Section 8 Rent Assistance

FAQ's

Q.   How do I apply or rent assistance?

A.   Applications are taken Monday – Friday between the hours of 8-12 and 1-4 in the Housing office, located in the lower level of City Hall. 

Q.   Who is Eligible?

• Lawful citizens of the United States or non-citizens who have eligible immigration status
• Persons with disabilities and/or elderly.

• Individual and/or family with a total gross annual income of not more than 50% of the Mahaska County Median Income:

Household Size / Income Limit

  1   $19,850

  2   $22,700

  3   $25,500

  4   $28,350

  5   $30,600

  6   $32,900

  7   $35,150

Q.   What information do I need to bring when I apply for rent assistance.

A.   We will need the social security number of the head of household and full legal name.

Q.   What if I am having problems with my landlord?

A.   For the Landlord and Tenant laws go to www.ocass.iastate.edu/pdf/562A.pdf

Q.   Can I apply over the phone or internet?

A.   No. Applications must be completed in person at the OMHA office located in the lower level of City Hall. Office hours are Monday – Friday between the hours of 8-12 and 1-4.

Q.   How do I get an application mailed to me?

A.   Applications are not mailed; the preliminary information (head of household legal name and Social Security number) must be provided in person. A family member or friend may get the preliminary application on your behalf and mail it to you.

Q.   How much of my rent will you pay?

A.   Tenants are expected to pay 30% - 40% of their adjusted gross income.

Q.   What information do you need for me to apply?

A.   We need the full legal name, birth date, Social Security number of each member of the household and the household income.

Q.   Will you pay my rent in Beacon or University Park ?

A.   No. The OMHA jurisdiction is the Oskaloosa city limits.

Q.   When will I receive help with my rent?

A.   Everyone is taken on a first come basis, eligibility is determined when your name reaches the top of the waiting list.

Q.   Will you find my house/apartment for me?

A.   No. Each tenant is responsible for locating his/her own unit. We can provide a list of landlords who accept Section 8 Rent Assistance or you can check the want ads in the Oskaloosa Herald.

Q .   Does Oskaloosa have Public Housing?

A.   No. The OMHA administers Section 8 Rent Assistance Vouchers with rent assistance paid to privately owned houses and apartments within the city limits of Oskaloosa.

Q.   What if I want to move?

A.   After being leased up for 12 months, and after providing 30-day written notice to both the landlord and the OMHA, tenants may move and take the rent assistance with them.

Q.   I applied for rent assistance several months ago and haven't heard anything. Why?

A.   Has your mailing address changed? If so, did you notify us of the new address? Please call us at 641-673-8362 to update your mailing address.

Q.   Can I get assistance if I have been arrested?

A.   Applicants will be denied assistance based on the severity of the charge/offense:

   If you have been charged with 2 or more offenses in the past 12 months you are not eligible for 1 year from the date of the most recent charge or,

  If you have been convicted of 2 or more simple misdemeanors in the past 12 months, assistance will be denied for 1 year from the date of the most recent offense or,

  If you have been convictions classified as more than a simple misdemeanor but less than a felony in the past 3 years, assistance will be denied for 3 years from the date of the most recent offense or,

  If you have a felony conviction in the last 7 years you will be denied assistance for 7 years from the date of the most recent offense.

Q.   Will you pay my deposit?

A.   No. Tenants are responsible for the deposit and any utilities not paid by the landlord.

Q.   If I find a place to live will I get help any faster?

A.   No. You still have to wait for your name to make it to the top of the waiting list.

Q.   How long will I have to wait for help?

A.   The average wait is about 6-9 months but can be longer at times.

Q.   Why do I have to wait for help?