What disqualifies you from public housing in Michigan?

Asked by: Mrs. Tess Green IV  |  Last update: June 22, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (35 votes)

A subsidized housing provider might disqualify you from getting subsidized housing or a voucher for a number of reasons. These reasons include poor rent and utility payment history, and a record of drug-related or violent criminal activity.

What criminal charges disqualify you from Section 8 in Michigan?

You MIGHT be rejected if the background check reveals… Drug-related crimes; • Violent crimes; or • Other crimes that could threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the building by other residents or PHA employees. The PHA will look at arrests and convictions that occurred within the past 5 years.

Who qualifies for housing assistance in Michigan?

To qualify for Section 8 assistance, your household must qualify under “very low-income” or “extremely low-income” according to the income limits that HUD defines. Overall, “very low” income households earn half of the median income for the area they live in.

What disqualifies you from income based housing?

Exceeding income limits, having a negative rental history, a criminal record or previous violations of certain rules can make it difficult to receive support. It's important to understand what disqualifies you from HUD housing as you apply for the assistance you and your family need.

What is the difference between Section 8 and housing voucher?

What's the difference between Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing? Someone receiving Public Housing assistance must live in one of AHA's communities or high-rises. Someone receiving a Section 8 voucher rents a privately owned unit, and gets help with their rent.

What disqualifies you from getting Section 8?

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What makes you not eligible for housing?

Landlords want proof of your income being a certain amount so they know you are able to pay rent. (2) CRIMINAL RECORD: For almost all kinds of housing, specific kinds of criminal convictions may disqualify you from applying, or at least make it harder for you to get accepted as a tenant.

How often does the HUD check your income for Section 8?

Every household that receives housing assistance must undergo a periodic income and eligibility reexamination. Reviews are conducted annually and at every change in income.

What is the income rule for housing?

Embracing the 30% rule can help your budget stay balanced

The 30% rule advises consumers spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on their mortgage or rent payments, leaving wiggle room in case of unexpected expenses, job loss, family planning, and other goals.

How can I get immediate assistance for rent?

Call 211 or search for state and local emergency rental assistance programs. Your state or local agency may refer you to a community or nonprofit organization that can help if you do not qualify for a government program.

How long is the waiting list for low income housing in Michigan?

About 53,900 Michiganders use the choice vouchers, but application windows are often closed because Section 8 waitlists stretch for years. High demand and low supply mean Michiganders wait an average of 26 months to get a housing voucher, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Is Michigan getting rid of Section 8?

Yep, that's right. Michigan halted its Housing Choice Voucher program in September of 2024 due to a federal funding shortfall. About 85,000 people remain on the waitlist, but without new vouchers being issued, many of those low-income families needing help are left in limbo.

Can a convicted felon get housing assistance?

HUD does not have a blanket policy that prohibits persons with felonies from being an applicant or participant in the Public Housing program or Housing Choice Voucher program.

What charges disqualify you?

A conviction for a serious offense, such as fraud, theft, violence, or drug-related crimes, may raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and potential risks to the workplace (especially workplace safety), ultimately resulting in disqualification from the hiring process.

Can felons get apartments in Michigan?

Although there are no Michigan or federal laws prohibiting landlords from rejecting housing applicants because of a past criminal record, there have been federal guidelines since 2016 saying a "blanket prohibition" against all prospective tenants with criminal records that doesn't consider an individual's circumstances ...

Does Section 8 check your bank account?

Asset documentation: Bank statements showing current balances of all assets like savings and checking accounts, retirement accounts, and investments. These help the local housing assistance program determine compliance with asset rules.

How long does it take to get public housing?

Two years and one month, on average, in 2023. That's a 42.1% increase since 2009, when recipients spent one year and six months on waiting lists before moving in to subsidized housing.

What income is excluded from Section 8?

(c) Annual income does not include the following: (1) Income from employment of children (including foster children) under the age of 18 years; (2) Payments received for the care of foster children or foster adults (usually persons with disabilities, unrelated to the tenant family, who are unable to live alone);

What disqualifies you from HUD housing for Section 8 near?

HUD prohibits participation in the Section 8 housing program to any registered sex offender and to anyone convicted of making methamphetamines in public housing. Section 8 requires all applicants to undergo a background check. This includes verifying your rental history, criminal record, and other relevant information.

Why am I getting denied for apartments?

Here are some common reasons rental applications are denied: Inadequate or incorrect income. Credit history. Something in the background check.

What happens after a public housing interview?

If the HA determines that you are eligible, your name will be put on a waiting list, unless the HA is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the HA will contact you.

What's the most Section 8 will pay?

The maximum housing assistance is generally the lesser of the payment standard minus 30% of the family's monthly adjusted income or the gross rent for the unit minus 30% of monthly adjusted income.

How do you qualify for Section 8 property?

How to Get your Property Approved for Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program
  1. Step 1: Fill Out Section 8 Paperwork with Your Local PHA. ...
  2. Step 2: Schedule a PHA Inspection. ...
  3. Step 3: Market Your Section 8 Property. ...
  4. Step 4: Maintain Your Property for Annual Re-Inspections.