1) How do I qualify for housing assistance?
Your income must qualify for very-low income, as determined by HUD. The Family must not have had any violent or drug related criminal activity.
2) What are Preferences, and does the Richland Housing Authority use any?
The Richland Housing Authority maintains a Preference waiting list and a Non-Preference waiting list for all programs. Families on the Preference waiting lists will be housed first. After the Preference waiting lists are emptied, Families on the Non-Preference waiting lists will then be housed.
The Richland Housing Authority uses the following three preferences:
3) How long will I have to be on the waiting list before I can get housing assistance?
The wait time on any of the waiting lists can vary, sometimes the wait can be a month or as much as two years. There is no set wait time for any of the programs.
4) Can I call and find out where I am on the waiting list?
You may call every month, however we are not able to give you your exact place on the waiting list. Due to everybody's circumstances changing families can go from the Non-Preference waiting list to the Preference waiting list or from the Preference to the Non-Preference waiting list. Therefore it is difficult to determine exact placement on any of the waiting lists.
5) What cities does the Richland Housing Authority cover?
The Richland Housing Authority covers Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton City, and Prosser.
6) I need to come in and talk to my Specialist. When can I come in?
You are welcome to come into the office and report any changes in your circumstances. However, in order for your Specialist to make time to see you, you must call first and make an appointment.
7) I need emergency housing. Does the Richland Housing Authority have emergency housing programs?
The Richland Housing Authority is not currently funded for any emergency housing programs.
8) Can my boyfriend/girlfriend live with me?
Yes. If you can provide documentation of a stable one(1) years relationship as a family unit.
9) Can you mail me an application?
The Richland Housing Authority does not mail out applications. Either you or someone on your behalf must come into the office and pick up an application. Persons with disabilities please contact our office for additional assistance.
10) My relative has a rental, can I rent from them?
It is against HUD Regulations for the Landlord to be a relative of any member of the Tenant family. This includes grandparents of the children from the absent parents side.
11) I already live in a Section 8 approved home. Can I be assisted right away?
The Section 8 Program qualifies Tenants not homes. You must apply and wait on the waiting list until your name comes up and you are issued a Voucher. Therefore we cannot assist a Tenant in a home without coming out and completing HUD's Housing Quality Standards Inspection each and every time a Section 8 Participant leases in a new unit.
12) What if I have a criminal record?
The Richland Housing Authority will screen each applicant and each member of the applicant family who is 18 years of age or older for prior criminal activity. There are certain items on a criminal report that may prevent you from being eligible for assistance. Please always list ALL criminal activity on the application where it asks about criminal activity. Failure to do so, can put you in jeopardy of having your application removed for misrepresentation.