment standard, the tenant's portion of the rent will be lower. If the rent of the unit is above the payment standard, the tenant will be responsible for paying the difference.
How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Tennessee?
Locate Your Local Housing Authority: Contact the PHA serving your area. Examples include:
Submit an Application: Many PHAs offer online applications. Provide accurate details, including proof of income, Social Security numbers, and residency documents.
Verification and Interview: PHAs may require interviews to verify eligibility and gather additional documentation.
Join a Waiting List: Due to high demand, most applicants are placed on a waiting list. Keep your contact information current to avoid missing updates.
Explore the Affordable Housing Hub for expert advice and resources to help you navigate the Section 8 application process effectively.
Tennessee Housing Authorities
The Section 8 program in Tennessee is administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), which are responsible for managing and distributing vouchers to eligible applicants. Here is an overview of the housing authorities in Tennessee:
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Visit Website |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency | 701 South 6th St, Nashville, TN 37206 (615) 252-8500 |
Visit Website |
| Knoxville Community Development Corporation | 901 Broadway NE, Knoxville, TN 37917 (865) 403-1100 |
Visit Website |
| Chattanooga Housing Authority | 801 N. Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 (423) 752-4893 |
Visit Website |
| Memphis Housing Authority | 700 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38105 (901) 544-1100 |
Visit Website |
The above table shows the most prominent Housing Authorities, however, Tennessee has over 70 housing authorities that administer the Section 8 program. A more complete list can be found using our Housing Authority Search Tool. These housing authorities are distributed throughout the state and serve specific geographic areas. Each housing authority operates independently and may have its own eligibility criteria and application process.
Housing authorities play a key role in the Section 8 program in Tennessee. They are responsible for verifying the eligibility of applicants, distributing vouchers, and monitoring compliance with program rules. Housing authorities also work with landlords to ensure that rental units meet certain quality standards and that rent payments are made on time. They also maintain waiting lists for Section 8 assistance and may provide other housing services, such as counseling and education. If you have questions or concerns about your Section 8 voucher or need assistance with your housing situation, your local housing authority is a valuable resource.
Section 8 Housing Tennessee Waiting List
Due to high demand and limited funding, there may be a waiting list for Section 8 housing in Tennessee. Here is some information about waiting lists in Tennessee:
Waiting lists for Section 8 in Tennessee are managed by local housing authorities. When you apply for Section 8, you will be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available. The length of the waiting list varies depending on the area and the demand for assistance. The following list shows the current waiting list status for Housing Authorities in Tennessee.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
|---|---|
| Nashville Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency | Closed |
| Knoxville Community Development Corporation | Open |
| Chattanooga Housing Authority | Closed |
| Memphis Housing Authority | Open |
| Johnson City Housing Authority | Closed |
| Clarksville Housing Authority | Open |
You can check your waiting list status by contacting your local housing authority. Some housing authorities may have an online portal where you can check your status, while others may require you to call or visit the office in person.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Tennessee?
The approval process for Section 8 in Tennessee can vary depending on several factors, including the number of applicants, the availability of vouchers, and the completeness of your application. Here is some information about the approval process:
Once you submit your Section 8 application, the housing authority will review it to determine your eligibility for the program. This review process may include verifying your income, residency, and other eligibility criteria. If your application is approved, you will be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.
The processing time for Section 8 in Tennessee can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications received, the availability of vouchers, and the completeness of your application. In some cases, the approval process can take several weeks or months. It's important to keep your contact information up to date with the housing authority to ensure that you receive notification when your application status changes.
To check the status of your Section 8 application in Tennessee, you can contact your local housing authority. Some housing authorities may have an online portal where you can check your status, while others may require you to call or visit the office in person. It's important to be patient during the approval process and to follow up with the housing authority if you have any questions or concerns.
For those unable to access Section 8 immediately, Tennessee offers a range of alternative housing solutions designed to meet diverse needs.
Public housing provides government-managed units where rent is calculated as a percentage of the tenant's income, ensuring affordability. LIHTC properties, developed under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, offer reduced rents through partnerships with private developers. Subsidized apartments, supported by federal funding, create additional options for low-income households by maintaining lower-than-market rental rates.
These alternatives can serve as a temporary or permanent solution while waiting for Section 8 assistance. Programs such as LIHEAP can also help with utility costs, and TANF offers financial aid to support basic living expenses. Nonprofits and local housing organizations across Tennessee provide additional resources, including housing counseling and emergency rental assistance. Exploring these options ensures families have immediate pathways to stable and affordable living arrangements.
Common Questions About Section 8 in Tennessee
How long does approval take?
Approval timelines depend on application completeness, voucher availability, and demand. It can take weeks to months.
Can I use a Tennessee voucher in another state?
Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable and can be used in other states, subject to receiving housing authority approval.
What happens if my income changes?
Report income changes immediately to your PHA, as they may affect your rent contribution or eligibility.
Taking Action for Housing Stability in Tennessee
Navigating the complexities of affordable housing programs in Tennessee can feel overwhelming, but tools like the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program make a real difference for low-income families. By accessing actionable resources such as personalized guides, application checklists, and other tools on our Tennessee Resources page, households can take informed steps toward achieving secure and stable housing.
