We know that housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers can provide support to people and families facing challenges in affording homes. But did you know that many people lose their vouchers before they even get a chance to use them?
It’s a reality that puts families in tough spots. By seeing the reasons behind this you can take steps to protect your voucher and make sure you have a steady housing situation. This article will explore the reasons individuals lose their housing vouchers and provide tips on steering clear of these traps.
1. Lying About Income: A Costly Mistake
Falsifying your income is a guaranteed way to jeopardize your housing voucher. Whether it’s done on purpose or by mistake, differences between the income and actual earnings can result in benefit loss. Housing agencies regularly check income information and any discrepancies may result in disqualification from the program.
Avoid This By:
- Being truthful and accurate about your earnings, including all sources of income.
- Promptly reporting any changes in income to your local housing authority.
- Keeping detailed records and documentation of your income and expenses.
For more information on managing your income reporting, check out our page on How Can I Check My Section 8 Status?
2. Criminal Background: A Serious Barrier
Having a record can be a hurdle when it comes to finding a place to live using a voucher. Housing authorities and landlords often have rules in place for applicants with backgrounds in crimes like drug offenses or violence. So even if you receive a voucher from the authority a landlords screening process could prevent you from renting their property.
What You Can Do:
- Be honest about your background and know your rights under the Fair Housing Act.
- Seek out landlords who are willing to consider your application, or look for programs that cater to people with criminal records.
- Consider programs like “Housing Programs for Immigrants,” which might offer more flexible guidelines.
Learn more about navigating housing with a criminal background by visiting our guide on Can a Felon Get Section 8?
3. No Rental Insurance: Being Too High Risk
It’s no secret that landlords are requiring pretty much everyone to get rental insurance from them this day. Not only does it protect the landlord in case their tenant accidentally damages the property, it also protects the tenant from theft or anything that may happen to their possessions. And, if the renter does accidentally damage the property, it protects them from having to pay huge amounts of money if they accidentally start a fire or other catastrophc damage.
Protect Yourself By:
- Getting Renters Insurance for as low as $5 a month
- Showing your landlord you have renters insurance so they will rent to you.
4. Misreporting Household Size: The Dangers of False Information
Likewise, if you give an inaccurate count of how many people live in your home it could result in losing a voucher. Some individuals do this to qualify for a bigger subsidy or include additional occupants not mentioned in the application. Housing authorities carry out inspections and checks to ensure the accuracy of the information submitted. Any inconsistencies discovered can lead to the immediate cancellation of the voucher.
Stay Safe By:
- Reporting the exact number of people in your household.
- Not allowing unauthorized individuals to move in without proper notification to the housing authority.
- Understanding the rules around household changes and how they impact your eligibility.
For more tips on finding housing that fits your family size, see our Section 8 Search page.
5. Missed Deadlines and Lack of Follow-Up: A Simple But Costly Oversight
A lot of people end up losing their vouchers due to not meeting deadlines. Whether its not submitting paperwork on time, skipping a mandatory meeting or not finishing inspections these oversights can have impacts.
How to Stay on Track:
- Mark important dates on your calendar and set reminders.
- Keep a checklist of all necessary documentation and ensure you submit it on time.
- Maintain regular communication with your housing authority.
6. Unapproved Subleasing: A Dangerous Game
It’s not allowed to sublease or rent out your unit that has vouchers without permission. Even if you believe you’re doing a favor for someone this could result in the termination of your voucher. Housing authorities frequently inspect for tenants and if you’re discovered you might permanently lose your housing support.
To Avoid This, Ensure That:
- You have written permission for any guests staying longer than what is typically allowed.
- You do not rent out any part of your home, even temporarily, without approval.
- You understand your lease terms thoroughly.
For more information on how to secure housing quickly, read our guide on Get Low-Income Housing Fast.
7. Bad Credit: A Common Roadblock
One unexpected reason why people may lose their housing vouchers is their credit history. Although a housing voucher assists with rent payments landlords typically perform background checks, which involve assessing creditworthiness. A poor credit score can raise concerns for landlords indicating potential issues. As a result they may be reluctant to rent to someone, even if there is guaranteed payment from a housing authority.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Check your credit score regularly and work to improve it.
- Correct any errors on your credit report.
- Demonstrate consistent payment of other bills, like utilities, to show responsibility.
If you’re concerned about your credit, make sure to get your free credit check!
Conclusion
It’s more frequent than people realize to lose a housing voucher yet it doesn’t have to be your fate. By being aware of these traps—such as credit issues, a criminal record, being dishonest about your income or the number of people in your household missing deadlines, unauthorized subleasing and not passing inspections—you can take measures to safeguard your housing security.
Be vigilant, stay informed, and always follow the rules laid out by your housing authority. If you ever feel uncertain seek help or consult this guide to make sure you’re proceeding correctly.
FAQs
Can bad credit prevent me from using my housing voucher?
Yes, many landlords conduct credit checks, and a bad credit score could make it challenging to find a landlord willing to accept a voucher.
What if I have a criminal background?
Depending on the nature of the crime and the policies of the housing authority or landlord, a criminal background can affect your eligibility for housing vouchers.
Why is accurate income reporting important?
Failing to report accurate income can result in the loss of your housing voucher due to discrepancies found during verification checks.
Can I lose my voucher if I fail an inspection?
Yes, failing multiple inspections due to safety or maintenance issues can lead to voucher termination.
What happens if I miss a deadline for submitting documents?
Missing deadlines can result in losing your voucher or delaying your approval process significantly.
Is it okay to let someone stay with me without notifying the housing authority?
No, unauthorized occupants can lead to the termination of your voucher. Always inform the housing authority of any changes in household size.
