Public Housing

Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for low to middle income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to highrise apartments for elderly/disabled families. There are approximately 1.2 million households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,300 HAs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing and managing these developments.

Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Authority owns and maintains 886 rental units located in Portsmouth, New Boston, Sciotoville, West Portsmouth and Wheelersburg consisting of houses, apartments, townhomes and high-rise buildings. The complexes include Wayne Hills, Farley Square, Alexandria House, Hudson House, Cliffside House, Miller Manor, Lett Terrace and Scattered Sites.  Efficiency apartments, one, two, three and four bedroom units are available, but there is a waiting list for all bedroom sizes.

Rent is based on your household income.  As a general rule, rent in Public Housing will not exceed 1/3 of your monthly gross income.  A security deposit is required before moving into an apartment.  The security deposit is equal to one months rent or no less than $100.00.

To qualify for Public Housing your household income must fall within the income guidelines as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, pass a criminal background check and not owe money to any other subsidized housing program.

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Section 8

The Section 8 Rental Voucher Program increases affordable housing choices for very low-income households by allowing families to choose privately owned rental housing. The public housing authority (PHA) generally pays the landlord the difference between 30 percent of household income and the PHA-determined payment standard which is 110 percent of the fair market rent (FMR). The rent must be reasonable. The household may not choose a unit with a higher rent than the FMR and pay the landlord the difference.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) affords an eligible family to rent a residence within Scioto and Lawrence County from a private landlord.  There are requirements that include, but are not limited to, unit passing an inspection, appropriate size of rental property, amount of rent being charged, and agreement of property owner.

To qualify for Section 8 you must be income eligible as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, pass a criminal background check and not owe money to any other subsidized housing program.

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