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Talk to a Housing Counselor
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HUD funds housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can give you
advice on renting. Find the address of a housing
counseling agency closest to you or call toll-free 1-888-466-3487
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Looking for an apartment or house to rent? It can be both exciting - and frustrating.
Read these tips before you begin. And happy hunting! Step 1: Know Your
Rights and ResponsibilitiesWhen you live in an apartment, you have both
rights and responsibilities. Know what's expected of you - and what you can expect
in return.
Step 2: Figure Out How Much You Can
AffordSome experts recommend that you budget 25-30% of your income for
housing. Here's more information about budgeting for your rent:
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Did You Know?
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You can apply at more than one public housing agency. Each housing agency
has its own system for applications. Sometimes there are long waiting lists. If
you're willing to move, you might find a housing agency that can offer you housing
right away. So check around.
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Find out how
your rent is determined by public housing agencies.. |
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Step
3: Take Advantage of Special Services and Programs to Help YouNeed financial
help? HUD and other agencies fund programs that may help you rent a home. Privately
owned subsidized apartments: the government provides funds directly to apartment
owners, who lower the rents they charge low-income tenants. You can find privately
owned subsidized apartments for senior citizens and people with disabilities,
as well as for families and individuals. To be eligible, you can earn no more
than the income limit.
Public
Housing is apartments for low-income people, operated by local housing agencies.
To be eligible, you can earn no more than the income
limit.
Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called "Section
8") let you find your own place to rent, using the voucher to pay for all
or part of the rent To be eligible, you can earn no more than the income
limit.
Local rental programs
- Your state and local governments may use HUD funds to create local rental programs.
You can contact your state and local governments to find out. These rental programs
may have different income limits, so be sure to ask.
Rural Rental
Assistance Programs: The Department of Agriculture has rental assistance programs,
home improvement and repair loans and grants, and self-help housing loans for
low income individuals and families in rural communities.
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To
apply: Visit the Rural
Housing Service website or contact your local Rural Development office (check
the Federal Government section of your telephone book). |
Programs
and Services in Federal Rental Housing: Many of the apartments that are aided
by federal funding offer additional services for residents.
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Neighborhood
networks trains residents in computer and job-seeking skills
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Step Up is a construction apprenticeship
program for public housing residents and other people with low incomes |
Step
4: Figure Out What You NeedThink through what you need in an apartment
BEFORE you begin shopping. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you
need to be close to schools? Do you need parking? Do you need to be close to public
transportation? Where is the grocery store? Make a list before you begin...that
will help you narrow down your search. Step 5: Go ShoppingShop
for an apartment or house to rent just like you shop for anything else. Look around.
Compare features. Get the best deal for you.
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Checklist
to help you compare each unit
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Accessible
apartment clearinghouse
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Visit your favorite search site and
search on "apartments for rent" - you'll find many websites that will
help you find apartments in your area |
Step 6: Get Ready
to MoveOK - you've found your place. You've signed your lease. You're
ready to move in. Here are a few more resources and suggestions you might consider.
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