Section 8 Housing
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Welcome to the Housing Authority of the City of Bessemer
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (commonly known as Section 8) is a federally funded program that helps low-income individuals and families afford safe, decent, and sanitary housing in the private market. Administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Bessemer (BHA), this program empowers participants to find housing that fits their needs, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.
What We Do
The BHA issues housing vouchers to eligible families and individuals. With these vouchers, participants pay a portion of their income toward rent, while BHA subsidizes the remainder directly to the landlord. This program not only helps ensure housing stability for our residents but also supports community development and economic mobility.
Applicants/Tenants
Applications- Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher Program is based on:
Total household income
Family size
U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Criminal background
All applicants are subject to BHA’s screening process, and income limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
How to Apply
When the waiting list is open, applications can be submitted online through our portal. Announcements about open enrollment periods will be posted on our website and in local publications. Due to high demand, the waiting list may not always be open.
Application Process
- Application Submission
- Applications are accepted when funding is available.
- BHA announces open application periods through public notices.
- Interested individuals should monitor BHA’s official website or contact their office for updates.
2. Required Documentation
- Valid identification for all household members aged 18 and older.
- Original birth certificates and Social Security cards for all household members.
- Proof of income (e.g., recent pay stubs, benefit award letters).
- Information on current and previous landlords.
- Other documents as specified by BHA during the application process.
3. Waiting List
- Eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list based on the date and time of application and any applicable preferences OR the PHA conducts a random drawing to select a limited number of applicants from the total pool, known as the lottery method
- Preferences may be given to certain groups, such as veterans or those displaced by natural disasters.
4. Voucher Issuance
- When selected from the waiting list, applicants undergo final eligibility verification.
- Upon approval, a housing voucher is issued, allowing the applicant to search for suitable housing.
Landlord Participation
We encourage property owners and landlords in Jefferson County to partner with us. The program guarantees timely rent payments and provides support from our dedicated housing staff. Learn more on our Landlord Resources page.
The Bessemer Housing Authority adopted the Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) policy. SAFMRs are set at the ZIP code level rather than for an entire metropolitan area, allowing Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) recipients greater access to higher-opportunity neighborhoods by aligning voucher payment standards more closely with local rental market conditions.
Key Points about SAFMR Adoption by BHA:
Purpose: To increase housing choice and access to lower-poverty, higher-opportunity areas.
Impact: Tenants may be able to afford to live in ZIP codes with higher rents, which were previously out of reach under the standard FMR.
Implementation: Bessemer Housing Authority has adjusted their payment standards to reflect SAFMRs in accordance with HUD guidelines.
Payment Information
Landlords who participate in the (HCV) program must meet specific requirements to receive timely and continued payment from the BHA.
1. Lease and HAP Contract
- You must sign a Lease Agreement with the tenant.
- You must also sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract with BHA.
- Both documents must reflect the
same rental terms, including monthly rent and lease period.
2. Rent Reasonableness
- Requested rent must be reasonable compared to similar unassisted units in the area.
- BHA will conduct a rent reasonableness analysis before approving the rent amount.
- Rent increases must be requested in writing (60 days in advance) and approved by BHA.
3. Unit Inspection (HQS)
- The rental unit must pass an initial inspection under HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
- No payments will be made until the unit passes inspection.
- Regular inspections are conducted to ensure the unit remains in compliance.
- Any failed items must be repaired promptly.
4. Required Documents for Payment Setup
- To start receiving Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), the following must be submitted to BHA:
- Completed W-9 Form (Tax ID or Social Security Number)
- Direct Deposit Authorization Form
- Proof of Property Ownership (deed, tax statement, etc.)
- Copy of Executed Lease Agreement
- Signed HAP Contract
5. Payment Process
- BHA pays the subsidized portion of rent directly to the landlord each month.
- The tenant is responsible for paying their portion.
- Payments begin after all documents are submitted and the unit passes inspection.
- BHA uses direct deposit only, no paper checks are issued.
6. Ongoing Responsibilities
- Maintain the property in safe, decent, and sanitary condition at all times.
- Report any lease violations, damages, or tenant issues to the BHA caseworker.
- Notify BHA of any changes to your contact or banking information.
- Do not charge the tenant more than the approved total rent.
