Tennessee Section 8 Housing
/Introduction
Tennessee Section 8 Housing is a federally-funded program that provides rental assistance to low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. The program is designed to help eligible individuals and families afford safe and decent housing by subsidizing a portion of their rent payments. Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, is available in every state, including Tennessee.
In this article, we will provide information and resources to help you locate and secure Section 8 housing in Tennessee. We will discuss who qualifies for Section 8 in Tennessee, how to apply for the program, the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay, income limits, fair market rents, the role of housing authorities, waiting lists, processing times, and other low-income housing options in Tennessee. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to navigate the Section 8 program in Tennessee and find the housing assistance you need.
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.
It's important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee that you will be approved for Section 8 housing. The 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.
It's important to note that the 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?
To apply for Section 8 housing in Tennessee, you will need to contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). The application process may vary slightly depending on the PHA, but generally involves submitting an application and providing documentation to prove your eligibility.
Many PHAs in Tennessee offer an online application process. To apply online, you will need to create an account on the PHA's website and fill out the application form. You may also be required to upload documentation to prove your eligibility, such as proof of income and residency.
If you prefer to apply with a paper application, you can download the application form from the PHA's website or request a copy by mail. You will need to fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documentation to the PHA's office.
The documentation required for your Section 8 application may vary depending on the PHA, but typically includes proof of income, proof of residency, and identification documents for all household members. You may also be required to provide information about any criminal history.
When filling out the Section 8 application, be sure to provide accurate and complete information. Double-check your application for errors or omissions before submitting it. Be sure to include all household members on the application, even if they are not included in your income calculations.
Keep in mind there may be a waiting list for Section 8 housing in Tennessee, and the waiting time may vary depending on the area and the demand for assistance. Once your application is approved, you will be placed on the waiting list and notified when a voucher becomes available.
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.
The length of time you can expect to be on the waiting list for Section 8 in Tennessee varies depending on several factors, including the number of vouchers available, the demand for assistance in your area, and your household's eligibility for the program. In some areas, the waiting list may be several years long, while in others, the wait time may be shorter. It's important to keep your contact information up to date with the housing authority to ensure that you receive notification when a voucher becomes available.
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.
Other Low Income Housing Options in Tennessee
In addition to the Section 8 program, there are other low income housing programs in Tennessee that may be available to eligible individuals and families. Here is some information about these programs:
Some other low income housing programs in Tennessee include public housing, which is owned and operated by local housing authorities, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides assistance with heating and cooling costs for eligible households. There are also non-profit organizations and community development corporations that provide affordable housing options for low income families.
While the Section 8 program provides rental assistance to eligible individuals and families, public housing provides actual housing units to eligible tenants. LIHEAP provides assistance with energy costs but does not provide housing. Non-profit organizations and community development corporations may provide a variety of housing options, including rental units and homeownership opportunities.
While there may be waiting lists for Section 8 and public housing in Tennessee, there are some low income housing options that do not have waiting lists. For example, some non-profit organizations and community development corporations may have units available for immediate occupancy. These organizations may also offer rental units with lower income requirements than Section 8 or public housing.
It's important to explore all of your options when searching for affordable housing in Tennessee. While Section 8 may be a good option for some families, there may be other programs or organizations that can provide the housing and assistance you need.
Conclusion
If you are in need of affordable housing in Tennessee, we encourage you to explore all of your options and to contact your local housing authority for more information. It's important to be patient during the application and approval process and to follow up with the housing authority if you have any questions or concerns.
Additional resources for affordable housing in Tennessee include non-profit organizations, community development corporations, and other state and federal programs. To learn more about these resources, you can visit the Tennessee Housing Development Agency website.
We hope that this article has provided helpful information about Section 8 housing in Tennessee and other low income housing options. With the right resources and support, you can find safe, affordable housing that meets your needs.
