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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Applicants
Helping eligible low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities access safe, quality housing in the private rental market. Funded by HUD and administered by DHA, the program provides rental assistance through participating landlords. DHA administers HCV Program services for Dedham and the communities of Bellingham, Belmont, Billerica, Millis, North Attleborough, Oxford, Warren, Webster, and Wellesley.
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Finding Housing that Fits Your Needs
Unlike traditional public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher Program offers flexibility by allowing you to choose an eligible privately owned rental that best meets your household's needs.
Once you receive a voucher, you'll search for housing that:
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Accepts Housing Choice Vouchers
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Passes a required housing inspection
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Falls within approved rent and payment standards
After your rental is approved, you'll sign a lease with your landlord, and the Dedham Housing Authority will pay its portion of the rent directly to the property owner while you pay your share.
Housing Choice Voucher Program Eligibility and Requirements.
Eligibility is determined according to federal regulations and local program requirements.
Applicants are generally evaluated based on:
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Household income
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Family size
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Citizenship or eligible immigration status
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Criminal background screening
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Program eligibility requirements established by HUD
Income limits are updated annually and vary depending on household size. Because voucher funding is limited, eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list until assistance becomes available
Housing Choice Voucher Progam
How it Works?
The HCV Program follows a straightforward process designed to help eligible households find and maintain safe, affordable housing.
Submit an Application
Submit an application with the Dedham Housing Authority when the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is accepting applicants.
Eligibility Review
Dedham Housing Authority reviews and verifies household information, including income, assets, family composition, and all required supporting documentation to determine eligibility.
Voucher Issuance
When funding becomes available, eligible applicants attend a program briefing and receive their Housing Choice Voucher.
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Housing Search
Voucher holders locate a rental unit that accepts Housing Choice Vouchers, falls within applicable payment standards, and meets HUD program requirements.
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Unit Approval
The Dedham Housing Authority reviews the proposed rent, lease information, Housing Quality Standards inspection, and rent reasonableness to verify that the rental unit complies with HUD program requirements.
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Lease & Move In
After approval, the tenant signs the lease, the landlord signs the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract, and housing assistance payments begin.
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Annual Recertification
Each year participants must verify household income, family composition, and continued eligibility to remain in the program. Click here to access our current recertification form.
Housing Choice Voucher
Where to Apply?
Applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) are submitted through the Dedham Housing Authority via the Affordable Housing Website. Applicants must apply through an open waiting list and provide required household information for eligibility review.
Contact DHA to Start your Application Today!
Our staff are available to assist you throughout the application process, including answering questions and providing guidance with completing your application. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact our team for support.
Access essential DHA forms, annual plans, Section 8 resources, policies, and resident information online.
Promoting equal housing opportunity through active outreach, accessibility, and fair housing compliance.
Clear guidance on rental assistance limits, utility costs, and payment standards.