This toolkit tells you what you need to know if you think you may be evicted and you live in subsidized housing. It can also help if you have gotten a notice that your housing voucher may be terminated. Housing is subsidized when an agency (such as HUD or MSHDA) pays some or all of your rent.
For general information about what to do if you are facing this kind of eviction or termination of a housing voucher, read the Articles. Read the Common Questions if you have a specific question. Go to Courts & Agencies for information about the court or agency that will handle your case.
You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.
Common Questions
The biggest factor in qualifying for housing assistance is your income level. Your income must be less than the low-income limit level in your county to qualify for subsidized housing. It must be less than the very low-income limit to qualify for vouchers. You can find the income levels for your county at the HUD Income Limits Documentation website.
Other factors such as if you are a family, a veteran, disabled, a senior, past rental history, or immigration status may also affect getting subsidized housing in your local area.
Many areas have a waiting list for people who are eligible and have been approved for housing assistance. Sometimes the waiting lists are closed. Even if you are likely to be granted assistance, do not count on being able to use subsidized housing or vouchers immediately.
Yes. When you live in subsidized housing you have a lease agreement. You can be evicted if you seriously or repeatedly break the lease, fail to pay the rent you are responsible for, or are involved in drug-related or violent criminal activity. You are entitled to notice and a hearing to determine if there is good cause for the termination of your assistance or your eviction from subsidized housing.