What is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program?
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as Section 8, was created by Congress in 1974. This housing program is income-based and is designed to provide rental assistance through housing vouchers to eligible, very low income families, disabled, and elderly individuals. The vouchers allow program participants to lease the apartment or home of their choice within the city limits of Clearwater.
Program participants pay only a portion of the rent, and CHA pays the balance of the rent directly to the property’s owner. Applicants for the HCV program are selected from a waiting list and must be income eligible. For more information on the HCV Program, click here.
What are the income limits for the HCV Program?
Applicants for the HCV Program must income qualify according to the limits set forth each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Click here to view the current income limits for Pinellas County by household size.
Is your HCV (Section 8) waiting list open?
The waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is currently closed. Clearwater Housing Authority (CHA) is not accepting applications at this time.
How do I apply for a housing voucher?
Applications for housing vouchers only will be accepted when the waiting list is open. Currently, the list is closed, and CHA is not accepting applications. Click here for more information regarding Income-Based rental communities, including a downloadable list of subsidized properties and an assistance packet.
What number am I on the HCV waiting list?
CHA does not disclose your position on the HCV Waiting list. However, you can confirm that you are currently active on the waiting list by accessing the HAB Owl system. This can be accessed through the “Helpful Links” tab on this website. Please keep in mind that it may take up to four (4) years to receive rental assistance once your application is posted to the waiting list.
I have already applied for CHA’s HCV waiting list, how long until I receive assistance?
It may take up to four (4) years to be pulled from the waiting list and receive assistance. This wait period depends on the amount of funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Once pulled from the list, CHA will contact you via mail. Please make sure to submit, in writing, any changes in your address to CHA to ensure you receive this correspondence.
I am in need of rental assistance today, how can CHA help me?
CHA does not offer any emergency housing. However, you can download an Assistance Packet by clicking here. This assistance packet provides valuable information regarding emergency shelters, food pantries, clothing donations, or agencies that may be able to provide one-time assistance for rent or utility bills.
I own property located in the Clearwater area and I am interested in leasing through the HCV Program. What do I need to do?
CHA appreciates your interest in becoming a landlord in the HCV Program. For additional information regarding the HCV Program and becoming a new landlord, click here.
How do I report suspected fraud or violations of the HCV Program?
If you suspect that a participant on the HCV Program is committing fraud or violations of the program, you may notify CHA anonymously by clicking here. You must provide at least a name or address and the violation. CHA will research the information provided and, if possible, take the appropriate action needed.
I am currently receiving rental assistance through the HCV (Section 8) Program. How do I transfer my assistance to CHA?
One of the benefits of the HCV Program is that you can transfer your rental assistance to anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U. S. Virgin Islands by utilizing the portability feature of the program. The first step is to contact your current Housing Authority, and inform them that you would like to transfer to CHA.
Your Housing Authority will then contact CHA and transfer your file. Once your file is received by CHA, you will be scheduled for a briefing appointment, to inform you of the policies of CHA and provide information so that you may search for a new unit in Clearwater. For further information regarding the portability process, please contact our office by clicking here.