Subsidized housing laws and regulations affect landlords, tenants and those involved with the construction, conversion or maintenance of government housing programs. There are several subsidized housing programs available from the federal government. These programs are administered by state and local agencies.

The most well known is the Section 8 program from the Office of Housing and Urban Development. In this program, eligible tenants pay a portion of monthly rental fees and the government pays the difference. Other subsidized programs include the rural equivalent of Section 8 housing and multi-family housing projects. Subsidized housing information and regulations can affect you if you are:

1. A landlord listing rental spaces in a subsidized housing directory;

2. A manufacturer of government subsidized housing or a contractor seeking work with the government;

3. An investor or owner of multi-family housing projects.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find subsidized housing laws

Subsidized housing began with the Housing Act of 1937, also known as the Wagner-Steagle Act. The goal of the act was to create safe and affordable housing to low-income citizens and replace slums and poor housing conditions. Numerous other laws and regulations have been passed since the initial act. These programs are regulated by a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

I recommend: Historical information about the Housing Act of 1937 is available from the Trustees of Hamilton College website. The National Housing Law Project lists recent regulations and legislation that affects subsidized housing tenants and landlords. The U.S. Department of Agriculture details eligibility and other regulations of the Section 515 Rural Housing program.

Get a subsidized housing list of landlord obligations and rights

Landlords in subsidized housing generally have the same obligations and rights as private landlords. They may evict tenants for unpaid rent, damages or illegal usage, as long as they notify the local housing authority and give the tenant written notice and follow local eviction laws. They are responsible for inspection and repairs to the properties and for screening applicants. While they are encouraged to offer fair market rent, they can charge higher rent, but the lessee will have to pay the difference in rental fees.

I recommend: The National Landlord Tenant Guide lists landlord and tenant obligations for subsidized housing. HUD User lists fair market rents nationwide. Landlord responsibilities and rights are detailed on the Affordable Housing Network and GPO Access websites.

Get information on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit for a subsidized housing provider or investor

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program allows companies that invest in low-income housing to receive tax credits. The first step for an agency developing a qualified project is to check with state and local officials or experienced consultants.

I recommend: The National Association of Realtors provides articles and information about the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. See Danter and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials websites for more information about regulations and requirements.

Find subsidized housing regulations for manufacturers and contractors

Companies and individuals involved in subsidized housing services are subject to specific regulations and requirements. This includes those who contract with the government to build or provide services and those who provide manufactured houses.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development specifies methods for building compliant manufactured homes based on the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. State or local requirements may supersede these standards if they are more stringent. Contractors that wish to work on housing construction projects for the federal government must register at the Central Contractor Registration website before responding to proposals.

Subsidized housing provides affordable accommodations to those with low or moderate incomes. The tenants pay rent based on their income rather than the size or style of living space. Funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the government (state or federal) pays part of the rent and the tenants pay the balance. Subsidized housing offers assistance to families, senior citizens and those with disabilities. Subsidized housing programs include vouchers for the disabled and to unite family members, portable-and non-portable-tenant-based, project-based and emergency vouchers for domestic violence. The Housing Choice Voucher Program — or Section 8 — is the most popular. Area housing authority offices are vital resources when it comes to subsidized housing information. If you are interested in becoming a subsidized housing provider or want to offer your company's services to help improve or develop subsidized housing properties, you should:

1. List your business with the federal government.

2. Find out how to become a subsidized housing provider.

3. Invest in potential subsidized housing property.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Register your business to be included in a subsidized housing list of contractors

Any company wishing to do business with the federal government must be registered in its database.

I recommend: Central Contractor Registration (CCR) welcomes sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships and government agencies to register their business in CCR's registry. Registrants are able to submit bids or request for proposals to perform work on potential or existing subsidized housing projects. HUD's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization also provide small business owners and contractors with information on business opportunities like those involving subsidized housing.

Consider becoming a subsidized housing provider

Subsidized housing landlords are needed to reduce the shortage of those who honor Section 8 vouchers.

I recommend: Section8Programs.com allows anyone who has low rent housing or accepts rental vouchers to post their listing online. This free advertising is good for one month. Additionally, the site provides information on ways landlords can obtain government grants for property improvement projects, how they can purchase foreclosed properties in their locale and get a subsidized Housing Online Packet designed for potential landlords. Socialserve.com also allows subsidized housing providers to list their properties. Postings include monthly rent payments (based on Fair Market Rents) and the number of bedrooms.

Find subsidized housing properties that are for sale

Low income-or subsidized-housing is vital to inner cities and urban areas. These are the very locations, however, that find it difficult to meet the affordable needs of their residents.

I recommend: CurrentForecloures.com locates potential subsidized housing properties in any given area via a subsidized housing directory. Enter the state, county and zip code for the location you are interested in to view the current listings. Each posting features a price history that includes past and present asking prices and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. There is a monthly service fee but first-time users can purchase a 15-day pass for one dollar. HUDforeclosed.com also lists available foreclosed, HUD homes and auction property. Membership is required to view specific information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Subsidized housing applicants must provide proof of income, tax returns, birth certificate and proof of any benefits they are receiving.
• •  Voucher programs are not rent-controlled by the government so roughly one-third of an occupant's monthly income will subsidize rent and utilities. Those participating in rental certificate programs never are required to contribute over 30% of their adjusted gross income toward their subsidized housing rent.