The Arizona Guide to Section 8 Housing
Arizona’s housing affordability crisis has intensified, with over 29% of renter households classified as cost-burdened in 2023, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Rapid population growth in urban areas such as Phoenix and Tucson, coupled with rising rents, has placed significant pressure on low-income families seeking affordable housing options.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a critical resource for eligible low-income individuals and families in Arizona, bridging the gap between housing costs and financial limitations. In this guide, you’ll learn about Section 8 in Arizona, including its eligibility requirements, application process, and tips for navigating waiting lists in high-demand areas.
What is Section 8 Housing in Arizona
Section 8 Housing refers to the Housing Choice Voucher Program, a federal initiative aimed at assisting low-income individuals and families in accessing housing. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program operates in collaboration with local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to provide rental subsidies to eligible participants.
Arizona’s Section 8 program enables participants to choose housing in the private rental market, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. The program subsidizes a portion of the rent, allowing participants to secure housing in areas they might not otherwise afford.
What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Arizona?
The maximum amount that Section 8 will pay in Arizona, also known as the payment standard or fair market rent, varies depending on several factors, including the location within the state, family size and local market conditions. The payment standard is determined by the PHA in each jurisdiction.
In Arizona, each PHA establishes its own payment standards based on the prevailing rental market in its area. These standards typically reflect the fair market rent for different sizes of housing units. The fair market rent is the amount determined by HUD to be reasonable for rent in a particular housing market.
Fair Market Rent
The HUD Section 8 program pays rents for low-income households directly to private landlords. The Housing Authority of Arizona will pay about 70% of a tenant’s rent, while the tenant will pay the other 30%. Fair Market Rents generally determine the maximum rent that a Section 8 landlord will be allowed to charge their residents. The table below shows current fair market rents for Arizona.
What are the Arizona Section 8 Housing Requirements?
Section 8 in Arizona has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to qualify for assistance. HUD establishes these requirements, and they are administered by PHAs.
- Income Limits: Household income must fall below limits set by the PHA, based on family size and area median income.
- Citizenship or Immigration Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status, with supporting documentation required.
- Background Check: All household members undergo background checks. Certain criminal convictions may affect eligibility.
- Rental History: A satisfactory rental history is required, including compliance with past lease agreements.
- Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside within the PHA’s jurisdiction or meet other local residency criteria.
- Program Compliance: Participants must follow program rules, such as reporting changes in income or household composition.
What are the Income Limits for Housing Assistance Programs in Arizona?
Income limits for Section 8 in Arizona are determined as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by county or metropolitan area. These limits, updated annually by HUD, ensure that housing assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations. For instance, Maricopa County (Phoenix area) has higher AMI thresholds compared to Cochise County or Navajo County.
Income Limit
Income Limits are maximum income limits allowed based on household size. The following limits were established by HUD for low income households to be eligible for housing assistance in Arizona for 2024.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Arizona?
The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 in Arizona can vary depending on several factors. Factors such as the PHA's workload, funding availability and local demand for housing assistance can influence the overall timeline for approval. It is important to note that these timelines for approval are estimates, and actual processing times may vary.
Urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson often have waiting lists that exceed 18-24 months, while smaller cities may have shorter waits but fewer available vouchers. Applicants are advised to submit complete applications with all required documents, follow up regularly with their local PHA, and be prepared for periodic updates or requests for additional information.
How To Qualify for Section 8 in Arizona
To qualify for Section 8 in Arizona, individuals and families must meet specific eligibility criteria established by HUD and their PHA. In addition to income requirements, applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals or have eligible immigration status. Documentation of citizenship or immigration status is typically required.
Applicants and all members of the household must also undergo a background check. Certain criminal convictions may affect eligibility, and PHAs have the discretion to deny assistance based on criminal history.
Additionally, applicants should have a satisfactory rental history. Those applying should have met past rental obligations and not have been convicted from subsidized housing in the past.
How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in Arizona
To begin the application process, those seeking housing should connect with their PHA. Applicants should determine which agency oversees the Section 8 program in their specific area in Arizona. Contact the PHA to gather essential information on eligibility criteria, income limits and documentation requirements.
Secure a Section 8 application form from the PHA. This can typically be done online through the PHA's website or by visiting their office in person. Applicants should make sure they have access to all necessary documents, such as proof of income and citizenship or eligible immigration status.
Take the time to fill out the application form accurately and thoroughly. Provide all requested information, include the required documentation and submit the completed application to the PHA by the specified deadline. Be aware of the submission method preferred by the PHA, whether it be online, in person or by mail.
Following submission, applications undergo a thorough review by the PHA. This process may take several weeks to a few months. If deemed eligible, applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
Can I transfer my Section 8 Voucher to Arizona?
It is generally possible to transfer a Section 8 voucher to Arizona, but there are specific steps and considerations involved in the process. Those seeking a transfer should begin by contacting their current PHA where their Section 8 voucher is currently administered. Notify them of the intent to move and inquire about the process for transferring the voucher.
Those who want to receive housing benefits from Section 8 in Arizona should inform their current PHA that they would like to exercise the right to portability. Portability allows Section 8 voucher holders to move to a different jurisdiction, such as another state, while retaining their rental assistance.
Can I Buy a House with a Section 8 Voucher in Arizona?
A Section 8 voucher cannot be used to purchase a house in Arizona or any other location. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is designed to assist eligible individuals and families with rental assistance, not homeownership.
Those interested in homeownership should look into other housing assistance programs and initiatives that focus on providing support for homebuyers. These programs are distinct from Section 8, and eligibility criteria, benefits and processes may vary.
What are the Public Housing Authorities in Arizona?
Arizona is home to several PHAs that administer housing programs, including the Section 8 in Arizona program. This includes determining eligibility, issuing vouchers and overseeing the landlord-tenant relationship.
In cases where demand exceeds the available resources, PHAs maintain waiting lists for housing programs. They manage these lists, prioritizing applicants based on factors such as income, family size and special needs.
HUD Housing Authorities Serving Arizona
Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 194 Units Available in the Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation. These Low-inco...
Arizona Department of Housing
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 189 Units Available in the Arizona Department of Housing. These Low-income Housi...
Chandler Housing & Redevelopment Division
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 789 Units Available in the Chandler Housing & Redevelopment Division. These Low-...
City of Glendale Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 1229 Units Available in the City of Glendale Housing Authority. These Low-income...
City of Mesa Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 1780 Units Available in the City of Mesa Housing Authority. These Low-income Hou...
City of Phoenix Housing Department
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 8582 Units Available in the City of Phoenix Housing Department. These Low-income...
Douglas Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 193 Units Available in the Douglas Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing U...
Eloy Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 209 Units Available in the Eloy Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Unit...
Flagstaff Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 746 Units Available in the Flagstaff Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing...
Gila County Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 53 Units Available in the Gila County Housing Authority. These Low-income Housin...
Arizona Waiting List for Section 8 Housing
The waiting list for Section 8 housing in Arizona is managed by individual PHAs in various cities and counties across the state. Each PHA maintains its own waiting list, and the length of the waiting list can vary based on factors such as demand for assistance, available funding and local housing market conditions.
To find information about the Section 8 waiting list in a specific area of Arizona, applicants will need to contact the relevant PHA that serves that location. Waiting lists for Section 8 in Arizona can be quite lengthy due to high demand.
PHAs often prioritize applicants based on factors such as income, family size and housing need. Additionally, waiting lists may close periodically when they reach capacity, and they reopen as spots become available.
Is Emergency Housing Assistance Available in Arizona?
Emergency housing assistance is available in Arizona through various programs and organizations. These programs provide temporary relief and support to individuals and families facing immediate housing crises.
Many cities and communities in Arizona have emergency shelters that provide short-term housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These shelters often offer a safe and supportive environment, meals and basic necessities.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Arizona may also offer emergency housing assistance as part of their services. These agencies work to address the needs of low-income individuals and families, including those facing housing difficulties.
Emergency Rental Assistance Serving Arizona
Arizona Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Program Type: State
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Chandler Community Action Program
Program Type: City
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Gilbert Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program
Program Type: City
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Glendale COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance Program
Program Type: City
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Maricopa County Emergency Rental Assistance
Program Type: County
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Mesa Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program
Program Type: City
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Phoenix City Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program
Program Type: City
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Relief Program
Program Type: County
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Yuma County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Program Type: County
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
A Final Word on Section 8 in Arizona
Section 8 in Arizona plays an important role in providing affordable housing assistance to eligible individuals and families. While the approval process may vary based on factors such as the local PHA’s procedures and demand for assistance, it remains a valuable resource for those seeking financial support while securing decent and safe housing.
Our information about low-income housing can be a helpful resource for those seeking affordable housing options through Section 8 and other programs.
