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Oklahoma Section 8 Housing Introduction
Oklahoma Section 8 Housing, is known as the Housing Choice Voucher program. The federal program known as the Housing Choice Voucher program aims to assist low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in affording safe and suitable housing. It offers vouchers that eligible individuals can utilize to rent housing from private landlords.
This article will discuss Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, including eligibility criteria, application process, maximum rent payments, and other important information. Whether you currently reside in Oklahoma or are considering moving there, this article offers valuable insights on obtaining affordable housing through the Section 8 program. You can find all Section 8 Housing Guide by state on the Section 8 Housing page.
Qualification for Oklahoma Section 8 Housing
In order to be eligible for Oklahoma Section 8 housing, there are specific requirements that must be met.
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, your household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income for the county you want to live in. The income limits vary based on household size and county, and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency publishes these limits annually.
You must also be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Additionally, you cannot have any drug-related or violent criminal convictions, or a history of evictions due to drug-related or violent criminal activity. Other factors that may impact eligibility include credit history, rental history, and family size.
It is crucial to understand that even if you meet the requirements, there is no guarantee that you will receive a Section 8 voucher. If there is a high demand for vouchers and limited availability, you may have to wait before being granted one.
Rent Relief of Oklahoma Section 8 Housing
In Oklahoma, the highest amount of rent that can be covered by Oklahoma Section 8 is determined by the Fair Market Rent (FMR) rates, which are determined by HUD. These rates are based on the rental prices of recently leased units in the specific area where individuals want to live.
Oklahoma Section 8 housing assistance typically covers up to 30% of a household’s adjusted income for rent. However, this amount may vary depending on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) rates in the area. If the rent for a unit exceeds the FMR, the tenant may need to pay the additional amount themselves. Keep in mind that FMR rates change annually, so it’s recommended to stay updated on the latest rates when looking for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma.
Income Limits for Oklahoma Section 8 Housing
In order to qualify for Oklahoma Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, your household income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county you want to live in. The income limits are different for each county and household size, and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency releases updated income limits every year. Below is a table with the current income limits for Oklahoma.
| Household Size | Oklahoma | Tulsa | Cleveland |
| 1 | $27,550 | $27,650 | $27,100 |
| 2 | $31,450 | $31,550 | $30,950 |
| 3 | $35,400 | $35,550 | $34,750 |
| 4 | $39,300 | $39,450 | $38,550 |
| 5 | $42,450 | $42,600 | $41,650 |
| 6 | $45,550 | $45,700 | $44,750 |
The income limits for Oklahoma Section 8 housing are determined by HUD and are based on the area’s median income and the size of your household. These limits are set at a percentage of the median income to ensure that low-income households can afford Section 8 housing. However, meeting the income limits does not guarantee that you will receive a voucher. If there is high demand for vouchers, you may have to wait on a waiting list.
Fair Market Rents for Oklahoma Section 8 Housing
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) is the amount of money a landlord can anticipate receiving for a rental unit, which includes the cost of utilities, in a specific location. These rents are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are utilized to establish the highest allowable rent that Oklahoma Section 8 will cover in a given area.
HUD determines Fair Market Rents (FMRs) by collecting data on recently leased units in an area. They calculate the 40th percentile rent for each unit size category and set the FMR at 90% of that amount. This table displays the current Fair Market Rents in Oklahoma.
| Bedrooms | Oklahoma City Metro | Tulsa Metro | Lawton Metro |
| Studio | $684 | $680 | $526 |
| 1 | $743 | $727 | $573 |
| 2 | $926 | $886 | $720 |
| 3 | $1,255 | $1,140 | $938 |
| 4 | $1,455 | $1,339 | $1,105 |
It is crucial to keep in mind that Fair Market Rents (FMRs) can vary annually, so it is advisable to verify the most recent rates when looking for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma. Moreover, FMRs are just one element in determining the highest rent amount that Section 8 will cover. The tenant’s income and the rental unit’s quality are also factors that are considered.
Application for Oklahoma Section 8 Housing
If you want to apply for Oklahoma Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Prior to applying for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, ensure that you meet the necessary requirements, such as income limits and citizenship status.
- Find Your Local Housing Authority: To initiate the Section 8 housing application process, reach out to your local housing authority. The OHFA website provides the contact details for your specific housing authority.
- Complete the Application: Once you have identified your local housing authority, you can proceed with filling out the Oklahoma Section 8 housing application. This can be done online or by submitting a physical application. For the online option, visit the OHFA website and follow the provided instructions.
- Attend an Interview: Upon submitting your application, your local housing authority will get in touch to arrange an interview. During this interview, you will be required to present supporting documents to verify your income, citizenship status, and other eligibility criteria.
- Await Approval: Following the interview, your application will be reviewed, and you will receive written notification of the decision. If approved, you will receive a Section 8 voucher, enabling you to commence your search for a suitable rental unit.
Please be aware that there may be a higher demand for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma than the available supply. As a result, you may have to wait to be placed on a waiting list. The length of this waiting list can vary depending on the availability of funds and the number of people seeking vouchers. If you have any inquiries or worries regarding the application procedure, please reach out to your local housing authority for guidance and support.
Oklahoma Housing Authorities
In Oklahoma, there are multiple housing authorities that oversee the Section 8 housing program. These authorities are in charge of assessing eligibility, distributing Section 8 vouchers, and ensuring adherence to program guidelines. Below is a compilation of Housing Authorities in Oklahoma, including their contact details. Please visit the Oklahoma Housing Authority page to find contact information to confirm your eligibility.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
| Ardmore Housing Authority | 2001 Willowood St. Ardmore, OK 73401Phone: (580) 223-3132 | Visit Website |
| Lawton Housing Authority | 609 SW F Ave. Lawton, OK 73501Phone: (580) 353-7432 | Visit Website |
| Oklahoma City Housing Authority | 1700 NE 4th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73117Phone: (405) 239-7551 | Visit Website |
| Tulsa Housing Authority | 415 E. Independence St. Tulsa, OK 74106Phone: (918) 582-0021 | Visit Website |
| Enid Housing Authority | 202 W. Owen K Garriott Rd. Enid, OK 73701Phone: (580) 234-5273 | Visit Website |
| Muskogee Housing Authority | 200 N. 40th St. Muskogee, OK 74401Phone: (918) 682-1721 | Visit Website |
| Bartlesville Housing Authority | 601 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. Bartlesville, OK 74003Phone: (918) 336-0081 | Visit Website |
| Norman Housing Authority | 700 N. Berry Rd. Norman, OK 73069Phone: (405) 364-3034 | Visit Website |
Housing authorities in Oklahoma not only manage the Section 8 housing program but also offer a range of services to individuals with low incomes. These services include public housing options, support for homeownership, and assistance programs tailored to seniors and individuals with disabilities.
To apply for Oklahoma Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, you must reach out to your local housing authority to start the application process. Keep in mind that the demand for this type of housing may be higher than the available supply, resulting in a waiting list.
The length of the waiting list can vary depending on funding availability and the number of people seeking vouchers. For additional details about housing authorities in Oklahoma and the services they offer, you can visit the OHFA website or get in touch with your local housing authority directly.
Oklahoma Section 8 Housing Waiting List
The length of the waiting list for Oklahoma Section 8 housing in Oklahoma can change based on funding availability and voucher demand. If there are more people seeking vouchers than there are available, you may have to wait until a voucher becomes accessible. Here is the current situation of Section 8 housing waiting lists in Oklahoma.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
| Ardmore Housing Authority | Closed |
| Lawton Housing Authority | Open with preference |
| Oklahoma City Housing Authority | Closed |
| Tulsa Housing Authority | Closed |
| Enid Housing Authority | Closed |
| Muskogee Housing Authority | Open |
| Bartlesville Housing Authority | Closed |
| Norman Housing Authority | Closed |
To determine your position on the waiting list and get an approximate timeframe for receiving a voucher, get in touch with your nearby housing authority. They will furnish you with the necessary details.
Maintaining accurate contact information with your local housing authority is crucial as they will reach out to you when a housing voucher becomes accessible. In the event of any changes to your contact details, promptly inform your housing authority to ensure that your records are updated.
To make updates or modifications to your application, such as changes in household size or income, reach out to your local housing authority for instructions on the necessary steps. It is possible that you will need to submit supporting documents to validate any alterations made to your application.
Please note that being put on a waiting list does not guarantee the receipt of a Section 8 voucher. The number of people seeking vouchers may be higher than the number of vouchers available, and there might be a limited supply of vouchers in your locality.
How Long Can I Get Approved for Oklahoma Section 8 Housing
The length of time it takes to process Section 8 housing applications in Oklahoma can vary significantly due to various factors. Typically, the approval process can range from a few weeks to several months.
Several factors can impact the amount of time it takes to process something.
There are several factors that can contribute to the length of time it takes for a Section 8 housing application to be processed. One of the main factors is the volume of applications received by the housing authority. If there is a high demand for Section 8 housing in your area, the housing authority may be inundated with applications, which can lead to longer processing times. Additionally, the completeness of your application plays a role in processing time.
If your application is missing important information or documentation, it will take longer for the housing authority to review and process it. Another factor is the verification of information. The housing authority will need to verify your income, citizenship status, and other eligibility criteria before approving your application. This can involve contacting your employer, banks, and other organizations to confirm the information you provided.
Lastly, if there is a shortage of vouchers compared to the demand, you may be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available. The length of the waiting list can vary depending on funding availability and the level of demand for vouchers.
For a more accurate estimation of the time it takes to be approved for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, it is advisable to reach out to the housing authority in your area. They will be able to furnish you with details regarding the current processing duration and an approximate timeline for receiving a voucher.
Other Low-Income Housing in Oklahoma
Besides Section 8 housing, Oklahoma offers various alternative low-income housing choices.
- Public Housing: Public housing is a program funded by the government that offers affordable housing to individuals and families with low incomes, as well as seniors and individuals with disabilities. These housing units are owned and operated by local housing authorities.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: LIHTC properties are rental properties owned by private entities that receive tax credits in return for renting to individuals with low incomes. These properties are often managed by property management companies and may have income limitations.
- Subsidized Apartments: Subsidized apartments are rental properties owned by private entities that receive financial assistance from the government in exchange for renting to individuals with low incomes. These apartments may have income restrictions and are typically managed by property management companies.
It is important to mention that certain choices mentioned above might have waiting lists, while others may not. For instance, LIHTC properties usually do not have waiting lists, whereas public housing and subsidized apartments may have waiting lists of different lengths.
For further details on the low-income housing choices in Oklahoma, reach out to your nearby housing authority or explore the OHFA website. They can furnish you with information regarding the accessibility of these programs in your vicinity and assist in determining the most suitable option for your needs.
Conclusion
Section 8 housing is a program established by the federal government to offer rental aid to individuals and families who have low income, are elderly, or have disabilities. In Oklahoma, the administration of Section 8 housing falls under the responsibility of local housing authorities. To determine eligibility, applicants must meet specific income limits and fulfill other criteria.
In Oklahoma, there are affordable housing options available for individuals in need, such as Section 8 housing and other low-income housing programs. If you are interested in these programs, you can start the application process by contacting your local housing authority.