Everything You Need to Know About Section 8 Housing in Oklahoma City | GetJerry.com (2024)

But finding Section 8 housing in your community can be a burdensome task. Between extensive paperwork, long waits, and limited availability, the process can feel endless.

Section 8 is a federal affordable housing program that allows low-income families, as well as elderly or disabled people, to have a percentage of their rent paid for directly by the government.

The name itself derives from Section 8 of the 1974 Housing and Community Development Act, which established the housing voucher program.

Here’s how Section 8 works:

Basically, Section 8 creates greater access to decent and affordable housing for citizens most in need.

As a federally-implemented housing program, there are a number of requirements placed upon tenants, landlords, and local housing authorities to comply with Section 8 guidelines.

Here are the basic responsibilities of each party:

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To qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers in Oklahoma City, you must be at least 18 years or older (or emancipated by the state’s court system). Additionally, you must either be a US citizen or a documented immigrant to apply.

If you have a recent history of prior evictions or crimes, however, your application may be rejected—and if you or a family member is a registered sex offender, the application will automatically be denied.

If your gross annual income does not exceed 50% of the median income in your area, then you likely qualify for a housing voucher through Section 8.

When calculating your exact annual income, the HUD considers the following factors:

The median household income in Oklahoma City as of 2020 is $56,456. However, exact qualifying income limits depend not only on income alone but also on your family size and composition.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the OCHA is required by law to provide at least 75% of its housing vouchers to those who make 30% or less than the median income.

Below, you’ll find a more detailed breakdown of how applicants are assessed based on income levels and family size:

If your family application includes children, elderly family members, or disabled family members, your application may be prioritized by the OCHA, especially if you’re currently unhoused.

Once you’ve set up an account, be ready to provide extensive income documentation as part of the application process.

If you have a disability or need assistance completing your application, you can call the Housing Voucher Program’s hotline at (405)605-3248 or submit a request in writing to the following address: Oklahoma City Housing Authority, ATTN: Housing Voucher Program, 1800 N.E. 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-3808.

Once you submit your application, you’ll automatically be added to the OCHA’s waiting list. It is your responsibility as the applicant to keep all information current and up-to-date while your pre-application is processing; you can make edits to your application right through the OCHA portal.

Once your application has reached the top of the waiting list, you’ll receive a notification by email or standard mail. Formal application processing can take a month to six weeks, on average—but once you’re approved, the OCHA will issue you a housing voucher.

From there, you’ll have 60 days (approximately two months) to find a suitable dwelling. For elderly or disabled applications, this period is extended to 120 days (approximately three months).

Once you’ve received your housing voucher, you’ll have two (or three) months to secure a suitable unit. Housing vouchers in Oklahoma City permit you to choose any unit within the city limits, so long as it meets the criteria set forth by the voucher. Landlords maintain their private property rights, and lease agreements will occur directly between you and your landlord.

In Oklahoma City, you can search for Section 8 housing using any of the following sites:

It’s important to keep a record of your housing search process, including documenting meetings with landlords and copies of any submitted applications.

If you’re struggling to find housing within the 60 days, the OCHA may grant you a 30-day extension—providing documentation of your search efforts can improve your chances of getting an extension.

Once your application is approved by your landlord, you’ll have to send a copy of your lease to OCHA, along with a completed Request for Tenancy Approval (Form HUD-52517) filled out and signed by both you and your landlord. The OCHA reviews your lease and Request for Tenancy form to confirm the rent is affordable based on your family’s income.

Following approval, your local housing authority will conduct an on-site inspection to make sure the unit meets Housing Quality Standard requirements, and the OCHA will continue to conduct annual inspections and recertifications to ensure both you and the unit remain in compliance with Section 8 requirements.

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