The Plattsburgh Housing Authority's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Progam was established in 1976 to assist very low-income individuals and families obtain decent, safe and sanitary rental units. It provides for direct monthly payments to private landlords on behalf of qualified families to subsidize their monthly rent. The family's rental contribution is based on their total household income and assets and amount of rent for that unit.

The Plattsburgh Housing Authority subsidizes rents for individuals and families within the City of Plattsburgh only.

Who is eligible for the rental assistance program?
General eligiblity requirements are based on the family's annual income and assets.

Income Limits According to Family Size

Upon determined eligible and next on the waiting list at the time a voucher is available, an applicant is issued a voucher. The applicant has sixty (60) days to find housing. The applicant may elect to remain in their current residence, provided the unit and rent meet the program guidelines, or they may find another suitable housing unit.

In the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the family's subsidy is calculated first. The estimated or maximum housing voucher subsidy is calculated by subtracting 30 percent of the monthly adjusted income from the appropriate payment standard for the applicant. The applicant may choose a unit with a rent higher or lower than the payment standard, provided it is affordable.

Apartments, houses and mobile homes may be leased under the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Security deposits are paid in full by the participant to the landlord.

The Program requires that the unit meet standards for decent, safe and sanitary housing. The unit will be inspected to ensure that it meets the required Housing Quality Standards.

Once the applicant finds a unit, the Program requires that the owner and the applicant agree to the terms of the lease. The lease must be for a term of at least one year. After the first year, the lease is on a month-to-month basis. If the lease and unit are acceptable, the applicant and the owner sign a lease and the owner signs a Housing Assistance Payment Contract with the Plattsburgh Housing Authority which guarantees payment to the owner as long as the participant lives in the unit and both parties comply with the lease and contract.

The participant pays their portion of the rent directly to the owner and the Plattsburgh Housing Authority sends the owner a subsidy check on behalf of the participant on the first of each month.

What is the application process?
The applicant must fill out an application, being sure to answer all questions completely. Incomplete answers will delay the application process. The application is reviewed for eligibility. If approved, your name will be placed on the waiting list. If your application is rejected, you may request a fair hearing to discuss this action (if eligible for a hearing).

Is there emergency rental assistance?
We do not have emergency rental assistance.

Are there preferences for the waiting list?
The only preference given in the rental assistance program is for residency. If you are a current resident of Clinton County, you will receive a preference over non-residents, upon receipt of verification.

How long before I will receive rental assistance?
We currently have a waiting list. Generally, it can be one to three years, depending on turnover and the number of individuals on the waiting list. We will contact you as soon as we have reached the area of your name on the waiting list. Please limit your inquiries about your application status. Please notify us if there are extraordinary circumstances of which we should be aware.

ALL CHANGES in income, address, new phone number, etc., must be reported to the Main Office (518) 561-0720 Ext. 32 within 10 days of the change.

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