Section 8 Rental Assistance

Who is eligible for the program?

Eligibility is based on your household income and size. You must also be a U.S. citizen or meet eligible non-citizen status requirements. Any rental unit must pass minimum housing quality standards.

What are the income limits?

Your household income must generally be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for this area.

Can I apply if I have a criminal history?

Having a criminal history does not automatically disqualify you from applying for assistance. As part of the update process, you may be required to provide documentation regarding your criminal history and current circumstances. Each application is reviewed in accordance with program requirements and eligibility criteria, and certain criminal convictions may affect eligibility for assistance.

How long is the wait for assistance?

The estimated wait time is about 20 months from the date and time you apply. This may change depending on funding and program availability.

Can I apply if I’ve received assistance before?

Yes. You may apply again. If you owe money to any Public Housing Authority (PHA), you must have an active repayment agreement in place before assistance can be approved.

Can I apply if I own real estate or property?

Yes, you may still be eligible to apply. Owning real estate does not automatically disqualify you; however, all assets, including property, will be reviewed as part of the eligibility process. The value of the property and any income it generates may be considered when determining your eligibility.

Can I apply for Section 8 if I don’t have children?

Yes. The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program is open to eligible individuals and families, including single adults, couples, seniors, and people with disabilities. Having children is not required to apply or qualify.

Do I need income to apply for Section 8?

No, you can apply even if you do not currently have income. If selected, your income will be reviewed to determine eligibility and rent contribution. While income is not required to apply, having a source of income is encouraged to help meet your portion of the rent and any applicable utility costs.

Kansas Tenant Handbook

A comprehensive guide to tenant rights, responsibilities, and applicable housing laws in the State of Kansas. Copies are available upon request by contacting the Pittsburg Public Housing Authority at 620-232-1210.

Household Size – 1 person

$30,000

Household Size – 2 person

$34,300

Household Size – 3 person

$38,600

Household Size – 4 person

$42,850

Household Size – 5 person

$46,300

Household Size – 6 person

$49,750

Household Size – 7 person

$53,150

Household Size – 8 person

$56,600

Bedroom Size – Efficiency

Payment Standard – $750 – Fair Market Rent – $682

Bedroom Size – 1 Bedroom

Payment Standard – $755 – Fair Market Rent – $687

Bedroom Size – 2 Bedroom

Payment Standard – $991 – Fair Market Rent – $901

Bedroom Size – 3 Bedroom

Payment Standard – $1,378 – Fair Market Rent – $1,253

Bedroom Size – 4 Bedroom

Payment Standard – $1,586 – Fair Market Rent – $1,511

Prepare Your Unit

Make sure your property meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS/NSPIRE) and is ready for inspection. Address common issues in advance to avoid delays or failed inspections and help pass on the first inspection.

List Your Property

Advertise your unit as available for voucher holders and set a rent that aligns with local market rates and program guidelines.

Screen and Select Tenants

Screen applicants and select a tenant while following fair housing laws and agreeing on lease terms.

Complete Required Paperwork

Submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) and other required documents. Make sure the RFTA is fully completed with accurate information to prevent delays.

Schedule an Inspection

Ensure the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS/NSPIRE). Be sure the unit is fully prepared before scheduling the inspection to avoid delays or reinspection.

Sign the Contract

Execute the lease and Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract.

Understand Payments and Next Steps

Learn how Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are issued and what to expect after leasing, including ongoing maintenance and communication with the housing authority.

Submit Rent Increase Requests

Request rent adjustments in accordance with program guidelines (60-day notice required).

Update Landlord Information

Report changes to ownership, contact details, or payment information (W-9/ACH).

Inspection Requests and Results

Schedule inspections, review results, and address any deficiencies.

Maintaining Your Unit

Landlords are responsible for maintaining the unit, responding to repair requests in a timely manner, and conducting regular self-checks, which are recommended to ensure ongoing compliance with program standards.

Report Violations or Unit Changes

Notify the PHA of any lease violation notices and report when a tenant vacates the unit, including cases where the tenant leaves without notice.

Contact and Support

Please contact our team at the Pittsburg Public Housing Authority at 620-232-1210.

How is rent determined and approved?

Rent must be reasonable compared to similar unassisted units in the area. The Housing Authority conducts a rent reasonableness review and ensures the amount complies with program regulations before approval.

What are my responsibilities as a landlord?

Landlords are responsible for maintaining the unit in compliance with HUD’s NSPIRE standards, completing necessary repairs in a timely manner, adhering to lease terms, and complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

What inspections are required?

Units must pass an initial inspection prior to move-in and are subject to annual inspections. Landlords must address any cited deficiencies within the required timeframe to remain in compliance. It is also recommended that landlords conduct periodic self-inspections to proactively identify and correct potential issues between scheduled inspections.

How and when are payments made?

Approved Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are issued monthly, typically via direct deposit. Payments begin after the HAP contract is executed and the tenant has taken occupancy. Payments are generally issued by the 5th of each month, unless a holiday or non-business day causes a delay.

Can I screen tenants?

Yes. Landlords retain the right to screen applicants using their standard criteria, provided screening practices comply with fair housing laws and are applied consistently.

What happens if a tenant fails to pay their portion of the rent?

Tenants are responsible for paying their assigned portion directly to the landlord. Failure to pay constitutes a lease violation, and landlords must follow their standard lease enforcement procedures, in accordance with applicable laws.

When can I request a rent increase?

Rent increase requests may typically be submitted after the initial lease term, in accordance with program policies. A minimum 60-day written notice is required for all rent increase requests. All requests are subject to review for rent reasonableness and regulatory compliance.

What should I do if maintenance issues arise?

Landlords are required to address routine and emergency maintenance issues promptly. Failure to maintain the unit may result in abatement of payments or termination of the HAP contract.

Can I terminate a lease with a voucher holder?

Yes, but termination must be for good cause and in compliance with lease terms and applicable laws. Proper notice must be provided to both the tenant and the Housing Authority.

What happens if a tenant is terminated from the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program?

If a tenant is terminated from the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, this does not affect their legal occupancy of the unit under the lease agreement. The lease remains in effect, and the tenant becomes responsible for the full contract rent previously supported by the Housing Authority. Landlords must continue to follow standard lease enforcement procedures in accordance with applicable laws.

What is the HAP contract?

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract is a legally binding agreement between the landlord and the Housing Authority outlining the terms of subsidy payments and program compliance requirements.

Who do I contact for assistance or questions?

Landlords should contact the Pittsburg Public Housing Authority for support regarding inspections, payments, compliance, or tenant-related concerns at 620-232-1210.

Kansas Landlords Handbook

For a copy of the Kansas Landlord Handbook, please contact the Housing Office at 620-232-1210, and staff will be happy to assist you.

How to Apply

Connect with a partner agency to begin the referral process.

Partner Agencies

Find local organizations that can submit referrals and provide support.

Eligibility Requirements

After referral, eligibility is reviewed based on program criteria and household needs.

Required Documents

Review the documents needed after referral to verify eligibility.

Additional Questions

Please contact our team at the Pittsburg Public Housing Authority at 620-232-1210 about the Stability Vouchers and the referral process.

How to Apply

Learn how to connect with a referring agency to begin the process.

Partner Agencies

Find organizations that provide referrals and supportive services for youth.

Eligibility Requirements

After referral, eligibility is reviewed based on age, foster care status, and program criteria.

Required Documents

Review the documents needed after referral to verify eligibility and program requirements.

Program Benefits

Understand the rental assistance and services available to support independent living.

Additional Questions

Please contact our team at the Pittsburg Public Housing Authority at 620-232-1210 about the FYI Vouchers and the referral process.

Additional Questions

Please contact our team at the Pittsburg Public Housing Authority at 620-232-1210 about the TBRA Security Deposit Assistance program.

Additional Questions

Please contact our team at the Pittsburg Public Housing Authority at 620-232-1210 about the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program.