About Rental Assistance

How does your program work?
When funding is available and your name reaches the top of the list, you will be notified by mail to attend an initial enrollment interview. At the initial enrollment interview, OHFA determines if your family is eligible to participate in the program. Approval is based on income. If approved to receive rental assistance, OHFA will pay all or a portion of rent depending on your application.

How do I qualify?
You qualify for rental assistance if your yearly income for your household size does not exceed HUD’s income limits. You must be income eligible to participate in the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program.

Application Process

How do I apply?
You will need to fill out a preliminary application.  You will be placed on a waiting list.

How long will it take to receive rental assistance?
The time frame will vary depending on how many people are on the waiting list. The most important thing for you to remember is to provide OHFA with your current mailing address so the agency can contact you for an initial enrollment interview. Submit change of address to OHFA, P.O. Box 26720, Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0720. Make sure to include your social security number. You can also email your change of address.

Where am I on the waiting list, and when will I get an interview?
You are placed on the waiting list based on the date and time your application is received at OHFA's office. Initial interviews are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. When funding is available and your name reaches the top of the list, you will be notified by mail to attend an initial enrollment interview. To check the status of your application and your mailing address, call (405) 842-2471 or (800) 256-1489, Ext. 299 and press option 2.

This is an emergency! I'm homeless! What do I do?
OHFA does not have emergency housing. However, we have a homeless preference that will help our homeless customer attend an interview quicker than applicants who are not homeless. To receive homeless preference, you must obtain a preliminary application and follow the homeless preference instructions on the application.

Have you received my application?
OHFA will send you a letter stating your application has been received. To check on the status of your application, call (405) 842-2471 or (800) 256-1489, Ext. 299 and press option 2. Make sure you have your social security number.

I need to change my address?
You must submit change of address request in writing to the agency. All address changes must be submitted in writing for OHFA to recognize address change. Make sure your include your name and social security number on all address change requests. You can also email your change of address.

Can I live anywhere I want while I am on the waiting list?
You can live anywhere. However, you must keep your mailing address current with OHFA so the agency can notify you when your initial interview is scheduled.

Am I responsible for reporting changes while I am on the waiting list?
Yes, you are. All changes must be submitted in writing to the agency. The only change that we will ask for you to report to us while on the waiting list is your address. It must be sent in writing with your name and social security number.

Enrollment Process

How do I reschedule my initial enrollment if I need to cancel?
Your initial enrollment briefing may be rescheduled ONE TIME ONLY! YOU MUST RESCHEDULE ON OR BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT DATE. To reschedule call (405) 419-8299 or (800) 256-1489, Ext. 299 and leave your name and social security number or e-mail us.

How much will I pay in rent?
Your portion of the rent is determined by the amount of your household income and  the size of your family. An estimate of your portion of rent will be given at the initial enrollment briefing, however, an exact determination can not be made until all reported information has been verified and a suitable rental unit located.

How long will it take to receive my voucher now that I have had my appointment?
The time frame will vary. When the verification process has been completed, the agency will contact you by mail. The standard time to receive your voucher is four to six weeks.

My income has changed, what do I do?
Notify the agency in writing. All changes in family income and family size must be reported in writing immediately. Always include head of household name and social security number when sending changes into the agency. You can also email changes in family income and family size.

You’re Receiving Rental Assistance, Now What?

What do I do when I want to move?
Contact your leasing specialist. You must submit a written 30-day notice to landlord and to Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency. You must fulfill a 12-month contract before you move.

Now that I have had an annual re-certification appointment, when will my rent change?
You will need to contact your leasing specialist for this information

What do I need to do if my sister/brother moves in with me?
You need to notify the agency in writing of any changes.

I didn’t receive my utility check, what should I do?
You need to contact your leasing specialist.

Landlord Responsibilities

I'm a landlord, how do I get my house on Section 8?
There are two options.
Option 1: Visit www.gosection8.com and easily input your property online.  The process only takes a few minutes and your listing will be added to participating housing authority lists for you for FREE or ...
Option 2: Call 1-866-466-SEC8 a toll free number and follow the automated instructions and your rental property will be inputted for FREE.  In order to benefit from all of GOsections8's listing features it is recommend you list online if possible. 

My landlord did not get paid. What do I need to do?
The landlord must contact our accounting department.

As a new landlord, what do I need to do concerning inspection criteria?
For a published list of inspection criteria, click here.

Other Questions

What is the procedure for applying from out-of-state in preparation for moving to Oklahoma?
If you are presently receiving rental assistance, you will need to contact the housing authority that you are with now and see what their procedure is for when you move out of state. Every housing authority may have a different procedure than OHFA. They may require you to contact the housing authority for the area you are trying to move to and get information for them so they can mail your paperwork and voucher. You need to contact the leasing specialist you have rental assistance with now and see what they need in order for you to "port" to Oklahoma.

If you have a question that wasn’t listed above, click here to e-mail your question.

For more information about family obligations, click here.