Housing Resources

Information on Subsidized Housing

There are two types of subsidized housing; Tenant-Based (vouchers) & Project-Based (income-based buildings).

Tenant-Based Subsidies

There are many types of tenant-based voucher programs that have varying eligibility requirements (Section 8, Shelter + Care, Bridges, VASH), with Section 8 being the most common, and often the term used to describe subsidies in general. Section 8 is a government-funded program that assists low-income households in paying their rent on private, market-rate rental units. The rent amount a tenant is responsible for will be 30% to 40% of the household’s adjusted gross income. The assigned Housing Authority will then pay the remaining portion of rent directly to the property. If a tenant moves, the voucher stays with them and can be utilized at a new property.

Waiting-lists for vouchers are often long or closed, but are free to apply for when available. To qualify for a Section 8 voucher, you must fall within Minnesota’s income limits. For a list of which Housing Authorities currently have open waiting-lists, information on landlords who accept vouchers, as well as area income limits, visit Housinglink.org

Project-Based Subsidies

In this type of subsidy, rental assistance is tied to the building, rather than being attached to the tenant. Project-based buildings can be publicly owned by HUD or privately owned by an owner with a contract with HUD. If a tenant moves out of a project-based unit, the subsidy does not go with them. Often times, rental cost is 30% of the household adjusted gross income. There may be a variety of housing types available through this program including single-family homes, townhomes, or apartments.

Interested applicants must apply to each individual property that participates in the program, with some properties having tenant requirements such as a minimum age or disability. Waiting-lists for these properties vary in length but are frequently free to apply to. Once you are selected from a waiting list, you may be invited to tour the property and offered a unit; however, there may be a limited number of available units to choose from.

Individuals can search for these units via Housinglink.org. Simply enter your county of preference and check “Subsidized housing” in the search filter, to view which project-based Section 8 and public housing units have open wait-lists. Ask the property manager what their screening criteria is for applicants, and if there are any policies that automatically disqualify prospective renters.

Other project-based programs operate in a similar manner, including: Section 202, Section 236, Section 515 for rural areas, and Section 811.

Asking Good Questions

When you are seeking housing assistance and actually calling or meeting with potential landlords and housing providers, it’s a good idea to ask the right questions to get maximum information and increase your chances of receiving the housing arrangement that’s right for you. We encourage you to follow this process:

• Write down the address and description of the building.
• Ask if there are any openings for your desired bedroom size and if not, when they may be available.
• If there are no current openings, ask when you should call/inquire about openings again.
• Ask about their selection criteria for new tenants.
• Ask if you work with people who have marks on their background check (if applicable).
• Ask if rental subsidies are accepted (if applicable).
• Ask how much the application fee is.
• Ask if a security deposit is required and if so, how much.
• Ask which utilities, if any, are included in rent.
• Ask if pets are allowed, and if there is a separate security deposit for pets (if applicable).