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Section 8 Housing
What is Section 8 Housing?
 The Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment Program was established by the 1974 Housing and Community Act. It is administered by the Colorado Division of Housing. Its intent is to provide safe, decent, and sanitary rental housing.
Who qualifies for Section 8 Housing?
This federally funded program provides rental assistance in the form of a voucher to low and very-low income families, singles, senior citizens, disabled and handicapped individuals.
What happens after I submit a Section 8 initial application?
Upon receiving the application, the local housing authority will place the applicant on a waiting list in order of the local preference and application date. A preference or priority is given to eligible applicants for one of three reasons:
- Victim of violence, natural disaster, or government action
- Homeless
- Currently enrolled in an educational, training or upward mobility program and is in the process of meeting his/her goals
- Currently working
- Head of household or spouse is elderly or disabled
Qualified applicants will receive assistance on a first come, first served basis.
Eligibility is based on the income of the household and the number of people living in that household. The tenant's portion is generally thirty percent of the total gross income of the household. The Colorado Division of Housing will be responsible for the difference between the contract rent and the tenant's portion. The housing authority will determine the extent of assistance the tenant will receive and notify the owners as to the Colorado Division of Housing's portion of the contract rent.
Where can I live?
Eligible applicants will be issued a "Housing Choice Voucher." Holders are responsible for finding their own suitable housing based upon the size of their family and the requirements of the program. Holders may remain in their current dwelling if the unit is acceptable under program guidelines.
The owner is required to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to tenants at a reasonable rent. When a unit is located, the applicant and owner will request approval of the lease. The housing authority will then inspect the unit to ensure it meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS). If the unit, rent, and lease are acceptable, the applicant will sign a lease with the owner and the owner will sign a contract with the Colorado Division of Housing. Inspections are performed annually thereafter to ensure tenant's and owner's compliance with the Housing Quality Standards and lease provisions.
The owner has freedom of choice in his selection of tenants. He may perform credit checks as well as inquire about prior residency. And he is responsible for final tenant screening. |
