FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is Section 8 Rental Assistance?

MHA’s rental assistance program helps families in need by paying a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. We help numerous elderly, disabled, handicapped, working families, families on fixed incomes and single parents to live in safe housing. Rental assistance is based on yearly income and the number of people in the household.

2. How does the program work?

When funding is available and your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be notified in writing by mail to attend a program briefing. Family information with be gathered, program requirements will be addressed, and approval is based on income. If approved, MHA will issue a voucher so you may begin searching for a rental unit.

3. How do I qualify?

You must submit an application and qualify based on your annual income for your household size.

4. How do I apply?

Submit your application to the Muskogee Housing Authority at 220 North 40^th Street, Muskogee, OK 74401. Applications are also available on-line at www.mhastaff.org.

5. How long will it take to receive rental assistance?

The time frame varies depending on how many people are on the waiting list.

6. Where am I on the waiting list and when will I get a briefing appointment?

You are placed on the waiting list based on the date and time your application is received in our office. When funding is available and your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be notified by mail to attend an appointment.

7. This is an emergency! I’m homeless! What do I do?

MHA does not have any emergency housing. However, we have a homeless preference that helps our homeless customer attend an appointment faster than applicants who are not homeless. In the meantime, consider applying for public housing or checking for availability at Gospel Rescue Mission.

8. Have you received my application?

MHA will send you a letter when we receive your application. You may also call our application specialist at extension 225.

9. How do I change my address?

Submit your change of request notice to our office in writing. Be sure to include your name and social security number on all address change requests.

10. Where can I live with my voucher?

Muskogee Housing Authority vouchers are good in the city limits of Muskogee.

11. Am I responsible for reporting changes while on the waiting list?

Yes, you are. All changes must be submitted in writing to the agency.

12. How do I reschedule my briefing appointment if I need to cancel?

Provide a written request to our office. Be sure to include your name, address, social security number, and the reason you are requesting to be rescheduled.

13. How much will I pay in rent?

Your portion of the rent is determined by your household’s monthly adjusted income, the size of your family, and the cost of the rental unit you select. Tenants generally pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income and the housing authority pays the balance up to the HUD limit.

14. How long will it take to receive my voucher now that I’ve had a briefing appointment?

The time frame will vary, depending on when you turn in all required documentation. The standard time is 3-14 days from the briefing date.

15. My income has changed, what do I do?

All changes must be reported to MHA, in writing, within ten days of the change.

16. What do I do when I want to move?

Contact your Section 8 caseworker for moving instructions. Oklahoma law requires all tenants to give their landlord a written 30-day notice to vacate before moving out of a rental unit. You must have completed a 12-month contract before any new move can be approved.

17. I’ve had my annual review, when will my rent change?

You will receive written notification from MHA when your review is complete. The written notice will also include the date the rent will change.

18. What do I need to do if I want someone to move in with me?

Contact your Section 8 caseworker for instructions. >You may not move anyone into an assisted unit until they have been approved by the housing authority.

19. I’m a landlord. How do I get my property on Section 8?

Enter information about your unit on www.gosection8.com which only takes a few minutes and is FREE. You may also fax your unit information to 918-682-0446 or drop your listing off to our office.

20. I’m a landlord but didn’t get paid. What do I need to do?

Contact the Section 8 office and staff will research your payment information.

21. If you have a question not listed above, please e-mail your question to erin@mhastaff.org and it will be forwarded to the staff person best qualified to provide a response.