The New Mexico Guide to Section 8 Housing

In New Mexico, where culture, history, and diverse landscapes converge, many families live at or below the poverty line. Because of the state’s sluggish economy, the pursuit of affordable housing is a fundamental concern for many residents.

The New Mexico state government recognizes the importance of providing housing solutions, and one such avenue is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. This comprehensive guide demystifies Section 8 in New Mexico, shedding light on the application process, eligibility criteria, and the array of benefits the program offers.

What Is Section 8 Housing in New Mexico?

Section 8 refers to the Housing Choice Voucher Program, a federal initiative designed to assist low-income individuals and families secure safe and affordable housing.  It bridges the gap between rental costs in the private market and what low-income households can afford to pay. 

Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this program provides eligible participants with rental assistance vouchers they can use to offset part of their monthly rent payments. In New Mexico, local public housing authorities implement the program.

What Is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in New Mexico?

HUD uses the Fair Market Rent as a guideline for determining the maximum subsidy Section 8 in New Mexico will pay. To set the FMR, HUD conducts market surveys to collect data on rental housing units in a particular area. They then analyze the data to determine the typical rent prices for different bedroom sizes.

According to the Albuquerque Public Housing Authority, most participants pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income toward rent and utilities. In New Mexico, the median price of renting a house or apartment is $1,649 per month. Actual rents for specific units may vary, and families may choose to rent units with rents above the FMR, but they would be responsible for covering the extra cost.

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What Are the New Mexico Section 8 Housing Requirements?

The local public housing authority that administers the program in each area sets the standards. However, some common eligibility criteria for Section 8 in New Mexico generally apply. Here are the key requirements:

• Income limits: Your household income must be below a certain threshold

• Citizenship status: Eligible participants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status

• Background checks: The housing authority will conduct background checks on all adult household members

• Rental history: Applicants must have a satisfactory rental history, including no evictions for drug-related criminal activity

• Family composition: The size and composition of your household help determine eligibility and the number of bedrooms the vouchers allow

What Are the Income Limits for Housing Assistance Programs in New Mexico?

The median income for households in New Mexico is $58,722 but it varies across the state. HUD sets the maximum eligibility income up to 80% of the median local income, but local housing authorities usually set it at 50%.

Even if you earn more than the allowable limit, you still may be eligible for Section 8 in New Mexico. HUD allows for the following deductions from income:

• A standard deduction for all family types
• An allowance for dependents and childcare expenses
• A deduction for elderly or disabled family members
• A reduction for certain medical expenses

The specific rules and calculations may vary, and HUD periodically updates its guidelines. HUD also sometimes allows for an earned income disregard, which means they do not count a portion of a family's earned income in the calculation, encouraging employment.

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How Long Does it Take To Get Approved for Section 8 in New Mexico?

Even under the most ideal circumstances, expect to wait weeks or months before learning whether officials have approved your application and moved it to a waiting list. Staff must conduct interviews with your former employers and landlords, as well as representatives of organizations such as the Department of Social Services, the Social Security Administration, and Veterans Affairs.

The public housing authority will contact you when they have processed your application. Be sure they have the most up-to-date contact information and that you inform them if you move or change telephone numbers.

How To Qualify for Section 8 in New Mexico

If you want to improve your chances of receiving Section 8 benefits, be aware of the income limits set by the public housing authority in your area and work to keep your income within the eligibility thresholds. The consistency of your financial situation also impacts your eligibility, so maintain a stable source of income, whether through employment, Social Security benefits, or other lawful sources.

Another step you can take is to resolve any disputes with your current or past landlord. Making an effort to be a conscientious tenant will improve your case when officials ask what kind of tenant you have been.

How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in New Mexico

Each public housing authority sets its own rules for how it accepts applications. For example, the Albuquerque Public Housing Authority accepts pre-applications each year only during June. It uses a third party to place applications in a random order and selects the ones at the top to start the screening process.

The Albuquerque PHA requires that people apply online, but other housing authorities may prefer that you mail a paper-based application. Find out what your local PHA’s policies are and then prepare to apply by gathering information such as the name, birth date, and social security number of each member of your household.

Can I Transfer My Section 8 Voucher to New Mexico?

If you already receive housing vouchers and are considering a move, it may be possible for you to receive Section 8 in New Mexico. Vouchers are portable between any of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Although transfers are legal, they are not always feasible. To initiate a transfer, begin by contacting your local housing authority and the one in the part of New Mexico where you want to live. Officials there can tell you whether there is availability and what your next steps should be.

Can I Buy a House With a Section 8 Voucher in New Mexico?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program allows families to use their housing assistance for mortgage payments on a home they own, rather than for rent. This program is not available everywhere and it is only for families who meet the following requirements:

• Are first-time homebuyers who have received Section 8 rental vouchers for at least one year
• Complete self-sufficiency and homeowner counseling programs
• Make a minimum down payment of 3% of the purchase price, with at least $500 coming from their own savings
• Work at least 30 hours per week unless age or disability prevents doing so

What Are the Public Housing Authorities in New Mexico?

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HUD is the federal organization that oversees Section 8 throughout the country, but each state has a varying number of local housing authorities. New Mexico has 36 PHAs, with some taking care of public housing only in certain cities and others in entire counties. 

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority is another state agency that collaborates with PHAs in managing Section 8 in New Mexico. It is important to submit a Section 8 application to the housing authority that governs the area where you want to live.

New Mexico Waiting List for Section 8 Housing

Because the need for safe and affordable housing is so great in New Mexico, most public housing authorities operate waiting lists for services. Being on a waiting list means that your application is in a certain place in line. As new vouchers become available or families leave the program, your application will eventually reach the head of the line and the PHA will contact you for an interview.

Officials will sometimes move applications closer to the top of the waiting list if a family meets certain criteria. Examples of these criteria might include living in unsafe conditions or fleeing from violence or human trafficking

Is Emergency Housing Assistance Available in New Mexico?

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The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority works with regional charities to provide emergency help for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These non-profit organizations include Catholic Charities, Enlace Communitario, Hope Works, and many others. New Mexico residents can dial 211 to speak to someone about resources in their area.

Pursuing Section 8 in New Mexico

If you want to apply for Section 8 in New Mexico, use this guide to get started with the process. You can also visit HUDHousingNetwork for other resources, including links to open waiting lists.