Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a re-examination?

Generally, every 1-3 years Belmont is required to check program eligibility including income and household members. Because we use federal money to give households rental assistance, we must follow the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and requirements.

When is my next re-certification?

The month you recertify is generally the same month that your current lease started. We send the application to start the recertification process four months prior so that we can obtain all the necessary information to process your recertification. Check out the Assistance Connect Portal for the exact dates.

What counts as income?

Any earned income including but not limited to:

Employment Income
Social Service Assistance
Unemployment
Social Security
Disability

How long do I have to find a home once I receive my voucher?

When you receive your voucher, you have an initial term of 60-90 days from the issuance date to search for a rental unit to lease. You must request an extension from your Housing Specialist if you need additional time to search for a home.

My income decreased. How do I get my rent reduced?

If you’ve had a recent change in income, such as loss of employment or cash benefits, you must report the change to Belmont in writing. You can submit this notice online via the Assistance or mail it/bring it into the office. When you send in this request, you’ll need to show proof that your income has changed. Once this is received, your new rent amount will be calculated and communicated to you and your landlord.

I left my Housing Specialist a voicemail/email, when can I expect to get a call or email back?

Housing Specialists are working through their messages as quickly as possible, and it may take up to 2-3 business days to respond to your inquiry. If your Housing Specialist is out of the office, another staff member will cover the answering of their calls and/or emails.

How does paying for utilities work?

If utilities are not included in your rent, you must pay utility bills directly to the utility companies. Belmont will ESTIMATE your utility expense based on an average usage chart that is updated yearly.

If utilities are included in your rent, you pay only your portion of the rent to your landlord, and the utility costs are factored into the rent amount. Be sure to budget carefully to manage utility payments on time if you’re responsible for them!

My landlord is increasing my rent- now what?

Your landlord may request a rent increase after you have been in your apartment one year. If the rent request is made, your landlord is required to give you and Belmont a minimum written 60-day notice. Belmont will determine if the rent increase amount is reasonable based on HUD regulations and PHA Admin Plan. If Belmont approves the request, you will be notified of your new rental portion.

Can I move out of the area/state and keep my voucher?

Yes, if you are in good standing with Belmont. This means you may not be in an active repayment agreement with us, or currently facing termination a family may choose a unit anywhere in the United States where there is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) that administers a tenant-based housing choice voucher program. This process is called Portability. However, the family may only use the voucher to lease a unit in an area where the family income is eligible at admission to the program. The process of transferring your assistance to another agency will take more than 30 days. Be prepared for delays in your assistance.