Frequently Asked Questions

Can you send me an application for housing?

Unfortunately all of our waitlists have been closed. You may go online to update and edit your application.

Can I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlist?

RHA'S HCV waitlist is currently closed.

Where am I on the waitlist?

RHA is not providing waitlist positions because no vouchers are currently being issued.

If I am homeless, will I get housed faster?

There is a preference for being homeless, so it would change the order in which you are housed. Placement on the waitlist is based first on the date and time of application and then upon any applicable preferences.

I am homeless, but I don't have a disability or children. Do I qualify for Housing?

Anyone can apply for housing, however, a person who is single, with no disability, and is younger than 62 will be classified as "Priority 2." It is highly unlikely that any Priority 2 will receive housing as families, disabled and the elderly get first choice. If your status changes (for example, you become disabled) the application date and time would be effective as of the date they can prove they became disabled - this is the date you qualified as a Priority 1 and a new application date/time would be assigned.

Would a bad credit history disqualify me from getting housing?

RHA does not review credit screening of applicants for the purpose of the waitlist.

What is the point of applying for housing if it takes 10 years before I'm housing?

When you fill out an application, you are helping show a demand for housing and this could be beneficial when we apply for funding – which in turn could help us build more housing in the future. We appreciate your support.

After I've had an intake interview, how do I know whether I've been approved?

I'm currently living at King County Housing Authority and want to move to Renton. What do I have to do?

First you would need to go to your current housing authority and request a "port request packet." When you complete the reason for your move, indicate that you wish to port in to Renton Housing Authority. They will transfer your paperwork to our office and then you will be assigned a Port Specialist. Please send all portability requests to:
Email: portability@rentonhousing.org
PH:   (425) 226-1850
FAX: (425) 271-8319

Are you billing or absorbing at this time?

We are billing at this time. This means the Housing Authority that originally issued your voucher will be billed for the cost of your voucher, even though you will live in the Renton jurisdiction.

Can I make an appointment with my Program specialist?

Yes, you must make an appointment with your specific housing specialist. Contact information for HCV staff is available on the website under the Section 8/HCV menu and HCV Department Staff page by looking for your last name in the alphabet according to your voucher.

Who is my HCV Program Specialist?

Contact information for HCV staff is available on the website under the Section 8/HCV menu and HCV Department Staff page by looking for your last name in the alphabet according to your voucher.

Can you tell me if an address is within your jusrisdiction?

If you have access to the internet, you may perform a search on the King County Parcel Viewer or City of Renton Parcel Viewer, to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for the property.

When is my Inspection?

The inspectors usually begin at 8:00 AM and end by 4:00 PM. The tenant (or anyone age 18 and older) must be present during this time frame. Please note that inspectors do not schedule specific appointment times. If the inspection appointment is missed, a second inspection attempt will generally be scheduled for the following week.

How many bedrooms do I qualify for?

Please refer to the most current RHA Administrative Plan, Chapter 5, Page 13, for the definition of the "Two Heartbeats Per Room" rule and any exceptions outlined in the policy.

What do I do when I want to move?

To request a move, you must complete a Move Request Form, which can be obtained by contacting your Program Specialist.

How soon do I have to report an income change?

Income increases must be reported within 10 days, but any resulting rent change will generally be processed at your Annual Reexamination. If your income decreases and you wish to have your rent adjusted, you must notify your Program Specialist by the last day of the month in which the decrease occurred for the change to take effect on the first day of the following month.

What do I need to do when I have a baby?

Please complete a Change of Circumstance Form, available on the RHA website under Resources > Documents Library > Tenants, and provide supporting documentation to verify citizenship (e.g., a birth certificate and Social Security card).

My child is going to college, what do I have to report?

A transcript showing the student's enrolled classes is required to verify full-time student status.

If I have a student that lives away at college, can I still keep a bedroom for them when they come home from school?

Yes.

Can you recommend places to stay while I wait for housing?

If you are homeless, please call 211 which is the King County Resource phone line. They can direct you to any available emergency housing. You can also go to www.HUD.gov to see a list of low income properties receiving Tax Credits for providing rents at lower rates, these may be an option for you.

If I have a live-in aide, does their income count towards my rent?

A Live-In Aide cannot be listed as a household member on your current voucher. Their role is limited to providing care, and they have no legal claim to the voucher. If the person they are caring for passes away or moves to a nursing home or care facility, the Live-In Aide must move out and cannot keep the voucher.

I need a special accommodation for an extra bedroom for my children. What paperwork do I need to fill out?

Please complete a "Reasonable Accommodation Request" form, which can be obtained from your HCV Program Specialist.

I just got married. What documents do I need to bring in?

Please submit a copy of your Marriage Certificate. If you have changed your name, also provide an updated Social Security card and photo ID showing your married name. If your spouse is not currently listed as a household member, you must complete a Change of Circumstance Form (available on the RHA website under Resources > Documents Library > Tenants) and a Release of Information form (obtain from your HCV Program Specialist) to complete the background screening process.