Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
What is the Section 8 Program?
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered locally by Iowa Northland Regional Housing Authority (INRHA).
Participants receive a voucher that subsidizes a portion of their rent. The participant pays the difference between the actual rent and the amount subsidized by the program. Participants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program.
INRHA serves Bremer, Butler, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Grundy, and Black Hawk counties (excluding the cities of Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Evansdale).
Eligibility Requirements
- Income must be at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) for your county
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Must not owe money to a previous housing authority
- Must have a Social Security Number (or apply for one)
- Must meet family composition requirements
How the Program Works
Apply for the Waitlist
Submit an application to be placed on the Section 8 waiting list. Due to high demand, there may be a wait before a voucher becomes available.
Receive Your Voucher
When your name reaches the top of the list and a voucher is available, you will be contacted via postal mail to complete the intake process. As long as the family is determined eligible based on criteria listed above, the family is issued a voucher.
Find a Unit
Search for a rental unit that meets HUD minimum housing quality standards. The unit must be approved by INRHA before you can move in and sign a lease.
INRHA Inspects the Unit
INRHA conducts an inspection to ensure the unit is safe, decent, and sanitary. The unit must pass inspection before any rental assistance can begin.
Sign the Lease
Once the unit passes inspection and rent is approved, you sign a lease with the landlord and a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract is executed.
Pay Your Portion
You pay a portion of the rent (and/or utilities) directly to the landlord and utility company (if applicable). INRHA pays the remainder directly to the landlord on your behalf each month.
Waiting List Notice
Due to high demand, INRHA's waiting list may have long wait times. Our waiting list is currently open to new applications. You may stop by the office to pick up an application outside our door, print one from the Preliminary Application link on the Documents page of this website and fax, mail or drop off in our secure drop box, or apply online at www.waitlistcheck.com/IA3085
Ready to get started?
Contact our office or visit the Applicants page to learn how to apply.