PUBLIC HOUSING

Q: What is "Public Housing" ?
A: For a description of Public Housing click here to visit the US Housing and Urban Developement web site.

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SECTION 8

Q: How do I contact the Wilmington Housing Authority Section 8 Department ?
A: You may call our office at 910-341-7727. You may also come
to our offices located at 1524 South, 16th Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.

Q: How long is the waiting list ?
A: We are required to go by date and time of application and approximately 1 1/2
to 2 years is the current waiting period.

Q: Do you have priorities ?
A: We recognize the local preferences of domestic violence, elderly / disabled
and substandard housing. Financially all families need help so date and time
determines who will be next on the waiting list for all families.

Q: Where do I apply for Section 8 ?
A: To file an application, you will need to complete forms at
the application office located at 1524 South 16th Street, Monday thru Thursday,
8:30am-11:30am and 1:00pm-3:30pm.

Q: How long does it take to get approval ?
A: After the update interview, the length of time can be one
week to three weeks depending on back up of applications, time involved on
return of income verification and necessary documentation and the availability
of counseling times.

Q: After approval, What's next ?
A: You will be scheduled for group orientation with a Housing
Counselor to explain the program and issue you your voucher when one becomes
available.

Q: What is a "Request for tenancy approval" ?
A: From the date of your orientation, you will be given 60 days
to find a house, apartment or mobile home in New Hanover County. Once you
select your unit, a "Request for tenancy approval" form will need
to be signed by the owner and yourself and returned to the Section 8 office.
This will initiate an inspection.

Q: Inspection ?
A: A time frame of up to 15 days is allowed to complete an inspection
to determine if the Housing Quality Standards are met. After a "pass"
has been given, a lease will be drawn up after obtaining the move in date
and subsidy will start.

Q: Lease and Contract ?
A: After the unit passes inspection and the rent has been approved,
the landlord and tenant enter into a lease. The Housing Authority and the Landlord
sign a Housing Assistance Payments Contract through which the rent is assisted
on behalf of the tenant.

Q: Who pays the rent ?
A: The tenant pays 30% of their monthly income towards rent,
but not more than 40% of the adjusted income. The Housing Authority pays the
difference between the tenant rent and the contracted rent amount directly
to the landlord.

Q: Processing period ?
A: There will be approximately a two week processing period
prior to the landlord receiving the first HAP check from the Wilmington Housing Authority.
After the first check, as long as the tenant is eligible for Section 8 assistance,
checks are mailed out so that the landlord will receive their check on the first of each month.

Q: Can a landlord collect a security deposit ?
A: YES, within State guidelines, up to one months rent.

Q: Late fees ?
A: Maximum late fee is 5% of the rent or 25%.