Housing subsidies are an important way for many members of our communities to access a stable, affordable, and accessible place to live.
Subsidies can be extremely hard to get. And if you’re lucky enough to be approved, challenges can still come up. Problems with a housing subsidy can lead to eviction and negative impacts on your credit score—not to mention the physical and mental toll. The lasting effects of losing a subsidy can also make it very hard to rent in the future.
This is why protecting your housing subsidy is vital. Check out these tips to keep things on the right track and your housing secure.
Disclaimer: This is provided for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice. Individual cases and circumstances vary widely, and the law is subject to change at any time. In our experience, however, these are tried and true best practices.
1. Always Pay On Time
It’s vital that you pay your portion of your rent on time, every time. Even if other bills are due, paying your rent should always come first. When you pay late, you will be charged late fees. Be sure to pay those, too—you can be evicted for not paying late fees.
If your housing is in bad shape or your landlord is difficult to deal with, keep paying your rent. Moving is more effective than withholding rent. And if your landlord won’t accept your rent for some reason, save it! Eventually you’ll have to pay back rent, often with little advanced notice.
2. Keep Your Paperwork
Subsidies and other assistance come with lots of paperwork. It can feel overwhelming at times. Be sure you’re keeping important documents organized and in a safe place. For housing subsidies, the most important documents to keep track of are your lease, notice of your rent portion, and annual recertification papers.
3. Report Changes Right Away
Remember that if your family size or income changes, your rent will also change. Be sure to update the agency right away with any changes so you don’t put your housing in jeopardy.
For houseguests, keep in mind that some agencies have limits on how long someone can stay with you. For instance, Chicago Housing Authority limits guests to 14 days at a time.
4. Stay in Touch with Subsidy Providers
Make a point to open mail from CHA, HUD, and your landlord right away—and make sure you do what it asks of you! If it’s been more than a year since you recertified, reach out and ask about it.
5. Plan Your Move
Moving is always a big project, but if you have a housing subsidy, it’s even more important to be prepared. Start saving money a few months before you plan to move. Even with a voucher, you’ll be responsible for security deposit, application and move-in fees, and other costs, and they can add up quickly.
Don’t forget that your moving papers will expire, so work to find a new apartment quickly. And while extensions are possible, they must be requested on time and aren’t guaranteed.
No matter the situation, do whatever you can to protect your subsidy. It’s the best way to protect yourself and ensure you have access to a stable, affordable, and accessible place to call home.
Are you or someone you love a person with a disability looking for support in finding independent, integrated housing? Learn more about how Access Living can help.