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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Section 8
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A quick definition of Section 8:
Section 8 is a program that helps families with low income to rent a home. The government gives money to the program, and it is managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Public Housing Agencies. Families must meet certain requirements to participate, such as being a US citizen or having eligible immigration status and not making more than 50% of the median income for their area. Families can choose where to live, as long as the home meets certain health and safety standards. The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, and the family pays the rest. Families can also use the program to buy a modest home or move to a new home without losing the subsidy.
A more thorough explanation:
Section 8 is a program that helps low-income families rent housing in the private market. It is funded by the federal government and administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Public Housing Agencies (PHA) at the state and local level.
To be eligible for the program, families must have a total annual gross income that does not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which they choose to live. They must also be US citizens or have eligible immigration status.
Participants can choose to live in single-family homes, townhouses, or apartments that meet the program requirements. The PHA will advise participants on the size of the housing unit based on their family size and composition. The housing unit must meet health and safety standards set by the PHA.
When a participant finds a housing unit and agrees on lease terms with the landlord, the PHA will inspect the property and determine if the rent is reasonable. The PHA will establish a rent payment standard based on the local housing market. The participant will pay 30% of their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and public utilities. The PHA will pay the housing subsidy directly to the landlord on behalf of the participant.
Under special circumstances, the PHA may authorize a participant to use the subsidy to purchase a modest home. The PHA may also authorize a participant to move to another acceptable housing without losing the subsidy, provided they notify the PHA and legally terminate their existing lease.
For example, if a family of four in Los Angeles has an annual gross income of $30,000, they may be eligible for Section 8. They can choose to rent a two-bedroom apartment that meets the program requirements. The PHA will establish a rent payment standard based on the local housing market, and the family will pay 30% of their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and public utilities. The PHA will pay the housing subsidy directly to the landlord on behalf of the family.