Everything You Need to Know About Section 8 Housing in Des Moines
To qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers in Des Moines, you’ll need to make less than 50% of the median income.
Written by Matthew Lynaugh
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Households with an income of 50% or less of
Des Moines
, Iowa’s median income can qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers, which authorizes the federal government to pay a percentage of the family’s rent. The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, was created in 1978 by the Housing and Community Development Act. This program was designed to provide housing to low and moderate-income families in the private market.
Extensive documentation, specific requirements and long wait times can make navigating
Iowa's
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What is Section 8 housing?
Section 8 is a federal program aimed to assist low-income families, as well as those who are elderly or have disabilities, obtain affordable housing. The name refers to Section 8 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which created the housing voucher system.
If you are new to the Section 8 program, here’s how it works:
- There are two types of vouchers that eligible tenants can apply for: housing choice vouchers and project-based vouchers. Applications for these rental assistance programs are to be made to your local housing authority
- Housing choice vouchers permit qualified tenants to choose housing based on their voucher’s specifications
- Project-based vouchers allow landlords to designate units of certain properties as low-income residencies
- Family size and composition are how the housing authority determines the number of bedrooms on each household’s voucher
- Tenants applying for dwellings with a housing choice voucher will not pay more than 40% of their income in rent—the government will cover the rest
Section 8 obligations
Tenants, landlords, and local housing authorities all have unique responsibilities in the Section 8 program. Here’s a simple breakdown of each party’s designation:
Tenant | Landlord | Housing authority |
|---|---|---|
Complete documents accurately | Screen tenants | Issue vouchers to eligible applicants |
Find suitable housing and complete necessary documentation before voucher expires | Observe fair housing laws | Approve units, rental amounts, and leases |
Pay rent timely and attend all required appointments | Make all needed repairs and maintenance | Inspect subsidized units every year |
Contact the housing authority of any changes in income or family composition | Provide housing authority with documentation of any notices to tenants, including eviction notices | Ensure that both tenants and landlords comply with program rules |
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Key Takeaway If you qualify for Section 8 housing, you will be required to pay a fraction of your income toward rent while the federal government covers the rest.
What are the requirements for Section 8 housing in Des Moines?
Section 8 housing in Des Moines is managed by the
Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
. To qualify, you will have to meet several federal requirements set forth by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).To be deemed eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen with eligible status. Applicants with any drug-related charges in the last two years will automatically not qualify.
Your income cannot exceed 50% of the median household income in your area. HUD includes the following in income calculations:
- Wages
- Social security benefits
- Interest
- Business income
- Welfare assistance
- Alimony and child support
As of 2020, the median household income in Des Moines was $54,843. However, the exact income limits vary given the size of your household.
The table below gives a quick look at qualifying income based on family size in Des Moines:
Family size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Very low income (50%) | $32,000 | $36,550 | $41,100 | $45,650 | $49,350 | $53,000 | $56,650 | $60,300 |
Extremely low income (30%) | $19,200 | $21,950 | $24,700 | $27,400 | $31,040 | $35,580 | $40,120 | $44,660 |
In addition to family composition, the Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency will also take past participation in federally subsidized programs into account when determining eligibility.
How to apply for Section 8 housing in Des Moines
Unfortunately, applications for Section 8 housing are not being accepted at the moment. You can check back at the Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
Section 8 Program page
to see when submissions will open again.When the application process does become available, be prepared to provide elaborate documentation to prove your income meets the HUD’s guidelines. Remember, documentation regarding arrest history, past participation in federally subsidized programs, and citizenship will also be required.
After you submit a successful application, you will be put on a waiting list. To check your status, call DMMHA at 515-323-8950. When you reach the top of the waiting list, you can pick out an available rental unit.
How to find Section 8 housing in Des Moines
After you’ve received your voucher, you’ll have a specific number of days to find housing. Confirm your timeline with the DMMHA.
There are several resources available to help you with your housing search. Check out
Affordable Housing
and Iowa Housing Search
and input Des Moines to see what is available at the time of your hunt.Keep track of all documents in your housing search, including meetings with landlords, applications submitted, and anything else you do. If you are having trouble finding housing, these records will prove that you are trying and can help you apply for an extension.
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FAQs
How much of my own money will I pay for Section 8 housing?
Under Section 8, participants that meet the requirements pay approximately 30% to 40% of their monthly adjusted income for rent. The rest is covered by the federal government.
How long does it take to get on Section 8 in Iowa?
Currently, the waitlist for vouchers is closed and it is estimated that it could remain closed for up to one year. Check back with the Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency for updates.
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