Why does the MDHA (Housing Agency) have a waiting list?
Since the demand for affordable housing, specifically federally-subsidized rental programs such as Section 8 and Public housing, usually exceeds available limited resources, MDHA, like other housing authorities, maintains a waiting list. Because of the volume of people who need housing assistance, MDHA periodically re-opens its waiting list for new applications. Note: submission of an application does not guarantee that housing will be offered. TOP
Why does the Housing Agency accept so many applications if there isn't enough housing?
Families in our subsidized rental housing programs (Section 8 and Public Housing) can remain in the program as long as they adhere to program rules and regulations. We generally have a small turnover of housing units on an annual basis and expect to offer housing to a small percentage of applicants who apply. The lottery allows anyone with the opportunity to apply, but does not guarantee that housing will be provided. TOP
I am only interested in Section 8 (or Public Housing). Why is there one application for both programs?
The single application is for the convenience of the applicants and allows for the applicant to be included on both waiting lists. TOP
Is the application only in English?
No, the application and instructions will be in English, Spanish and Creole. TOP
How does MDHA determine the ranking for the waiting lists?
A lottery in which a computer randomly assigns rankings is made after the application period. Please note that it may take up to two months after the application period is over for the rankings to be announced. TOP
What happens once I move to the top of the waiting list?
Moderate Rehabilitation - You will be mailed an appointment letter to begin the verification process for eligibility determination.
Section 8 New Construction - You will be mailed an appointment letter to begin the verification process for eligibility determination.
Please note that it may take up to two months after the application period is over for the rankings to be announced. You may check your ranking as often as you wish by going to the Housing Agency website or by calling 305-638-6464. The waiting list ranking never changes. TOP
I know my ranking(s). How soon will I get help?
Our Applicant Leasing Center will contact applicants starting with the lowest ranked numbers and depending on availability. Once we reach your ranking on the waiting list, you will be notified in writing, which is why it is so important that we have your current mailing address. The numbers that are currently being served or assisted are posted on our website and updated regularly. TOP
I've moved since I submitted my online application, should I notify MDHA?
It is very important that you keep your address information up to date. If your address has changed, you must notify MDHA's Applicant Leasing Center in writing, or visit the office located at 2925 NW 18th Avenue, Miami, FL 33142, Monday thru Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can download the Change of Address form from our website which you will have to complete and then mail to the office.
I've (gotten married, had a baby, adopted a child, divorced, lost my job, gotten a raise) since I submitted the application. How will this affect me?
If your family size changes you will need to complete a Change of Family Size form to MDHA's Applicant Leasing Center. The addition or removal of family members may change your bedroom size, but your ranking will always remain the same. Changes in your income may affect your eligibility or rental payments, but not your ranking. Changes of income will be processed at the time of the eligibility interview. TOP
How soon will you re-open the waiting list?
MDHA received over 71,000 applications in July, 2008. There are no plans in the immediate future to reopen the waiting list. TOP
My rank is 10,154 and you are working on rank 357. On average, how long will it take for me to get a unit and is there anything that I can do to speed
Project-based housing offers are made based on availability of units.
Tenant-based housing assistance is offered based on availability of vouchers.
What is the difference between the Moderate Rehabilitation Program and the Public Housing Program?
Moderate Rehabilitation buildings are privately-owned and owners conduct their own screening and selection of applicants referred by MDHA. Public Housing developments are owned and managed by MDHA and MDHA conducts its own screening and selection of applicants. TOP
If I'm accepted or withdrawn for any of the tenant-based program, does that affect the project-based programs?
Moderate Rehabilitation, Section 8 New Construction, and Public Housing are all project-based programs. If you are accepted or withdrawn from any of these project-based programs, then your name is also withdrawn from the others. However, an applicant's status under the tenant-based program is not affected by their acceptance or withdrawal from the project-based program. TOP
I have a large family and am having trouble finding a place to rent. Are there any 4+ bedroom-size units available?
Are there any units available for persons with disabilities?
Yes, many public housing units have accessible features. If any household family member needs a unit with accessible features because of a disability, a reasonable accommodation request must be made to the Housing Agency. TOP
Can a college student apply for housing?
Yes, however, there is prohibition of assistance to non-citizen students and other restrictions may apply. TOP
What documents do I need to bring with me to the eligibility interview?
Proof of identity, birth, income, assets, social security cards, etc., for all family members. For a complete list, visit the main waiting list page. TOP
Are there other options for housing that I can apply for while I am on MDHA's waiting list?
Moderate Rehabilitation, Section 8 New Construction, and Public Housing are all project-based programs. If you are accepted or withdrawn from any of these project-based programs, then your name is also withdrawn from the others. However, an applicant's status under the tenant-based program is not affected by their acceptance or withdrawal from the project-based program. TOP
If I work for MDHA, does that disqualify me from being on the waiting list?
No, working for MDHA does not prohibit you from participating in the housing programs. TOP
Do I have to be a citizen to apply for housing?
No, you do not have to be a citizen; however, you must have eligible immigration status. Housing assistance is restricted to citizens or non-citizens with eligible immigration status. TOP
What are some of the reasons that could prevent me from getting housing assistance?
Failed criminal background screening, negative landlord reference, previous evictions, over income, failure to appear for scheduled appointments, failure to provide necessary documents to determine eligibility. For a complete list, visit the main waiting list page. TOP
- You will be mailed an appointment letter to begin the verification process for eligibility determination.
