The article explores an innovative Low Income Housing With No Waiting List in Iowa that offers immediate relief to individuals and families in need of affordable rental housing.Â
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers financial housing assistance to local housing agencies responsible for managing these housing units, ensuring that they are accessible to low-income residents at affordable rental rates.
HUD-associated rental housing and Housing Choice Voucher program also offers flexible options for individuals in selecting suitable rental properties.
Unlike traditional programs with long waiting lists, Iowa low income housing initiative aims to break down barriers and provide streamlined access to stable homes for eligible applicants.
The local public housing agency, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Community Affairs, is reshaping the housing landscape. Eligible candidates get rental assistance in the form of fair market rent by the local housing authorities backed by funding from HUD.
Through personal stories and experiences, it showcases the positive difference this housing model has made in the lives of those it has helped, promising hope and empowerment for low household income residents in the state.
Table of Contents
Eligibility Criteria to get Low Income Housing in Iowa
Iowa Housing Authority is responsible for ensuring that every individual and family admitted to the program meets all program eligibility requirements. To be eligible for the program the applicant’s family must:
Iowa housing development authority determines your Applicant eligibility based on:
- Annual gross income assessment
- Determination of applicant’s eligibility based on factors such as age (elderly), disability status, or family status
- Verification of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
If you are eligible, the Iowa Housing Authority will check your references to make sure you and your family will be good tenants.
Iowa Housing Authority Application Process
The Iowa Housing Authority is responsible for ensuring that all individuals and families admitted to the program fulfill the necessary eligibility criteria. To be considered eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrating an annual gross income within the specified limits.
- Qualifying as either elderly, a person with a disability, or a family.
- Holding U.S. citizenship or possessing eligible immigration status.
Once deemed eligible, the Iowa Housing Authority will conduct reference checks to determine if the applicant and their family would be suitable tenants.Â
Step-by-Step Process To Find Public Housing in Iowa
To apply for Public Housing, make a visit to your Public Local Housing Authority (PHA) and complete the application form. You will be required to provide the following information:
- Your current address and phone number.
- Information about your current and previous landlords, which will be used to assess your family’s suitability as a tenant.
- An estimate of your family’s income for the next twelve months.
- Details about the sources of your income.
- Information about your current and past employers to verify your income and any deductions.
- Bank account statements.
- The names and relationships of everyone who will be living in the housing unit.
- Any relevant family characteristics, such as veteran status.
- Information about your family circumstances, such as living in substandard housing, may impact tenant selection eligibility.
- Social security numbers of all household members, as required.
Income Limit for Iowa Housing Authority
To qualify for Public Housing Authority assistance, your household must meet specific net and gross income limits determined by the size of your household. These income limits can vary depending on the state you reside in.
| Persons in Family/Household | Gross Monthly Income | Net Monthly Income |
| 1 | $1,383 | $1,064 |
| 2 | $1,868 | $1,437 |
| 3 | $2,353 | $1,810 |
| 4 | $2,839 | $2,184 |
| 5 | $3,324 | $2,557 |
| 6 | $3,809 | $2,930 |
| 7 | $4,295 | $3,304 |
| 8 | $4,780 | $3,677 |
House Apartment & Lease Information
The Housing Authority Apartments offer rental assistance to qualifying households under Section 8 programs. Eligibility to qualify for low income apartments is akin to voucher programs, with varying open waiting lists and application policies depending on the landlord.Â
A legally binding lease agreement outlines tenant rights and responsibilities, and tenants are advised to keep it with important documents.
Rent Information & Guidelines
Rent for Iowa housing authority properties is due on the 1st of each month and considered delinquent after the 7th. Failure to pay on time can impact future assistance eligibility.Â
Four payment methods are available: in-person at the main office with checks or cards, authorized banks, or online via the housing authority portal. For inquiries, tenants can reach out to their manager or the housing authority’s phone number.
Guidelines For Home Cleaning
Tenants are responsible for maintaining their homes and promptly reporting any repair needs. Trash disposal must be done properly to avoid creating messes for neighbors.Â
A cleanup fee will be charged for improper trash disposal. Any damages to the house are the tenant’s responsibility to repair. Modifications or decorations like wallpaper or tiles are not allowed, and removal of such items will incur charges.
Iowa Housing Authority By Counties
The Iowa Housing Authority operates at the county level to ensure that low income families have access to safe and affordable housing programs. Each county has specialized offices with housing experts familiar with local needs.Â
This approach allows for tailored solutions and collaboration with communities. By distributing resources efficiently and promoting community involvement, the Housing Authority works towards enhancing housing opportunities and building stronger communities across the state.
Let us help you browse different local housing authorities present across various counties of Iowa.
Housing Authorities In Adair County
According to available information, Adair County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Adams County
According to available information, Adams County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Allamakee County
According to available information, Allamakee County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Appanoose County
According to available information, Appanoose County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Audubon County
According to available information, Audubon County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Benton County
According to available information, Benton County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Black Hawk County
Iowa State Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 2101 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50702
- Phone No: (319) 272-1945
- Map: Get Directions
The Iowa State Housing Authority in Waterloo, IA, manages public housing in Black Hawk County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Waterloo Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 620 Mulberry Street, Waterloo, IA 50703
- Phone No: (319) 233-0201
- Map: Get Directions
The Waterloo Housing Authority in Waterloo, IA, manages public housing in Black Hawk County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Evansdale Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 119 Morrell Court, Evansdale, IA 50707
- Phone No: (319) 234-0385
- Map: Get Directions
The Evansdale Housing Authority in Evansdale, IA, manages public housing in Black Hawk County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Boone County
According to available information, Boone County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Bremer County
According to available information, Bremer County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Buchanan County
According to available information, Buchanan County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Buena Vista County
According to available information, Buena Vista County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Butler County
According to available information, Butler County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Carroll County
Carroll Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 320 East 7th Street, Carroll, IA 51401
- Phone No: (712) 792-5560
- Map: Get Directions
The Carroll Housing Authority in Carroll, IA, manages public housing in Carroll County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Cass County
According to available information, Cass County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Cherokee County
According to available information, Cherokee County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Chickasaw County
According to available information, Chickasaw County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Clarke County
According to available information, Clarke County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Clay County
Iowa State Regional Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 2016 Highway Boulevard, Spencer, IA 51301
- Phone No: (712) 262-7460
- Map: Get Directions
The Iowa State Regional Housing Authority in Spencer, IA, manages public housing in Clay County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Clayton County
According to available information, Clayton County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Clinton County
Clinton Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 215 6th Avenue South, Clinton, IA 52732
- Phone No: (563) 243-1280
- Map: Get Directions
The Clinton Housing Authority in Clinton, IA, manages public housing in Clinton County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Crawford County
According to available information, Crawford County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Dallas County
According to available information, Dallas County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Davis County
According to available information, Davis County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Decatur County
According to available information, Decatur County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Delaware County
According to available information, Delaware County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Des Moines County
Iowa State Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 218 North 3rd Street, Burlington, IA 52601
- Phone No: (319) 753-5109
- Map: Get Directions
The Iowa State Housing Authority in Burlington, IA, manages public housing in Des Moines County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Dickinson County
According to available information, Dickinson County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Dubuque County
According to available information, Dubuque County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Fayette County
According to available information, Fayette County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Floyd County
Charles City Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 501 Cedar Street, Charles, IA 50616
- Phone No: (319) 753-5109
- Map: Get Directions
The Charles City Housing Authority in Charles, IA, manages public housing in Floyd County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Franklin County
According to available information, Franklin County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Greene County
According to available information, Greene County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Grundy County
According to available information, Grundy County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Hancock County
According to available information, Hancock County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Hardin County
According to available information, Hardin County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Harrison County
According to available information, Harrison County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Henry County
According to available information, Henry County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Howard County
According to available information, Howard County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Humboldt County
According to available information, Humboldt County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Ida County
According to available information, Ida County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Iowa County
According to available information, Iowa County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Jasper County
According to available information, Jasper County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Jefferson County
According to available information, Jefferson County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Johnson County
Iowa City Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 410 East Washington Street, Iowa, IA 52240
- Phone No: (319) 356-5400
- Map: Get Directions
The Iowa City Housing Authority in Iowa, IA, manages public housing in Johnson County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Jones County
According to available information, Jones County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Keokuk County
According to available information, Keokuk County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Kossuth County
According to available information, Kossuth County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Linn County
According to available information, Linn County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Lucas County
According to available information, Lucas County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Lyon County
According to available information, Lyon County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Madison County
According to available information, Madison County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Mahaska County
Oskaloosa Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 220 South Market Street, Oskaloosa, IA 52577
- Phone No: (641) 673-8361
- Map: Get Directions
The Oskaloosa Housing Authority in Oskaloosa, IA, manages public housing in Mahaska County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Marion County
According to available information, Marion County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Marshall County
According to available information, Marshall County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Mills County
According to available information, Mills County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Mitchell County
According to available information, Mitchell County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Monona County
According to available information, Monona County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Monroe County
According to available information, Monroe County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Montgomery County
According to available information, Montgomery County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Muscatine County
According to available information, Muscatine County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In O’brien County
According to available information, O’brien County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Osceola County
According to available information, Osceola County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Palo Alto County
According to available information, Palo Alto County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Plymouth County
According to available information, Plymouth County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Pocahontas County
According to available information, Pocahontas County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Polk County
Iowa State Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 1201 Southeast Gateway Drive, Grimes, IA 50111
- Phone No: (515) 986-1882
- Map: Get Directions
The Iowa State Housing Authority in Grimes, IA, manages public housing in Polk County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Des Moines Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 3717 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
- Phone No: (515) 280-6726
- Map: Get Directions
The Des Moines Housing Authority in Des Moines, IA, manages public housing in Polk County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Pottawattamie County
According to available information, Pottawattamie County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Poweshiek County
Grinnell Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 927 4th Avenue, Grinnell, IA 50112
- Phone No: (641) 236-2611
- Map: Get Directions
The Grinnell Housing Authority in Grinnell, IA, manages public housing in Poweshiek County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Ringgold County
According to available information, Ringgold County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Sac County
According to available information, Sac County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Scott County
According to available information, Scott County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Shelby County
According to available information, Shelby County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Sioux County
According to available information, Sioux County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Story County
According to available information, Story County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Tama County
Tama Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 349 Meskwaki Road, Tama, IA 52339
- Phone No: (641) 484-6106
- Map: Get Directions
The Tama Housing Authority in Tama, IA, manages public housing in Tama County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Taylor County
According to available information, Taylor County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Union County
According to available information, Union County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Wapello County
Ottumwa Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 935 West Main Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501
- Phone No: (641) 682-8369
- Map: Get Directions
The Ottumwa Housing Authority in Ottumwa, IA, manages public housing in Wapello County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Warren County
Warren County Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 1305 East 1st Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125
- Phone No: (515) 961-1073
- Map: Get Directions
The Warren County Housing Authority in Indianola, IA, manages public housing in Warren County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Washington County
According to available information, Washington County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Wayne County
According to available information, Wayne County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Webster County
Iowa State Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 602 3rd Avenue North, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
- Phone No: (515) 955-8344
- Map: Get Directions
The Iowa State Housing Authority in Fort Dodge, IA, manages public housing in Webster County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Housing Authorities In Winnebago County
According to available information, Winnebago County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Winneshiek County
According to available information, Winneshiek County does not have a housing authority.
Housing Authorities In Woodbury County
Sioux City Housing Authority
Key Info:
- Address: 405 6th Street, Sioux, IA 51101
- Phone No: (712) 279-6342
- Map: Get Directions
The Sioux City Housing Authority in Sioux, IA, manages public housing in Woodbury County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.
Final Thoughts
In the quest for affordable housing, Iowa stands as a shining example of possibility. As we’ve delved into the strategies and avenues to secure low-income housing with no waiting list in this great state, it becomes evident that hope is not a distant dream but a tangible reality.Â
The keys to unlocking this opportunity lie in diligence, research, and leveraging available resources. By adhering to these principles, individuals and families can navigate the landscape of housing in Iowa with optimism and confidence.Â
In this pursuit, we have uncovered a pathway towards stability and security, and together, we can ensure that the promise of a safe, affordable home in Iowa becomes a reality for all who seek it.
FAQs
Q1. How can I apply for low-income housing in Iowa without being put on a waiting list?
To potentially bypass waiting lists for low-income housing in Iowa, consider these steps:
Apply Online: Visit the websites of public housing agencies (PHAs) in Iowa and check if they offer an online application option. Some PHAs have streamlined their application process, which may help expedite your application.
Preliminary Application: Look for PHAs that accept preliminary or pre-applications. This is an initial step that can help you get your foot in the door, and you may be able to submit this form online.
Household Size: Make sure your household size is accurate on your application. Different PHAs have different policies and criteria regarding the size of the rental unit you are eligible for based on your household size.
Explore Multiple PHAs: Don’t limit yourself to just one PHA. If you’re flexible on location, consider applying to multiple PHAs in different areas of Iowa that may have shorter waiting lists or different eligibility criteria.
Q2. Are one-bedroom units available in the public housing program in Iowa?
Yes, one-bedroom units are often available through the public housing program in Iowa. The availability of one-bedroom units may vary by location and PHA, so be sure to check with the specific PHA you are interested in for their current offerings.
Q3. Can I apply for Section 8 housing in Iowa without waiting for a long time?
While Section 8 housing in Iowa typically involves waiting lists, you can take steps to potentially reduce your wait time:
Apply Online: Many PHAs offer online application options, making it easier and faster to apply.
Household Size: Ensure your household size is accurate on your application, as it can impact the size of the rental units you are eligible for.
Explore Multiple PHAs: Apply to more than one PHA in different areas to increase your chances of finding a shorter waiting list.
Q4. Do public housing agencies in Iowa provide amenities like street parking and laundry facilities?
Amenities such as street parking and laundry facilities can vary by the specific public housing development and PHA in Iowa. Some developments may offer these amenities, while others may not. It’s essential to inquire about the amenities provided by the PHA or specific housing unit you are interested in.
Q5. Can I speed up the low-income housing application process in Iowa by submitting a pre-application online?
Yes, you can potentially expedite the low-income housing application process in Iowa by submitting a pre-application online. Many PHAs offer this option, allowing you to express your interest and get on their waiting list more quickly. However, keep in mind that a pre-application may not guarantee immediate placement, but it can be a helpful step in the process.
