How to Apply for Housing

 

Where and When:

 

Applications are accepted via this web site (Click Here) by mail and on a walk-in basis at our office.  Appointments are not necessary!

 

Applications are accepted on Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and on Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

 

Required Information for Federally Subsidized Housing:

 

The following documents will be required.

 

         Birth Certificates for all household members who were born in the United States.

 

         I-94 or Permanent Resident cards for household members who are not U.S. Citizens.

 

         Naturalization Documents

 

         Social Security cards for all members of the household.

 

         Income information such as but not limited to employment pay stubs, Social Security award letters, Child Support, tax statements, assistance from Health and Human Services such as ADC or General Assistance and pensions. 

 

         Asset information such as but not limited to bank statements for savings and checking accounts, retirement plans, certificate of deposits, savings bonds and etc.

 

         Residency information for the last five (5) years.  The addresses of all the places you and your household members have lived for the last five (5) years.  Make sure to include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of each landlord.  Remember this information must be provided for each household member.

 

         Proof of disability such as a Social Security disability award letter.  If disability payments have not been awarded, you may also provide the name and address of a medical provider then we can send a form to determine disability status.

 

 

 

 

 

What you can expect during your visit.

 

• Applicants will be asked to fill out an application.

 

• The applicant will be required to provide income information for all programs and properties.  A five (5) year rental history and lifetime criminal history must be provided for all properties and some programs.
• The applicant will meet with an Application clerk who will explain the various housing options LHA offers.  Applicants will be asked to sign additional forms authorizing release of information and certifying information provided is correct.
• The applicant will receive a receipt showing your application was received and indicating which programs or properties the applicant has applied for.

 

How long will the Application Process take in the office?

 

• The length of time varies upon the applicant’s needs and how busy we are with other customers.  On the average, it takes about 30 minutes but applicants
• should allow one hour so they are not rushed.

 

What if the Person Applying Does Not Speak English?

 

• Because of the confidential nature of the information discussed during the application process, most applicants bring a trusted friend or family member to translate for them. 
  • The Housing Authority will provide a translator on an appointment basis.  If LHA arranges for the services, the LHA will pay for it. 
  • If the applicant arranges for a translator than the applicant is responsible for any payments to that person.

 

Can I Apply by Mail?

 

Yes, mail applications are accepted.

 

What are All the Housing Choices?

 

• LHA owns and/or manages over 1300 rental housing units within Lincoln.  Applicants may be eligible for some, but not all, of LHA’s housing choices depending upon family size, age and income. 
• LHA also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program which assists income eligible families in renting properties owned by private landlords.  The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher can also be used in many of LHA owned units. 
• It is possible for an applicant to be eligible for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, but not eligible for LHA rental properties.  It is also possible for an applicant to earn too much income for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, but qualify for other LHA properties. 
• LHA would be happy to discuss housing options to the applicant and assist with determining the options which might best suit your needs.

 

Waiting Lists

 

• Most of LHA’s housing options have waiting lists.  We are able to provide assistance only as current participants\tenants move out of our properties or give up or lose their voucher assistance. 
• Applicants are placed on the waiting list based on the date and time the application is received in our office unless the applicant qualifies for a Preference (click here).
• The applicant can call our waiting list hot line at (402) 434-5518.  Elderly or disabled individuals and all families will be selected from the waiting list before single individuals.
• For the LHA rental properties, the length of the waiting list varies greatly by property, unit size, number of applications and the rental market.  For some properties there may be no wait yet other properties the wait may be as long as a year.  A Leasing Agent can provide more specific information on a particular property.

 

What are Waiting List Preference?

 

• An applicant with verifiable “preference” is placed higher on the waiting list than others without a preference.  Preferences are available for federally subsidized units and programs.
• The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program offers preferences for homeless, displaced due to domestic violence, displaced by natural disasters and for those participating in Employment First with Health and Human Services.  Click Here for more specific descriptions of Preferences.
• Public Housing units offer preferences for applicants who are homeless, displaced due to domestic violence or has been working at least 25 hours per week.  Click Here for more specific descriptions of Preferences.
• LHA must verify all declared preferences with a third party organization before the applicants qualifies for a preference.  If you believe you qualify for a preference, please bring it to the attention of the Application clerk so we can gather any information or releases needed to verify the preference.

 

How Does an Applicant Know if their Application is Approved?

 

• Applicants are notified in writing whether or not their application is approved with regard to each program and property they applied for.  If the application is denied, the notification letter will state the reasons for the denial.  Applicants receive separate notifications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and LHA rental applications. 
• All Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher applicants who appear to meet the eligibility guidelines are placed on the waiting list.  The Application clerk will provide the applicant a written statement of any additional information needed.
• LHA rental property applications are extensively screened; this process can take from one week to two months before an applicant is approved  and added to the waiting list.  We check landlord references, credit history, criminal history and in some cases, conducts and in-home interview (called a “Pre-Housing” Visit) prior to determining whether to rent to a particular applicant. 
• The Housing Authority reviews an applicant’s past rental history to determine whether we can reasonably expect the applicant to pay rent and other charges on time, take good care of the property, get along with neighbors, refrain from criminal activity and comply with reasonable rules and requirements. 
  • Usually a long screening process is due to scheduling a “Pre-Housing” appointment and/or difficulty obtaining previous landlord references.