Table of Contents
Maryland Section 8 Housing Introduction
Maryland Section 8 Housing, also referred to as the Section 8 program, is a federal initiative managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its purpose is to assist low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in obtaining affordable and suitable housing in the private market. This program offers rental assistance to eligible households, ensuring that they only pay a maximum of 30% of their income towards rent.
This article focuses on Maryland Section 8 housing in Maryland and provides comprehensive information on various aspects. It covers eligibility requirements, income limits, fair market rents, the application process, waiting lists, and alternative low-income housing options in Maryland. The goal is to offer readers valuable insights and resources to assist them in finding and obtaining Section 8 housing in Maryland.
Maryland Section 8 housing plays a crucial role in supporting low-income households in Maryland. As the cost of living continues to rise, numerous families are facing financial difficulties and encountering difficulties in finding affordable housing. Section 8 housing serves as a lifeline for these families, preventing them from becoming homeless and offering a secure and comfortable living environment.
This article aims to assist eligible individuals in accessing this invaluable resource and enhancing their overall well-being. You can find all Section 8 Housing Guide by state on the Section 8 Housing page.
Qualification for Maryland Section 8 Housing
In order to qualify for Maryland Section 8 housing in Maryland, households must meet specific eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These requirements must be met to be considered eligible for the program.
To be eligible for Maryland Section 8 housing in Maryland, households must meet certain criteria. These include having an income below a specific threshold, which varies based on household size and location. Additionally, at least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
All adult members of the household must undergo a criminal background check, and certain criminal convictions may disqualify them. Applicants must also have a good rental history with no outstanding debts or evictions. Other eligibility requirements, such as family composition and housing needs, must also be met.
Households that meet these requirements are able to receive rental aid in order to reduce the cost of their housing.
Rent Relief of Maryland Section 8 Housing
Maryland Section 8 housing has a maximum rent amount set by HUD, which is determined by the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the specific area. The FMR represents the average rent for a comparable unit in the same location and size.
The maximum amount of rent that can be paid for Maryland Section 8 housing in Maryland is determined by the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, the size of the unit, and the household’s income. Typically, Section 8 will cover the difference between 30% of the household’s income and the FMR for the unit.
For instance, if the FMR for a two-bedroom unit in Baltimore is $1,200 per month and the household’s income is $1,000 per month, Maryland Section 8 housing would contribute $800 per month towards the rent. Various factors can influence the maximum rent payment for Section 8 housing in Maryland. These factors encompass:
- The location of the housing unit: The cost of renting a housing unit is influenced by its location, with pricier areas having higher rental rates.
- The size of the housing unit: The FMR is also subject to change based on the size of the housing unit, with larger units having higher FMRs.
- The household’s income: Section 8 rental assistance is determined by the amount of money a household earns, ensuring that they only have to allocate up to 30% of their income towards rent.
- Utility costs: Section 8 may cover some of the household’s utility expenses, which can impact the highest amount of rent that can be paid.
Consider these factors when determining if Section 8 Housing in Maryland is viable.
Income Limits for Maryland Section 8 Housing
In order to qualify for Section 8 housing in Maryland, households must meet specific income limits established by the Maryland Housing and Community Development. These income limits are determined based on the size of the household and the location of the housing unit.
The eligibility criteria for Maryland Section 8 housing in Maryland are determined by the Area Median Income (AMI) for the specific area. The AMI represents the middle point of the income distribution, where half of the households earn more and half earn less. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) establishes income limits for Section 8 housing based on various percentages of the AMI, ranging from 30% to 80%.
The DHCD determines the income limit for a household by multiplying the area’s AMI by the designated percentage. For instance, if the AMI for the Baltimore-Towson metropolitan area is $80,000 and the income limit is set at 50% of the AMI, a household of four would have an income limit of $40,000. Here are the income limits for Section 8 housing in Maryland in 2023, according to the DHCD’s guidelines.
| Household Size | Very Low Income | Low Income |
| 1 | $29,250 | $46,800 |
| 2 | $33,400 | $53,500 |
| 3 | $37,600 | $60,200 |
| 4 | $41,750 | $66,900 |
| 5 | $45,100 | $72,300 |
The income restrictions for housing units may differ depending on the location, and they are updated every year to reflect changes in the area’s AMI.
Fair Market Rents for Maryland Section 8 Housing
Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are the average rental prices for standard housing units in a particular region. In Maryland, FMRs are utilized to establish the highest permissible rent for Section 8 housing units. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) computes FMRs for all metropolitan areas and non-metropolitan counties across the nation.
FMRs, or Fair Market Rents, are determined by considering various factors such as the size, location, and type of housing unit. In Maryland, the FMRs for Section 8 housing in 2023 are calculated by HUD. These FMRs serve as a benchmark for determining the maximum rental amounts that can be charged for Section 8 housing in different areas of Maryland.
| Unit Size | Fair Market Rent (FMR) |
| Studio | $1,050 |
| 1 BR | $1,198 |
| 2 BR | $1,414 |
| 3 BR | $1,874 |
| 4 BR | $2,130 |
The purpose of Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for Section 8 housing in Maryland is to ensure that eligible households receive enough rental assistance to afford suitable and habitable housing. HUD determines FMRs based on factors such as the size, location, and type of housing unit, in order to accurately reflect the rental market conditions in the area.
Application for Maryland Section 8 Housing
To be considered for Maryland Section 8 housing in Maryland, individuals or families must fill out an application with their local Public Housing Authority (PHA). The application process for Section 8 housing in Maryland consists of multiple stages, which include:
- Find your local PHA: To begin the process of applying for Section 8 housing in Maryland, the first step is to locate your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). This can be done either by utilizing the online HUD PHA locator tool or by reaching out to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for assistance.
- Complete the application: After finding your local PHA, you can proceed to fill out the application for Section 8 housing. This can be done either online or by visiting the PHA office in person. The application will ask for various personal and financial details, such as income, assets, and the makeup of your family.
- Submit required documents: In addition to the application, you will be required to submit various documents such as evidence of your income, social security numbers for everyone in your household, and birth certificates for your children.
- Attend an interview: Following the submission of your application, it may be necessary for you to participate in an interview with the PHA. This interview serves as a chance for the PHA to confirm the accuracy of the information provided in the application and to pose any additional inquiries.
- Wait for approval: Once the interview is completed, there will be a waiting period for the PHA to assess your application and establish if you qualify for Section 8 housing. This evaluation can take a significant amount of time, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the workload and the number of applicants the PHA is dealing with.
- Receive a voucher: Once your application for Section 8 housing is approved, you will be granted a voucher that can be utilized to search for a rental property that meets your needs. This voucher will outline the highest possible rent that Section 8 will cover, leaving you accountable for covering the remaining amount between the rent and the voucher value.
The Section 8 housing application process in Maryland aims to guarantee that qualified households receive rental assistance according to their income and other eligibility factors. By submitting the application and supplying the necessary documents, eligible individuals and families can gain access to affordable housing resources in Maryland.
Maryland Housing Authorities
Maryland has multiple Housing Authorities that manage the Maryland Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. These authorities are in charge of assessing eligibility, distributing vouchers, and supervising the program in their specific regions. Here is a general summary of the Maryland Housing Authorities. Please visit the Maryland Housing Authority page to find contact information to confirm your eligibility.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
| Anne Arundel County Housing Commission | 44 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401(410) 222-6200 | Visit Website |
| Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development | 417 E Fayette Street, Room 1005, Baltimore, MD 21202(410) 396-3232 | Visit Website |
| Baltimore County Office of Housing | 6401 York Road, First Floor, Baltimore, MD 21212(410) 887-2766 | Visit Website |
| Carroll County Housing and Community Development | 10 Distillery Drive, Suite 101, Westminster, MD 21157(410) 386-3600 | Visit Website |
| Cecil County Housing Agency | 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 1800, Elkton, MD 21921(410) 996-5245 | Visit Website |
| Charles County Housing Authority | 8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677(301) 932-5200 | Visit Website |
| Dorchester County Housing Authority | 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613(410) 228-6080 | Visit Website |
| Frederick County Housing and Community Development | 10 S. Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701(301) 600-3966 | Visit Website |
| Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. | 104 E. Center Street, Oakland, MD 21550(301) 334-9431 | Visit Website |
| Harford County Housing and Community Development | 15 S. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014(410) 638-3045 | Visit Website |
| Howard County Housing and Community Development | 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046(410) 313-6318 | Visit Website |
| Kent County Housing Agency | 215-B Scheeler Road, Chestertown, MD 21620(410) 778-4330 | Visit Website |
| Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission | 10400 Detrick Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895(240) 627-9400 | Visit Website |
| Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development | 9200 Basil Court, Suite 301, Largo, MD 20774(301) 883-5501 | Visit Website |
| Queen Anne’s County Housing Authority | 107 N. Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617(410) 758-3977 | Visit Website |
| Somerset County Department of Social Services | 30397 Mt. Vernon Road, Princess Anne, MD 21853(410) 677-4200 | Visit Website |
| St. Mary’s County Housing Authority | 21155 Lexwood Drive, Suite A, Lexington Park, MD 20653(301) 863-7366 | Visit Website |
| Talbot County Housing Authority | 20 Bay Street, Suite 5, Easton, MD 21601(410) 770-6250 | Visit Website |
| Washington County Housing Authority | 35 W. Baltimore Street, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740(240) 420-2100 | Visit Website |
| Wicomico County Housing Authority | 920 W. Isabella Street, Salisbury, MD 21801(410) 749-4393 | Visit Website |
| Worcester County Housing Authority | 305 Bank Street, Suite 1, Snow Hill, MD 21863(410) 632-3171 | Visit Website |
The Housing Authorities in Maryland play a crucial role in assisting eligible households in finding affordable housing. To obtain additional information, individuals can visit the Housing Authority’s website or contact their office via phone.
Maryland Section 8 Housing Waiting List
There is a significant demand for Maryland Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Maryland, resulting in lengthy waiting lists. These lists consist of eligible households waiting for the opportunity to receive a voucher. When a voucher becomes available, the next household on the list is contacted and given the chance to obtain the voucher.
The length of the waiting list for Section 8 housing in Maryland can change based on the number of people applying for vouchers and the available funding. Sometimes, the waiting lists can be closed because there are too many applicants and not enough resources. Each Housing Authority in Maryland has its own waiting list for Maryland Section 8 housing vouchers, so you need to refer to the table below to check for the specific waiting list you are interested in.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
| Anne Arundel County Housing Commission | Open |
| Baltimore County Office of Housing | Open |
| Carroll County Bureau of Housing and Community Development | Closed |
| Cecil County Housing Agency | Closed |
| Charles County Housing Authority | Open |
| Frederick County Housing and Community Development | Closed |
| Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. | Closed |
| Harford County Housing and Community Development | Open |
| Howard County Housing and Community Development | Open |
| Kent County Housing Agency | Closed |
| Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission | Closed |
| Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development | Open |
| Queen Anne’s County Housing Authority | Open |
| Somerset County Department of Social Services | Closed |
| St. Mary’s County Housing Authority | Open |
| Talbot County Housing Authority | Closed |
| Washington County Housing Authority | Closed |
| Wicomico County Housing Authority | Open |
| Worcester County Housing Authority | Closed |
Applicants who have been placed on the waiting list will be provided with frequent updates regarding the progress of their application and their position on the list. To ensure receipt of these updates, it is crucial to maintain accurate and current contact information.
Waiting for Maryland Section 8 Housing
The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 housing in Maryland can vary from a few weeks to several months. The process includes submitting an application, confirming eligibility, and receiving a voucher.
- Application submission: To begin the Section 8 application process in Maryland, individuals must first submit their application to the local Housing Authority. This application requires the inclusion of personal and financial details, along with supporting documentation to verify eligibility.
- Verification of eligibility: Once the Housing Authority receives the application, they will thoroughly examine the provided information and confirm if the applicant meets the eligibility requirements. This process may require reaching out to employers, banks, and other relevant sources to authenticate income and other qualifying criteria.
- Waiting list placement: After confirming eligibility, the applicant will be added to the waiting list for a Section 8 voucher. The duration of the waiting list may differ based on the level of demand and the availability of funds.
- Voucher issuance: Once a voucher becomes accessible, the Housing Authority will provide it to the qualified applicant. The voucher outlines the highest permissible rent that can be covered under Section 8.
Staying in contact with the Housing Authority and promptly providing any necessary documents or information can help speed up the review process.
Other Low Income Housing with No Waiting List in Maryland
There are various low income housing options available in Maryland, apart from Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. These alternatives encompass public housing, subsidized housing, and affordable housing. Here’s a broad overview of the different low income housing options in Maryland.
- Public Housing: Public housing is a government initiative aimed at offering reasonably priced housing options to qualifying low-income families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. These housing units are owned and managed by local Housing Authorities, with rent typically calculated as 30% of the household’s earnings.
- Subsidized Housing: Subsidized housing programs in Maryland aim to support low-income households by providing various forms of rental assistance. These programs, offered by private landlords or non-profit organizations, can include rent subsidies, reduced rent, or other financial aid options.
- Affordable Housing: Affordable housing pertains to housing that is within the financial reach of households with modest incomes. It can be provided by either private developers or non-profit organizations and usually involves limitations on income and restrictions on the amount of rent or purchase price.
Furthermore, there might be affordable housing alternatives like privately owned rental properties or non-profit housing projects that are specifically intended for individuals or families with low incomes.
Conclusion
To summarize, this article has given a comprehensive explanation of Section 8 housing in Maryland. It has covered important details such as the requirements for eligibility, the maximum amount of rent that can be paid, income limits, fair market rents, and how to apply for this program. Additionally, we have explored the role of Maryland Housing Authorities, the existence of waiting lists for Section 8, and alternative low-income housing options available in Maryland.
Section 8 housing is an essential resource in Maryland for low income households, offering them affordable and secure housing. It is important to understand that the application process can be lengthy, and there may be a considerable waitlist. Nonetheless, by remaining on the waitlist and submitting all required documents, eligible individuals and families can improve their likelihood of obtaining a Section 8 voucher.