Section 8 Program Do's and Don'ts

The family must (Do’s):

• Supply any information that the Housing Authority (HA) or HUD determines to be necessary including evidence of citizenship or eligible immigration status.
• Disclose and verify social security numbers.
• Supply information to verify the family is or isn’t living in the unit.
• Promptly notify Housing Authority when family is away from the unit for an extended period of time. This will avoid the landlord and HA assuming your unit has been abandoned. The HA is not able to pay for storage while you are away without prior approval.
• Allow HA staff to inspect your unit.
• Use the assisted unit for residence by the family. The unit must be your PRIMARY place of residence. You are not able to rent two units while receiving rental assistance.
• Promptly notify HA of birth, adoption, or court-awarded custody of a child.
• Request approval to add any other family member as a member of your lease. This will result in a change of your rent.
• Promptly notify HA if any family member no longer lives in the unit.
• Promptly notify HA of owner eviction notice.
• Pay utility bills and rent when due as required by your lease, if applicable.

The family must not (Don’ts):

• Commit any serious or repeated lease violations.
• Commit fraud, bribery or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with the program.
• Engage in drug-related criminal activity or violent criminal activity that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of other residents and persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises.
• Sublease or sublet your unit.
• Receive one rental assistance program at a time (RAP/RAFS/S8).
• Damage the unit or premises. This includes your guests.
• Rent a unit from a relative of your household.
• Engage in abuse of alcohol that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the other residents and persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises.

Other things to remember:

• Any person who spends 50% or more of their time in the housing unit should be included on the lease. It is acceptable to have overnight guests not to exceed limits established on your lease agreement. (Section 8 allows 7 days).
• Notify your landlord/manager if maintenance is necessary. In the event the landlord/manager doesn’t make the repair in a timely manner, notify the HA.
• Never pay more than what your Contract requires. Do not make side-payments to your landlord. This is illegal and subject to termination and possible fraud charges.
• Security deposits: the landlord has 21 days from the date you vacate to return or notify you of reasons for withholding of your deposit. Remember this deposit is with interest.
• If you have been evicted or terminated from a rental assistance program previously you may not be eligible to receive assistance through our agency. The policy is denial for three years.
• The HA has the right to release any rental reference or information to landlords.
• If you are terminated or have been terminated from a rental assistance program you are NOT eligible for three years.

Failure to comply with program rules may result in:

1. Interruption and/or termination of rental assistance
2. Inability to participate in the program in the future
3. Eviction from your rental unit
4. Repayment of the rental assistance
5. Possible theft and fraud charges under state and federal law
6. A fine up to $10,000
7. Up to 5 years imprisonment

Cold Weather Rule – this rule only applies to your utilities not your RENT. Therefore, pay your rent to prevent your landlord from asking you to vacate your home in the winter.