Housing Applications/Waiting List FAQ
Q: How old do you have to be to apply for housing?
A: 19 is the minimum age to qualify for a Mobile Housing Board Program.
Q: How old do I have to be to qualify to live in senior housing?
A: 62 is the minimum age to qualify for housing designated as "senior only" housing.
Q: How long is the waiting list?
A: The Public Housing Program has 11 different rental developments. Each one has a waiting list. Applicants can be placed on as many waiting lists as they wish, except for age limitations, such as for senior housing. The length of time it takes to reach the top of a waiting list will depend on the developments chosen (some are in higher demand than others), the size of the family , the family's circumstances, and availability of housing to meet the family's needs. It is advisable to place your name on all waiting lists
Q: I have already applied. Where is my name on the waiting list?
A: If you have placed a Preliminary Application with the Mobile Housing Board, you can check your status after two weeks by calling the housing developments where you applied. You should also call to report any changes to your family size, address, or telephone number. These factors can affect your status on a waiting list.
Q. I called two weeks ago and I was number 48 on a waiting list and now I am number 50. What happened?
A. Our waiting lists are not just sorted by the date the application is placed. Local preferences are used to determine waiting list status. A local preference is a factor the Mobile Housing Board uses to insure that we are assisting our applicants in order of need. Homelessness is an example of a local preference that gives a family a high priority on a waiting list. Two homeless families may have applied in the past two weeks and they went ahead of you on the waiting list. Do not be discouraged! When we send out letters asking applicants to come in for interviews, we usually send for 10-20 people at a time, so a few positions up or down on the waiting list will have no real effect on "when" you hear from us.
Q: When can I apply for Section 8?
A. The Section 8 Waiting List is only opened periodically to new applicants. When it does reopen, it is only opened for a limited number of days. The reopening and the dates applications will be accepted will be advertised approximately two weeks prior in local newspapers and on the Section 8 Information Line (251) 434-2300. It is advisable to check the number once a week so that you do not miss the open enrollment period.
Q: If I live in Public Housing, can I apply for Section 8?
A: If the Section 8 Waiting List is open, you may apply. However, your priority (need) for receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher will be low as long as you live in standard housing.
Q: If I live in a Section 8 house, can I apply for Public Housing?
A: Yes.
Q: Does my income have to be below a certain amount for me to qualify for housing?
A. Yes, there are HUD income limits that are posted and updated annually on the Public Housing and Section 8 links to this website.
Q: Where are your public housing apartments located?
A: A complete list of our locations may be found at the Public Housing link to this website or click here to go there now.
Q: What if I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history, can I still be housed?
A. Every applicant is subject to our screening process that includes, but is not limited to a criminal background check and former tenancy histories. If you owe money to the Mobile Housing Board, the balance must be paid-in-full prior to determining your eligiblity. Do not let this discourage you from applying. We will make every effort to work with you.
Q: I need emergency housing!
A: At the present time, the Mobile Housing Board does not have an emergency/shelter housing program. We recommend that you place your application with us and then contact 15 Place, the local service center for the homeless. They have many resources that you may find helpful. The center is located at 15 N. Joachim St. (corner of Joachim & St. Francis streets in downtown Mobile). The phone number is (251) 338-2069.
Q: How do I apply for Public Housing?
A: Call or visit any Public Housing Development of the Mobile Housing Board. You may complete forms on-site (see Public Housing and the Development Directory ).
Q: What do I have to have with me when I apply?
A: You do not need any documentation with you when you place your Preliminary Application. When your name reaches the top of a waiting list, we will send a letter asking you to come in for an interview. At that time, you will be asked to provide identification and other official documents.
Section 8 FAQ
Q. When am I going to receive a check for rent and/or my utilities?
A. The Mobile Housing Board submits HAP/UAP payments twice a month--on the 1st and 15th of each month. Weekends and/or holidays will affect the time of each submission. Payments are remitted only after units pass inspection, at least once annually, and the participating family completes all required documentation relating to annual reexaminations and or interim certifications (i.e. changes in income, family composition, etc).
Q. Can I pay the difference in what the landlord is asking for rent and the amount approved by the Mobile Housing Board?
A. No, families are only required to pay the amount specified by the Mobile Housing Board. This amount reflects what the family can afford, based on income and family composition reported to Section 8.
Q. How can I add someone to my lease/household?
A. A request to add someone to the household of a current program participant MUST be placed in writing and submitted to your assigned Section 8 caseworker. The request must detail where the person lived before (unless a newborn child, or new spouse), why it's necessary to add that person to your household, and what income that person(s) may have. In some cases, legal adoption/ legal-permanent custody documents are required. Marriage licenses, birth certificates, and social security cards are required if newly married or for newborn children.
Q. How much rent can I get for my unit?
A. The maximum amount of rent payable is determined only after two points of negotiation are completed. 1) HUD required rent-reasonableness test (which takes into consideration factors such as type, size, age, location, amenities 2) the family's income and size. At initial leasing of a unit, participating families are not allowed to pay more than 40% of monthly adjusted income for rent and utilities.
Q. How do I determine which family will move into my unit?
A. It is the owners responsibility to screen a family for suitability. The Mobile Housing Board has no liability in this area. Owners/landlords are permitted to screen based on a family's tenancy history (contact prior landlords), and a family's background regarding factors such as drug-related criminal activity, etc. Screening procedures used for Section 8 families should not differ from those used for open market families.
Q. How much can I collect for a security deposit?
A. Landlords may request an amount procedurally asked of open market families (usually one month's rent).
Home Sales FAQ
Q. How does the Real Estate Department HOME Program work?
A: The Real Estate Department 1st HOME Program is a program for families and individuals who want to purchase their first homes. The Mobile Housing Board builds 1st HOMES for the purpose of helping many people to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.
Q. What are the requirements for participating in the Real Estate Department 1st HOME Program?
A: First of all, you must be a first time homebuyer, a person who has never bought a home. It also includes anyone who has lost their home in a divorce action. And, it also includes anyone who has not owned a home or other real estate in the past three or more years.
Q. Are there any income requirements?
A: Yes, there are income requirements. In order to participate in the Real Estate Department 1st HOME Program, a family must have income not exceeding 80 percent of area median income, based on family size. See table below.
|
|
1 Person
|
2 person
|
3 person
|
4 person
|
5 person
|
6 person
|
7 person
|
8 person
|
|
Low Income
|
27,700
|
31,700
|
35,650
|
39,600
|
42,750
|
45,950
|
49,100
|
52,250
|
Q. Please give an example as to how the income process works.
A: A family of 4 can make up to $39,600 and participate in the 1st HOME Program. The maximum income varies by family size. A family of 2 can make up to $31,700 and participate in the 1st HOME Program.
Q. Is the application process complicated?
A No, the application process for the Real Estate Department 1st Home Program is actually easy. Initially, we review income requirements. Next, we review personal information from your application, and then request a credit report. We review your credit report and, if necessary, we can recommend ways to update your credit history.
Q. So you help First-time Homebuyers update their credit histories when necessary?
A: We recommend ways to update credit reports. We also provide Credit Counseling Classes. During these classes, we teach homebuyers how to update credit reports in all three Credit Bureaus. Many people are unaware that three Credit Bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- serve this area. Consumers need to be sure that their credit histories are up-to date in all three of these repositories.
Q. Do you have any other class requirements under this program?
A: We invite prospective homeowners to attend a series of training classes to help them learn more about the home buying process.
Housing Applications/Waiting List FAQ
Q: How old do you have to be to apply for housing?
A: 19 is the minimum age to qualify for a Mobile Housing Board Program.
Q: How old do I have to be to qualify to live in senior housing?
A: 62 is the minimum age to qualify for housing designated as "senior only" housing.
Q: How long is the waiting list?
A: The Public Housing Program has 11 different rental developments. Each one has a waiting list. Applicants can be placed on as many waiting lists as they wish, except for age limitations, such as for senior housing. The length of time it takes to reach the top of a waiting list will depend on the developments chosen (some are in higher demand than others), the size of the family , the family's circumstances, and availability of housing to meet the family's needs. It is advisable to place your name on all waiting lists
Q: I have already applied. Where is my name on the waiting list?
A: If you have placed a Preliminary Application with the Mobile Housing Board, you can check your status after two weeks by calling the housing developments where you applied. You should also call to report any changes to your family size, address, or telephone number. These factors can affect your status on a waiting list.
Q. I called two weeks ago and I was number 48 on a waiting list and now I am number 50. What happened?
A. Our waiting lists are not just sorted by the date the application is placed. Local preferences are used to determine waiting list status. A local preference is a factor the Mobile Housing Board uses to insure that we are assisting our applicants in order of need. Homelessness is an example of a local preference that gives a family a high priority on a waiting list. Two homeless families may have applied in the past two weeks and they went ahead of you on the waiting list. Do not be discouraged! When we send out letters asking applicants to come in for interviews, we usually send for 10-20 people at a time, so a few positions up or down on the waiting list will have no real effect on "when" you hear from us.
Q: When can I apply for Section 8?
A. The Section 8 Waiting List is only opened periodically to new applicants. When it does reopen, it is only opened for a limited number of days. The reopening and the dates applications will be accepted will be advertised approximately two weeks prior in local newspapers and on the Section 8 Information Line (251) 434-2300. It is advisable to check the number once a week so that you do not miss the open enrollment period.
Q: If I live in Public Housing, can I apply for Section 8?
A: If the Section 8 Waiting List is open, you may apply. However, your priority (need) for receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher will be low as long as you live in standard housing.
Q: If I live in a Section 8 house, can I apply for Public Housing?
A: Yes.
Q: Does my income have to be below a certain amount for me to qualify for housing?
A. Yes, there are HUD income limits that are posted and updated annually on the Public Housing and Section 8 links to this website.
Q: Where are your public housing apartments located?
A: A complete list of our locations may be found at the Public Housing link to this website or click here to go there now.
Q: What if I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history, can I still be housed?
A. Every applicant is subject to our screening process that includes, but is not limited to a criminal background check and former tenancy histories. If you owe money to the Mobile Housing Board, the balance must be paid-in-full prior to determining your eligiblity. Do not let this discourage you from applying. We will make every effort to work with you.
Q: I need emergency housing!
A: At the present time, the Mobile Housing Board does not have an emergency/shelter housing program. We recommend that you place your application with us and then contact 15 Place, the local service center for the homeless. They have many resources that you may find helpful. The center is located at 15 N. Joachim St. (corner of Joachim & St. Francis streets in downtown Mobile). The phone number is (251) 338-2069.
Q: How do I apply for Public Housing?
A: Call or visit any Public Housing Development of the Mobile Housing Board. You may complete forms on-site (see Public Housing and the Development Directory ).
Q: What do I have to have with me when I apply?
A: You do not need any documentation with you when you place your Preliminary Application. When your name reaches the top of a waiting list, we will send a letter asking you to come in for an interview. At that time, you will be asked to provide identification and other official documents.
Section 8 FAQ
Q. When am I going to receive a check for rent and/or my utilities?
A. The Mobile Housing Board submits HAP/UAP payments twice a month--on the 1st and 15th of each month. Weekends and/or holidays will affect the time of each submission. Payments are remitted only after units pass inspection, at least once annually, and the participating family completes all required documentation relating to annual reexaminations and or interim certifications (i.e. changes in income, family composition, etc).
Q. Can I pay the difference in what the landlord is asking for rent and the amount approved by the Mobile Housing Board?
A. No, families are only required to pay the amount specified by the Mobile Housing Board. This amount reflects what the family can afford, based on income and family composition reported to Section 8.
Q. How can I add someone to my lease/household?
A. A request to add someone to the household of a current program participant MUST be placed in writing and submitted to your assigned Section 8 caseworker. The request must detail where the person lived before (unless a newborn child, or new spouse), why it's necessary to add that person to your household, and what income that person(s) may have. In some cases, legal adoption/ legal-permanent custody documents are required. Marriage licenses, birth certificates, and social security cards are required if newly married or for newborn children.
Q. How much rent can I get for my unit?
A. The maximum amount of rent payable is determined only after two points of negotiation are completed. 1) HUD required rent-reasonableness test (which takes into consideration factors such as type, size, age, location, amenities 2) the family's income and size. At initial leasing of a unit, participating families are not allowed to pay more than 40% of monthly adjusted income for rent and utilities.
Q. How do I determine which family will move into my unit?
A. It is the owners responsibility to screen a family for suitability. The Mobile Housing Board has no liability in this area. Owners/landlords are permitted to screen based on a family's tenancy history (contact prior landlords), and a family's background regarding factors such as drug-related criminal activity, etc. Screening procedures used for Section 8 families should not differ from those used for open market families.
Q. How much can I collect for a security deposit?
A. Landlords may request an amount procedurally asked of open market families (usually one month's rent).
Home Sales FAQ
Q. How does the Real Estate Department HOME Program work?
A: The Real Estate Department 1st HOME Program is a program for families and individuals who want to purchase their first homes. The Mobile Housing Board builds 1st HOMES for the purpose of helping many people to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.
Q. What are the requirements for participating in the Real Estate Department 1st HOME Program?
A: First of all, you must be a first time homebuyer, a person who has never bought a home. It also includes anyone who has lost their home in a divorce action. And, it also includes anyone who has not owned a home or other real estate in the past three or more years.
Q. Are there any income requirements?
A: Yes, there are income requirements. In order to participate in the Real Estate Department 1st HOME Program, a family must have income not exceeding 80 percent of area median income, based on family size. See table below.
|
|
1 Person
|
2 person
|
3 person
|
4 person
|
5 person
|
6 person
|
7 person
|
8 person
|
|
Low Income
|
27,700
|
31,700
|
35,650
|
39,600
|
42,750
|
45,950
|
49,100
|
52,250
|
Q. Please give an example as to how the income process works.
A: A family of 4 can make up to $39,600 and participate in the 1st HOME Program. The maximum income varies by family size. A family of 2 can make up to $31,700 and participate in the 1st HOME Program.
Q. Is the application process complicated?
A No, the application process for the Real Estate Department 1st Home Program is actually easy. Initially, we review income requirements. Next, we review personal information from your application, and then request a credit report. We review your credit report and, if necessary, we can recommend ways to update your credit history.
Q. So you help First-time Homebuyers update their credit histories when necessary?
A: We recommend ways to update credit reports. We also provide Credit Counseling Classes. During these classes, we teach homebuyers how to update credit reports in all three Credit Bureaus. Many people are unaware that three Credit Bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- serve this area. Consumers need to be sure that their credit histories are up-to date in all three of these repositories.
Q. Do you have any other class requirements under this program?
A: We invite prospective homeowners to attend a series of training classes to help them learn more about the home buying process.