A list of the programs with these policies can be found below.
The Section 8 HCV program provides tenants with a rental subsidy voucher that they can use to rent apartments from private landlords. Program participants pay 30% to 40% of the household's monthly income towards rent, and the rest is paid to the landlord by the PHA that administers the voucher. The HCV program allows tenants the freedom to rent any unit that meets the program's physical condition and cost guidelines.
For more information about how to apply for public housing, see Affordable Housing Online's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Guide.
The Public Housing program supports affordable rental apartment communities and scattered homes and apartments (known as "scattered sites") that are owned and operated by PHAs. The PHAs receive an operating subsidy for these apartments that allows tenants to pay a lower rent. Public Housing tenants pay either 1) 10% of their monthly gross income (minus exclusions), 2) 30% of their monthly adjusted income gross income minus exclusions and deductions) or 3) a minimum rent of between $0 and $50 established by each housing authority independently.
For more information about how to apply for public housing, read Affordable Housing Online's Public Housing Guide.
Administered by HUD, the Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance program provides affordable apartment communities that are owned by private landlords, both nonprofit and for-profit. It provides landlords with a subsidy so that tenants pay for rent either 1) 10% of their monthly gross income (minus exclusions), 2) 30% of their monthly adjusted income gross income minus exclusions and deductions) or 3) a minimum rent of between $0 and $50 established by each housing authority independently.
Although this program was repealed in 1991, projects still exist with Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation contracts. These properties receive project-based rental assistance that allows tenants to pay 30% to 40% of their household income for rent.
The Section 202 program provides development capital and rental subsidies for apartment communities serving low-income seniors.
The Section 811 program provides similar resources for developing and operating properties serving disabled adults.
The Section 221(d)(3) and Section 236 programs provide mortgage guarantees that provide favorable financing for low-income rental developments making it possible for owners to charge lower rents.
Shelter Plus Care and the Supportive Housing Program provide support for homeless shelters and transitional housing.