Planning and Housing Department

City of Ames Section 8 Rental Assistance Program 

What is Section 8 Housing?

The City of Ames Section 8 Rental Assistance Program provides rental assistance for qualified low-income families with children and elderly or disabled individuals.  The assistance is based on the "rule of thumb" that no one should have to pay more than 30% of their monthly income for a decent, safe and sanitary home.

Eligible families find a suitable rental unit that meets their needs within the city limits of Ames.  The family typically pays 30% (not to exceed 40% at admission) of their monthly income towards rent and the utility allowance and the rest is paid by the federal government, and the City of Ames, directly to the landlord of the unit.

EXAMPLE CALCULATION:

Family's Monthly Income:	$426.00
30% of Family's Adjusted Monthly Income:	$104.00
Rent of Unit Selected (Including Utility Allowance):	$550.00
Family's Share of Rent (30% of Monthly Adjusted Income):	$104.00
Federal Subsidy Paid to Landlord:	$446.00

How does the program work?

The basic steps involved include:

1. Interested applicants request a pre-application packet from the Department of Planning & Housing.
2. The applicant is placed on the waiting list based on the date and time the completed pre-application is received by the Department of Planning & Housing.
3. When assistance is available, the Housing Staff will contact the applicant in writing.  Staff then verifies the eligibility of the applicant.  Information needed at the time of verification includes (but not limited to) the names of all persons expected to live in the household, proof of birth and social security numbers, and all sources of income, assets, child care, and medical expenses.  Additional information may be requested.
4. An eligible applicant is issued a Voucher and finds a suitable rental unit within the city limits of Ames.   The unit must be inspected and pass HUD's Housing Quality Standards, have a rent that meets program guidelines as determined by HUD and the City of Ames, and the landlord must agree to participate in the program and comply with program guidelines.  If the rental unit where the applicant currently lives meets program guidelines, they may not have to move.
5. Upon approval, the eligible applicant and the landlord sign a lease agreement.  A contract for the balance of the rent paid through the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program is signed by the City of Ames and the landlord, and assistance begins on the approved contract date.

Who can qualify?

The program is open to families with children and single, elderly or disabled individuals.  Preference will be given to families with children, and elderly or disabled individuals.  To qualify for the program applicants must have incomes below 50% of the median income for Story County.  Additionally, a percentage of applicants must have incomes below 30% of the median income for Story County.  The income limits are as follows:

Family Size	30%	50%
1	$14,650	$24,400
2	$16,700	$27,900
3	$18,800	$31,350
4	$20,900	$34,850
5	$22,550	$37,650
6	$24,250	$40,450
7	$25,900	$43,200
8	$27,600	$46,000

Subject to change annually

Advantages

The benefits of the Section 8 Housing Program are designed to help both the renter and the landlord.  The program is based on a private-market approach that allows a renter and landlord to reach a rental agreement that meets program guidelines set up by HUD and the City of Ames.

For the Renter:

1. A portion of the rent is paid so that the renter typically pays 30% (not to exceed 40% at admission) of their income towards rent and the utility allowance;
2. The renter is assured decent, safe, and sanitary housing;
3. The renter can occupy any type of rental unit (apartment, duplex, single family, etc), if the rental unit qualifies under program guidelines;
4. The renter may choose to live anywhere within the city limits of Ames; and
5. The renter will receive a utility allowance (per HUD's schedule) for those utilities that would be paid for by the renter.

For the Landlord:

1. The landlord does not have to lose a good renter if the landlord has a renter who qualifies for the Program.
2. The reduction of the renter's share of the rent might insure more timely payments and the continuation of residence in that unit.
3. The landlord can collect security deposit amounts as allowed under state law.

How can I apply?

To begin the application process you will need to provide us with the following general information.  Click on the application link below to proceed.
Please note:  The information you provide on the next page must match that of the application submitted.
Also note: For you protection it is advised you mail any information directly from your local post office.

To download a Section 8 Application packet - click here.

          To see the PHA Plans - click here

            Participants Change Form - click here

            Applicant Change Form - click here

Please refer all calls and questions to:

City of Ames
515 Clark Avenue
P.O. Box 811
Ames, Iowa  50010-0811
Phone: (515) 239-5400
Fax: (515) 239-5404

Office Hours as Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.