Public Housing
What is public housing?
Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible families/households, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing and managing these developments.
Who is eligible?
Public housing is limited to income qualified families/households, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. In addition, our housing authority determines eligibility based on:
- Annual gross income
- Family background information – this includes current and prior landlords, personal references, and performance meeting financial obligations (especially rent)
- Criminal history (Persons who are 18 or older and have a criminal record may be denied admission or evicted from our public housing units.)
Income limits are set by HUD. (See tables below.) Persons wanting to live in our public housing must have a gross income at or below the “Low Income” limit for the appropriate family/household size and location desired.
FY 2024 HUD INCOME LIMITS
INCOME LIMITS FOR ALL LAFOLLETTE HOUSING AUTHORITY DEVELOPMENTS
BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS IN THE FAMILY
How do I apply?
At present, all applications are made in person by visiting one of our site offices. The application process includes completing forms to capture information needed to determine eligibility, providing necessary documents to verify identity, and completing a brief interview with LHA staff.
When/how will I be notified?
Once the background check is completed, your application will be reviewed. If it appears that your family/household is eligible, your name will be placed on the waiting list(s) you choose. Your placement on the waiting list is based on date and time of your application, and you will be contacted by phone and/or letter when your name reaches the top of the waiting list. If circumstances change between your placement on the waiting list and your being contacted regarding an available unit that negatively affect your eligibility for housing, you will be notified by letter. You may speak with a housing authority representative regarding your application status in person Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; phone inquiries are accepted between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Will I have to sign a lease?
If you are offered an apartment and accept it, the head of household and spouse/co-head, if applicable, will be required to sign a lease with LHA. You will pay rent for the remaining days in the current month in addition to a security deposit of $100.00.
How is rent determined?
Rent is based on family/household anticipated gross annual income less deduction, if any.
HUD allows LHA to exclude from annual income the following allowances:
- $480 for each dependent (under 18 years of age, or 18 or over and a full-time student or a person with a disability)
- $400 per family where the head of household or spouse (or co-head) is at least 62 years of age or a person with disabilities
- Some medical deductions for families headed by an elderly or disabled person
- Childcare deduction for out-of-pocket expenses for child(ren) under the age of 13
- Disability assistance expense deduction (if necessary to enable a family member to be employed and provided that the expenses are neither paid to a member of the family nor reimbursed by an outside source)
Tenant rent is the greater of:
- 30% of adjusted gross monthly income
- 10% of gross monthly income
- The minimum rent of $50
- The prevailing flat rent based on unit size and location
- The prevailing ceiling rent based on unit size and location (same as the flat rent)
- The maximum rent for a mixed family
Household income is reviewed at least annually, and rents may be adjusted accordingly.
Are Pets Allowed?
Certain types of pets are permitted, but only one pet is allowed per household. Proof of vaccinations, spay/neuter documentation and payment of a $50.00 pet deposit will be required before the pet can be brought on to housing authority property. This does not apply to service animals.
