Leasing
Application:
Applications for admission to public housing may be filled out at the following location and date(s) and time:
Each working day, Monday – Friday, each month between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the GHA’s Central Office located at 111 E. Washington Street, Greenwood, MS.
Eligibility:
Must be 18 years of age and your total annual income cannot exceed the current years income limits as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Residents must have the ability to meet their obligations under the Lease Agreement. An applicant must also be suitable for housing which means that they must have a satisfactory history of meeting financial obligations, especially rent. References are checked for care as well as for records or disturbances or a history of criminal or drug activity. Applicants will be selected for admission without regard to Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Disability, Familial Status, Sexual Orientation or National Origin.
Waiting List:
If the GHA determines that you are eligible, your name will be put on a waiting list, unless the HA is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the GHA will contact you. If it is determined that you are ineligible, the GHA must say why and, if you wish, you can request an informal hearing.
To check your status on the GHA’s waiting list, call the following telephone number: (501) 404-4133
Lease Agreement: GHA’s Lease Agreement, Part I
If you are offered a house or apartment and accept it, you will have to sign a lease with the GHA. The GHA currently requires a security deposit of $150.00. You will be required to participate in an Orientation. This will give you a better understanding of your responsibilities as a tenant and the GHA’s responsibilities as a landlord.
Rent:
Rental charges are established by federal law. The federal law requires that no family may pay more than 30% of family’s income as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and also requires that no less than 10% of total family income by paid for gross rent. Annually, families may choose to pay an income based rent or a flat rent which is based on market conditions for comparable unassisted units in the rental market area.
Utilities: Who pays the utilities?
The resident pays for all utilities. Utilities must be in the name of the head-of-household.
Re-examinations:
The GHA is required to reexamine each family’s income and composition based on the following ways:
Annuals: For all residents of public housing, whether those residents are paying income-based or flat rents, the GHA must conduct an annual review of community service requirement compliance. The GHA is required to obtain all of the information necessary to conduct reexaminations. Families are required to provide current and accurate information on income, assets, allowances and deductions, family composition and community service compliance as part of the reexamination process.
Interims: Family circumstances may change during the period between annual reexaminations. A family must request an interim determination of family income or composition because of any changes in income or family composition. The GHA conduct any interim reexamination within a reasonable period of time after the family’s request. When the GHA determines that an interim reexamination of income is necessary, the GHA will verify the changes in the family’s unreported income.
The GHA’s Resident Handbook, containing rules and regulations referred to in your dwelling lease has been compiled for your convenience and information. Its purpose is to answer the questions that commonly rise in the minds of residents after occupancy.