What should I do if my income decreases because of a job loss due to COVID-19?
Please fill out the income change form. If you live in public housing, fill out the Subsidized Housing income change form (PDF) and the income information sheet (PDF). If you have a Section 8 Voucher, fill out the Section 8 income change form (PDF). We are working to process these changes as fast as we can to make sure that a job loss won’t affect your ability to pay rent.
My income has decreased due to COVID-19. How soon will my rent go down?
We’ve temporarily changed our policy to help households who have lost income due to COVID-19. Tenants reporting a COVID-19 related loss of income prior to the end of the month are eligible for a decreased rent beginning on the 1st day of the month following the date the change was reported. You do not need to report changes by the 22nd of the month or wait 30 days to determine if income will be restored.
Will you still make Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) payments to my landlord?
Yes. This has not changed.
What’s the status of the Section 8 Waiting List?
Lottery applicants were notified of their waiting list status via printed letters and emails on March 31, 2020.
How can I submit forms to you?
The best option is to fill out forms electronically and email them to us. Alternatively, you can submit forms by mail. If neither mail nor email is an option, we have drop-boxes outside all of our offices where you can leave forms for us.
How can I contact the Section 8 Office or my assigned Section 8 staff member?
Although much of our staff is working remotely, they remain available by phone or email to help you. You may also reach your Section 8 representative through their main switchboard at 206-214-1300. As an additional measure, we have established a dedicated email address (S8help@kcha.org) to allow clients an alternate way to contact us with questions or to obtain information regarding programs and services.
How can I contact my Property Manager or Property Specialist?
Although our site offices are currently closed to the public, Property Managers and Specialists remain available to our residents by phone and email. View office contact information. You may also contact KCHA’s Central Office switchboard at 206-574-1100 for assistance in contacting your Property Management office.
Are you still taking work orders for public housing units?
Yes, we are taking work orders. However, we have temporarily placed a hold on all non-emergency work in order to ensure staff have time to address urgent health and safety issues. Maintenance staff will only be responding to emergency work orders (e.g., a burst pipe, a fire, gas leak, flooding, no power in unit) and will use the hygiene and social distancing practices recommended by the CDC. All other work orders will be logged and taken care of at a later date.
Are you still doing inspections?
Annual inspections for all KCHA properties and for the Section 8 program have been postponed until further notice. Move-in inspections for new families or current households transferring/moving to a new unit will continue as follows:
- Public housing and KCHA-managed sites: KCHA will inspect the unit without the selected tenant present. The tenant will have the ability to inspect the unit upon move-in and report any noted conditions/repair needs to KCHA separately.
- Section 8 program: We have temporarily modified our policy to allow landlords to allow to self-certify most units meet the Housing Quality Standards we require. Our inspectors will continue to complete move-in inspections for all single-family homes, converted duplexes, accessory dwelling units or units built prior to 1978 that have not been certified lead-free. Please contact your Section 8 Program Specialist to determine if the unit you have chosen qualifies for landlord certification.