top of page
section8-bw.png

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER SECTION 8 PROGRAM

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) helps low-income individuals and families pay for safe, decent rental housing. Funded by HUD and run locally by AMHA, this program serves people in Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam, and Van Wert counties.

​

​If selected, participants get a voucher and can choose a rental home that meets their needs. AMHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets quality standards. Once approved, AMHA signs a contract with the landlord and pays part of the rent directly to them. The family usually pays about 30% of their monthly income toward rent and utilities.

latin-american-boy-raises-his-arms-in-victory-2025-02-22-12-49-05-utc.png

Understanding the HCV Program

FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

Give Correct Information
You must give AMHA all the information they need to see if you qualify for help and to keep your rental help going. This includes income and who lives in your home. If you don’t give the right info, your help may stop, and you could lose your home.

Let Us Inspect the Unit
Your home must be inspected at least every 24 months. You must let the inspector come in with proper notice.

Don’t Move In Early
You can’t move into a new place until AMHA inspects it and agrees on rent with the landlord.

ONLY ONE HOME, ONLY ONE PROGRAM

You must live in the home selected by you and approved by AMHA. You can’t get help from another housing program at the same time. You also can’t own or rent the home from a family member unless AMHA says it’s okay. No subleasing or letting others live there without approval.

MOVING OR ENDING YOUR LEASE

Tell AMHA and your landlord in writing before you move or end your lease. Use the Lease Termination Form from the HCV office. Give AMHA a copy of any eviction notice.

REPORTING CHANGES

You must tell AMHA in writing within 10 business days if:
 

  • Someone moves in or out of your home

  • A family member gets married, has a baby, or passes away

  • Someone’s income changes, including kids

  • You get a lump sum payment (like unemployment or child support)

  • Someone in your home is in jail for more than 30 days

  • Someone is staying at your home more than 30 days in a row or 90 days in a year


​All changes must be approved by AMHA and your landlord.

FOLLOW YOUR LEASE

You must follow the rules in your lease. Some serious problems include:

​

  • Not paying rent or paying late

  • Damaging the home

  • Bothering neighbors

DRUGS OR VIOLENCE

Be careful who you allow into your home because any drug-related or violent crime in your home could stop your rental help.

OTHER IMPORTANT RULES

  • Give 30 days’ written notice before leaving your home.

  • Tell AMHA if someone in your household is gone for over 30 days.

  • Give AMHA a copy of any eviction notice.

  • Don’t make extra rent payments to the landlord that AMHA doesn’t approve.

OWING MONEY TO AMHA OR ANOTHER HOUSING AUTHORITY

Your rental help may be stopped if:

​

  • You owe money to AMHA or another agency

  • You broke a payback plan

  • You haven’t paid back money owed to any public housing agency

WHEN AND WHY ASSISTANCE MAY STOP

  • You break the program rules

  • You were evicted from public housing before

  • Someone in your family committed fraud or a crime related to housing

  • You threaten or are violent toward AMHA staff

  • You make side payments not approved by AMHA

VISITOR POLICY

If a guest (adult or child) stays more than 30 days in a row or more than 90 days in a year, they may be seen as part of your household. This can cause you to lose your housing help. Your landlord may also have stricter rules.

MOVING TO A NEW AREA

You may be able to move anywhere in the U.S. with your voucher. Your voucher has a start and end date. Most families get one voucher per year, but there are exceptions.

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Report unsafe housing if your landlord won’t fix things.

  • Only pay rent and utility costs listed in your lease.

  • Paying more could cause you to lose your rental help.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are Housing Choice Vouchers?
    Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) help very low-income families afford safe, decent, and affordable homes. Families with a voucher can choose to rent privately-owned houses, apartments, or townhomes that meet program rules.
  • Who Can Apply for Housing Choice Vouchers?
    Very low-income families—those earning less than 50% of the area's median income—can apply. In some cases, families earning up to 80% of the median income may also qualify. This includes families already getting housing help or those displaced by public housing changes. HUD updates income limits each year based on where you live.
  • How Does AMHA Decide if a Family Qualifies by Income?
    AMHA looks at the family’s total yearly income (before taxes) and compares it to the income limits set by HUD for the area. These limits change based on how many people are in the family. To qualify, the family’s income must be at or below the limit.
  • How Do Families Get a Housing Choice Voucher?
    Families must apply through a Public Housing Agency (PHA) like AMHA. When a family reaches the top of the waiting list and is found eligible, AMHA will give them a Housing Choice Voucher.
  • I Got a Letter Saying I Was Selected—When Will I Get My Voucher?
    It may take six months to two years for AMHA to process all the families on the waiting list. Be sure to keep your address up to date. If you move, contact the Intake Department and fill out a Waiting List Update Form so you don’t miss important updates.
  • Do You Offer Emergency Housing Help?
    No, AMHA does not provide emergency housing through its Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher programs. The HCVP waiting list is usually closed. When it opens, we announce it in local newspapers, on this website, our Facebook page, and in other community locations. To see if the Public Housing waiting list for your bedroom size is open, click Apply Now on our website. You can also call our office, and the receptionist will let you know which lists are currently accepting applications.
  • My Voucher Expired—Can I Get an Extension?
    Vouchers are good for 60 days. You can ask for more time, especially if you need it as a reasonable accommodation. However, requests made after your voucher expires are usually not approved. Extensions are not guaranteed and are decided by the Section 8 Manager. For help, contact your Intake Specialist or Occupancy Specialist for more information about your options.
  • How Do I Get a Signed Contract?
    To get a signed contract, the landlord and family must sign a lease that matches the HCV contract in both start/end dates and monthly rent. The unit must also pass inspection, and the landlord must agree to the rent amount approved by HCV.
  • Can I Rent from a Family Member?
    In most cases, you cannot rent from your parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or spouse. However, if a family member has a disability, AMHA may allow it as a reasonable accommodation. If approved, AMHA will send written notice to both the family and the landlord.
  • Does AMHA Pay the Security Deposit?
    No. Tenants are responsible for paying or securing the security deposit on their own. AMHA does not cover this cost.
  • When Should I Pay a Security Deposit?
    Talk to the landlord to find out when and if you need to pay a security deposit. Always get the return policy in writing—especially if you don’t end up signing the lease. Most deposits are equal to one month’s rent.
  • Who Pays the Utilities?
    The landlord and tenant decide who pays each utility. These details must be clearly listed in the lease and the housing assistance payments contract.
  • How Much Will HCV Pay for My Home?
    The landlord sets the rent based on what they would charge a tenant without assistance. HCV will then compare that rent to similar homes in the area. The final amount of assistance depends on that comparison, the results of the inspection, and program payment standards.
  • How Does a Family Find a Home After Getting a Voucher?
    Once a family gets a voucher, it’s their job to find a home that meets their needs. The home must pass an inspection, have reasonable rent, and meet all program rules. If approved, AMHA signs a contract with the landlord to begin paying rent on the family’s behalf. If the family later moves out, the contract ends. They can take their assistance with them and use a new voucher to find a different home. Families can search in many ways, but we recommend checking www.affordablehousing.com, where landlords can list available rentals.
  • How Much Rent Does a Voucher Cover?
    AMHA pays the difference between 30% of the family’s adjusted income and either the payment standard set by AMHA or the unit’s total rent (including utilities)—whichever is less. When first moving in, the family’s share of rent and utilities cannot be more than 40% of their income. After the first lease ends, their portion may be higher depending on rent changes.
  • Why Do I Have to Pay Rent If I Have HCV?
    The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) helps with rent, but it doesn’t cover the full amount. You still pay part of the rent based on your income, family size, deductions, and the cost of the unit. HCV is rental assistance—not free rent.
  • When Can I Move In?
    You can move in after the landlord agrees to the rent amount and AMHA sets an approved move-in date. AMHA will not pay for any days before the unit passes the initial inspection.
  • Do Families Have to Lease a Unit in the Same Area Where They Got the Voucher?
    If the family already lives in the PHA’s area, they can use their voucher anywhere in the U.S. where they qualify. But if they applied from outside the area, they must use the voucher within the PHA’s jurisdiction for the first year.
  • Can I Use My Voucher in the AMHA Area If It Was Issued Somewhere Else?
    Yes, you can transfer (or "port") your voucher to the AMHA coverage area. AMHA may either bill your current housing authority or choose to absorb your voucher. To get started, let your current PHA know that you want to port to AMHA.
  • I Missed My Inspection—What Should I Do?
    If you weren’t home, the inspector will do an exterior-only inspection. It’s your responsibility—or your landlord’s—to call AMHA and reschedule. The deadline to pass the inspection stays the same, so don’t wait. If you miss two inspections, AMHA may start the process to end your housing assistance. Call as soon as possible to reschedule.

Information for HCV Participants​

  • What Are Housing Choice Vouchers?
    Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) help very low-income families afford safe, decent, and affordable homes. Families with a voucher can choose to rent privately-owned houses, apartments, or townhomes that meet program rules.
  • Who Can Apply for Housing Choice Vouchers?
    Very low-income families—those earning less than 50% of the area's median income—can apply. In some cases, families earning up to 80% of the median income may also qualify. This includes families already getting housing help or those displaced by public housing changes. HUD updates income limits each year based on where you live.
  • How Does AMHA Decide if a Family Qualifies by Income?
    AMHA looks at the family’s total yearly income (before taxes) and compares it to the income limits set by HUD for the area. These limits change based on how many people are in the family. To qualify, the family’s income must be at or below the limit.
  • How Do Families Get a Housing Choice Voucher?
    Families must apply through a Public Housing Agency (PHA) like AMHA. When a family reaches the top of the waiting list and is found eligible, AMHA will give them a Housing Choice Voucher.
  • I Got a Letter Saying I Was Selected—When Will I Get My Voucher?
    It may take six months to two years for AMHA to process all the families on the waiting list. Be sure to keep your address up to date. If you move, contact the Intake Department and fill out a Waiting List Update Form so you don’t miss important updates.
  • Do You Offer Emergency Housing Help?
    No, AMHA does not provide emergency housing through its Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher programs. The HCVP waiting list is usually closed. When it opens, we announce it in local newspapers, on this website, our Facebook page, and in other community locations. To see if the Public Housing waiting list for your bedroom size is open, click Apply Now on our website. You can also call our office, and the receptionist will let you know which lists are currently accepting applications.
  • My Voucher Expired—Can I Get an Extension?
    Vouchers are good for 60 days. You can ask for more time, especially if you need it as a reasonable accommodation. However, requests made after your voucher expires are usually not approved. Extensions are not guaranteed and are decided by the Section 8 Manager. For help, contact your Intake Specialist or Occupancy Specialist for more information about your options.
  • How Do I Get a Signed Contract?
    To get a signed contract, the landlord and family must sign a lease that matches the HCV contract in both start/end dates and monthly rent. The unit must also pass inspection, and the landlord must agree to the rent amount approved by HCV.
  • Can I Rent from a Family Member?
    In most cases, you cannot rent from your parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or spouse. However, if a family member has a disability, AMHA may allow it as a reasonable accommodation. If approved, AMHA will send written notice to both the family and the landlord.
  • Does AMHA Pay the Security Deposit?
    No. Tenants are responsible for paying or securing the security deposit on their own. AMHA does not cover this cost.
  • When Should I Pay a Security Deposit?
    Talk to the landlord to find out when and if you need to pay a security deposit. Always get the return policy in writing—especially if you don’t end up signing the lease. Most deposits are equal to one month’s rent.
  • Who Pays the Utilities?
    The landlord and tenant decide who pays each utility. These details must be clearly listed in the lease and the housing assistance payments contract.
  • How Much Will HCV Pay for My Home?
    The landlord sets the rent based on what they would charge a tenant without assistance. HCV will then compare that rent to similar homes in the area. The final amount of assistance depends on that comparison, the results of the inspection, and program payment standards.
  • How Does a Family Find a Home After Getting a Voucher?
    Once a family gets a voucher, it’s their job to find a home that meets their needs. The home must pass an inspection, have reasonable rent, and meet all program rules. If approved, AMHA signs a contract with the landlord to begin paying rent on the family’s behalf. If the family later moves out, the contract ends. They can take their assistance with them and use a new voucher to find a different home. Families can search in many ways, but we recommend checking www.affordablehousing.com, where landlords can list available rentals.
  • How Much Rent Does a Voucher Cover?
    AMHA pays the difference between 30% of the family’s adjusted income and either the payment standard set by AMHA or the unit’s total rent (including utilities)—whichever is less. When first moving in, the family’s share of rent and utilities cannot be more than 40% of their income. After the first lease ends, their portion may be higher depending on rent changes.
  • Why Do I Have to Pay Rent If I Have HCV?
    The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) helps with rent, but it doesn’t cover the full amount. You still pay part of the rent based on your income, family size, deductions, and the cost of the unit. HCV is rental assistance—not free rent.
  • When Can I Move In?
    You can move in after the landlord agrees to the rent amount and AMHA sets an approved move-in date. AMHA will not pay for any days before the unit passes the initial inspection.
  • Do Families Have to Lease a Unit in the Same Area Where They Got the Voucher?
    If the family already lives in the PHA’s area, they can use their voucher anywhere in the U.S. where they qualify. But if they applied from outside the area, they must use the voucher within the PHA’s jurisdiction for the first year.
  • Can I Use My Voucher in the AMHA Area If It Was Issued Somewhere Else?
    Yes, you can transfer (or "port") your voucher to the AMHA coverage area. AMHA may either bill your current housing authority or choose to absorb your voucher. To get started, let your current PHA know that you want to port to AMHA.
  • I Missed My Inspection—What Should I Do?
    If you weren’t home, the inspector will do an exterior-only inspection. It’s your responsibility—or your landlord’s—to call AMHA and reschedule. The deadline to pass the inspection stays the same, so don’t wait. If you miss two inspections, AMHA may start the process to end your housing assistance. Call as soon as possible to reschedule.

Information for Landlords

  • What Are Housing Choice Vouchers?
    Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) help very low-income families afford safe, decent, and affordable homes. Families with a voucher can choose to rent privately-owned houses, apartments, or townhomes that meet program rules.
  • Who Can Apply for Housing Choice Vouchers?
    Very low-income families—those earning less than 50% of the area's median income—can apply. In some cases, families earning up to 80% of the median income may also qualify. This includes families already getting housing help or those displaced by public housing changes. HUD updates income limits each year based on where you live.
  • How Does AMHA Decide if a Family Qualifies by Income?
    AMHA looks at the family’s total yearly income (before taxes) and compares it to the income limits set by HUD for the area. These limits change based on how many people are in the family. To qualify, the family’s income must be at or below the limit.
  • How Do Families Get a Housing Choice Voucher?
    Families must apply through a Public Housing Agency (PHA) like AMHA. When a family reaches the top of the waiting list and is found eligible, AMHA will give them a Housing Choice Voucher.
  • I Got a Letter Saying I Was Selected—When Will I Get My Voucher?
    It may take six months to two years for AMHA to process all the families on the waiting list. Be sure to keep your address up to date. If you move, contact the Intake Department and fill out a Waiting List Update Form so you don’t miss important updates.
  • Do You Offer Emergency Housing Help?
    No, AMHA does not provide emergency housing through its Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher programs. The HCVP waiting list is usually closed. When it opens, we announce it in local newspapers, on this website, our Facebook page, and in other community locations. To see if the Public Housing waiting list for your bedroom size is open, click Apply Now on our website. You can also call our office, and the receptionist will let you know which lists are currently accepting applications.
  • My Voucher Expired—Can I Get an Extension?
    Vouchers are good for 60 days. You can ask for more time, especially if you need it as a reasonable accommodation. However, requests made after your voucher expires are usually not approved. Extensions are not guaranteed and are decided by the Section 8 Manager. For help, contact your Intake Specialist or Occupancy Specialist for more information about your options.
  • How Do I Get a Signed Contract?
    To get a signed contract, the landlord and family must sign a lease that matches the HCV contract in both start/end dates and monthly rent. The unit must also pass inspection, and the landlord must agree to the rent amount approved by HCV.
  • Can I Rent from a Family Member?
    In most cases, you cannot rent from your parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or spouse. However, if a family member has a disability, AMHA may allow it as a reasonable accommodation. If approved, AMHA will send written notice to both the family and the landlord.
  • Does AMHA Pay the Security Deposit?
    No. Tenants are responsible for paying or securing the security deposit on their own. AMHA does not cover this cost.
  • When Should I Pay a Security Deposit?
    Talk to the landlord to find out when and if you need to pay a security deposit. Always get the return policy in writing—especially if you don’t end up signing the lease. Most deposits are equal to one month’s rent.
  • Who Pays the Utilities?
    The landlord and tenant decide who pays each utility. These details must be clearly listed in the lease and the housing assistance payments contract.
  • How Much Will HCV Pay for My Home?
    The landlord sets the rent based on what they would charge a tenant without assistance. HCV will then compare that rent to similar homes in the area. The final amount of assistance depends on that comparison, the results of the inspection, and program payment standards.
  • How Does a Family Find a Home After Getting a Voucher?
    Once a family gets a voucher, it’s their job to find a home that meets their needs. The home must pass an inspection, have reasonable rent, and meet all program rules. If approved, AMHA signs a contract with the landlord to begin paying rent on the family’s behalf. If the family later moves out, the contract ends. They can take their assistance with them and use a new voucher to find a different home. Families can search in many ways, but we recommend checking www.affordablehousing.com, where landlords can list available rentals.
  • How Much Rent Does a Voucher Cover?
    AMHA pays the difference between 30% of the family’s adjusted income and either the payment standard set by AMHA or the unit’s total rent (including utilities)—whichever is less. When first moving in, the family’s share of rent and utilities cannot be more than 40% of their income. After the first lease ends, their portion may be higher depending on rent changes.
  • Why Do I Have to Pay Rent If I Have HCV?
    The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) helps with rent, but it doesn’t cover the full amount. You still pay part of the rent based on your income, family size, deductions, and the cost of the unit. HCV is rental assistance—not free rent.
  • When Can I Move In?
    You can move in after the landlord agrees to the rent amount and AMHA sets an approved move-in date. AMHA will not pay for any days before the unit passes the initial inspection.
  • Do Families Have to Lease a Unit in the Same Area Where They Got the Voucher?
    If the family already lives in the PHA’s area, they can use their voucher anywhere in the U.S. where they qualify. But if they applied from outside the area, they must use the voucher within the PHA’s jurisdiction for the first year.
  • Can I Use My Voucher in the AMHA Area If It Was Issued Somewhere Else?
    Yes, you can transfer (or "port") your voucher to the AMHA coverage area. AMHA may either bill your current housing authority or choose to absorb your voucher. To get started, let your current PHA know that you want to port to AMHA.
  • I Missed My Inspection—What Should I Do?
    If you weren’t home, the inspector will do an exterior-only inspection. It’s your responsibility—or your landlord’s—to call AMHA and reschedule. The deadline to pass the inspection stays the same, so don’t wait. If you miss two inspections, AMHA may start the process to end your housing assistance. Call as soon as possible to reschedule.
new-house-owner-apartment-buyer-real-estate-concep-2025-03-05-18-25-02-utc.jpg

ABOUT US

Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) helps families find safe, clean, and affordable housing. We also support programs that create job opportunities in our community.

  • Facebook
Equal-Housing-Opportunity-white.png

ADDRESS

419-228-6065

 

600 S. Main St.
Lima, Ohio 45804

MY HOUSING PORTAL

My Housing Portal is your online hub for accessing applications, forms, and important information—for applicants, landlords, and current residents.

© 2025 Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority. Website Created by Modo Media. 

bottom of page