• Learn about Secton 8 housingHouse image by Gon?¡ìalo Carreira from Fotolia.com
  
  Depending on a family's finances and the economic climate, finding affordable housing can be an extremely difficult task. Therefore, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development set up a voucher program, known as Section 8, which helps families to afford their rent. Section 8 gives rental assistance to families by making payments directly to the landlord. The program is geared toward helping families whose total income is below 50 percent of the average income in a given area. The Office of Public Housing in Ohio is responsible for overseeing this program, including enforcing the rules of Section 8.
  
  

Eligibility

• The eligibility rules of Section 8 housing in Ohio are very specific. For a family to be eligible, the members must: be American citizens; qualify as a "family" unit; have an income below 50 percent of the average median income (AMI) of the county or metropolitan area in which the family lives. Median income levels vary by city in Ohio, so families who are eligible in one area may not be eligible if they move, unless the PHA (Public Housing Administration) is notified ahead of time. Income limits for eligibility may be obtained locally from PHAs.
  
  

Obligations

• According to Section 8 rules, the tenant is obligated to comply with all the requirements of the program and the lease agreement--if the tenant does not, he or she may lose eligibility for Section 8 help. Any changes in family income must be reported to the PHA, and the house or apartment must be kept in good repair during the rental period. In some cases, those who apply for Section 8 help in Ohio may be required to pay a security deposit on the apartment that is being rented. Leases must be signed for a period of at least one year.
  
  

Landlord Rules

• Landlords are subject to certain requirements to be a part of the Section 8 housing program. The landlord must provide safe and sanitary housing to the individuals who are receiving assistance, and the landlord is required to supply housing at a reasonable level of rent. The program has housing quality rules and standards with which a landlord must comply if he or she plans to continue as a part of the program. All the terms agreed upon in the lease with the party and the agreement signed between the landlord and the PHA must be followed strictly by the landlord.