Section 8 Frequently Asked Questions

The Section 8 waiting list is currently closed, Osceola County is not accepting applications at this time.

When we open for Section 8 applications, we will announce it on both our Housing Programs page, and in the local newspaper.

Due to the demand for affordable housing, specifically federally subsidized rental programs, the Osceola County Section 8 Housing like other housing authorities, maintains a waiting list. With the high volume of people needing housing assistance and limited resources, the Osceola County Section 8 Housing Office periodically re-opens its waiting list for new applications.

Please note: Submitting an application does not guarantee that housing will be offered.

Families in subsidized rental housing programs, such as the Section 8 Program can remain in the program as long as they adhere to program rules and regulations. We generally have a small turnover of housing units on an annual basis and expect to offer housing to a small percentage of applicants who apply. We allow the opportunity for anyone to apply, but however; it does not guarantee that housing will be provided. To ensure we are able to maintain our federal obligations to HUD for the number of families being assisted, we must keep a waiting list of families to be assisted should the opportunity become available.

The application is available in English and Spanish.

Once submitted, applications are drawn randomly using a lottery system.

It is very important to notify the Section 8 Housing Office of any changes that occur in your household. You risk the chance of your application not being accepted if your information is not current at time of selection.

Income Limits: Your household income must be below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Osceola County. Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, etc. Our Housing staff can provide you the exact income limits for your family size and area.

Citizenship or Immigration Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. All household members must provide documentation (e.g., birth certificate, green card).

Please be aware that applications are only accepted when our waiting list is open to submissions.

No, you do not have to be a citizen; however, you must have eligible immigration status.

Below are some of the reasons that would prevent your Section 8 application from being accepted:

• A failed criminal background screening
• Previous evictions
• Income exceeds eligibility requirements
• Failure to appear for scheduled appointments
• Failure to provide the necessary documents to determine eligibility

You must inform your initial/originating housing office of your decision to port your housing voucher to our jurisdiction. You will need to inform your housing office that our jurisdiction will not absorb your housing voucher and provide them the most current payment standards, please contact our office at 407-742-8400 or visit Housing Programs.

If your transfer is approved, your housing office must mail your portability packet to our office at:

Osceola County Section 8 Housing Office
1392 E. Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Attn: Portability

or it can be sent via email to Housing@osceola.org.

Please note: Portability packets will not be accepted via fax.

No, the Osceola County Section 8 Housing Office does not absorb vouchers. We will administer (bill) your housing office.

The following is a list of the some of the documents that you should bring to your portability briefing appointment:

• Proof of all income for the household
• Birth Certificates for all members of the household
• Social Security Cards for all members of the household
• Photo identification cards/Driver’s License for all members of the household 18 years old and older

Please note: We will mail you a checklist of the required documents to bring when we send you your appointment letter.

After you've been selected from the waitlist and received your voucher, it becomes your responsibility to find a home. Don’t procrastinate, vouchers expire after 120 days.

• You can find a list of low-to-moderate income apartments at the bottom of our Section 8 page.
• Review HUD’s Resource Locator for Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties in your area. These properties are required to accept housing vouchers as a source of payment.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Section 8 staff.

Initial Inspection for New Move-in

Once we receive your Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) and your landlord is registered in our system, we’ll schedule an inspection of the rental unit. This inspection is arranged directly with your prospective landlord you do not need to be there. To find out the inspection date or results, please contact your landlord directly.

Annual Inspection for Current Tenants

Each year, we will send you a letter from our Section 8 Inspections Division with the date of your scheduled inspection. If you are not available on that date, it’s your responsibility to inform us in advance so it can be rescheduled. If you miss the first inspection, we’ll automatically mail you a new appointment. If you miss the second inspection, you will need to submit a written request to our office to reschedule.

Mailing address:
Osceola County Section 8 Housing Office
1392 E. Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34744

Any changes in your household must be reported within ten (10) business days of the change. An Interim Re-Examination Form must be completed and must include all supporting documents. This form is available in the reception area located in our office at 1392 E. Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744.

If you believe that your Housing Voucher should not be terminated, you have ten (10) business days from the date of letter to respond in writing with your request for an informal hearing.

The Section 8 recertification packet is not mailed out. You will receive a letter indicating when you can pick up your recertification packet. The return date for the completed packet is indicated in the letter as well as in the packet. If someone other than yourself is picking up your packet, we require written notice indicating the name of the person. This person will also be required to show identification.

If you misplace your recertification packet, it is your responsibility to contact your Housing Specialist to request another copy.

You can find your housing specialist using our Section 8 staff directory.

Income guidelines are established by HUD and are updated annually. See your Housing Specialist for the most recent income guidelines based on your household size.

You can find your housing specialist using our Section 8 staff directory.

If you are in need of copies of documents in your file, you must request it in writing. Your request will be processed within 24 to 48 hours and there is a charge of $.15 per page.

If you are interested in listing your property under the Section 8 program, you will need to fill out a New Landlord Registration Packet. You may download the packet from the Section 8 Program Document Library or pick up a hard copy at our office located at 1392 E. Vine Street Kissimmee, FL 34744, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am–5:00pm.

Please note: When returning the completed New Landlord Registration Packet, you will also need to provide a copy of the following documents:

• Copy of Social Security Card
• Copy of Photo ID/Driver’s License
• Copy of Property Deed
• Copy of Current Mortgage Statement (If you do not have a mortgage on the property, please provide the HUD statement from the closing, a satisfaction of mortgage, or a letter from the bank indicating that the property is free and clear. If the property is being managed by a Property Management Company, include a copy of the property management agreement.)
• Copy of Voided Check for direct deposit (this should be attached to the Authorization for Direct Deposit Form included in the packet)

Once the information is received, reviewed and accepted, your property will be added to the Section 8 Rental Listing. If you require further information, please contact our Housing Office at 407-742-8406.

As a Section 8 landlord, you will be responsible for the following:

• Screening your future tenants.
• Complying with all fair housing laws.
• Making all repairs that are not tenant caused in a timely manner and making sure that these repairs meet the Housing Quality Standards.
• Complying with the terms of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
• Collecting the rent due by the tenant.
• Enforcing the terms of your lease with the tenant.
• Attend a mandatory Landlord Orientation that will address every aspect of the program and erase any misconceptions.

Please refer to the Housing Choice Voucher Payment Standards located within your New Landlord Registration Packet. Please note that the payment standards include all utilities and are updated annually.

Approval Request

Once you have selected a tenant you must complete the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet for your prospective tenant. It is the responsibility of the prospective tenant to return the RFTA packet to our office. You can contact our Housing Office for this packet.

Inspection

When the RFTA is approved, our Section 8 Inspections Department will contact you to schedule an inspection of the property. Please be aware that only the landlord must be present for this inspection.

If the property or unit does not pass inspection, we will allow up to ten (10) business days for correction of the repair(s). A re-inspection of the property/unit will be required to confirm that the corrections have been completed.

Lease

Once the unit passes inspection and the proposed rental amount is approved, you must notify your prospective tenant and execute the lease. You will also have to sign a Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP) with our office.

Please note: Tenants have only 120 days to find housing before they risk losing their Housing Choice Voucher, so repairs must be made in a timely manner.

The tenant will pay between 30% and 40% of their monthly adjusted income dependent upon the following factors:

• Participant’s income
• Deductions to which the participant is entitled to under the program
• Number of members in the household
• Housing Choice Voucher size
• The applicable amount in the Payment Standards
• The utility allowance participant is entitled to in reference to the rental unit

The Osceola County Housing Office cannot begin paying until after the unit passes inspection. Once the unit passes inspection, we will process the file and generate a Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP) which will require signature. When we received the signed HAP and a copy of the signed lease we will process the payment.

At contract renewal, landlords will be given the opportunity to request a rent increase. Requests must be made sixty (60) days prior to the start of the new lease. Each landlord must complete a Rental Increase Request Form(PDF, 224KB), and provide backup documentation for their request. Requests will be reviewed and approved by management on a case by case basis. If additional documentation or information is needed, it will be requested. Landlords will be notified if their rental increase is either approved or denied.

As the owner of the rental property, you are entitled to charge security deposit. You cannot charge a Section 8 tenant any more than you would charge a tenant that is not on the program. The security deposit can be used to compensate for the damages caused by the tenant. If the damages exceed the security deposit amount, you have the option to go to court and get a court order for the remaining amount.