Any advice on HUD programs???

I've been on the waiting list for a Section 8 voucher for over a year. They tell me to expect, probably, another year's wait. Half my SSDI check goes for rent and utilities, even though where I rent is very cheap, and utilities are low. That has me in constant anxiety about finances. It is hard to come up with the money to see a dentist, when I need to. My life is very no-frills, which I expect.

I went and applied at an apartment complex that has an "Affordable Housing Program." They participate in a HUD program and allocate so many apartments for tenants to get this particular subsidy that they get. I didn't expect to hear on this for months. They just called, and I guess they expect to have something for me quite soon.

I'm scared to take this first thing that comes up. Maybe I should look around more. Then, again, maybe that's a good way to miss the boat on what might be the best opportunity.

I would appreciate any advice whatsoever.

There must be somebody out there who has had to sort out these options, or is familiar with somebody in a similar situation. Experience leads to wisdom. Someone else's experience might save me from a poor choice.

If I pick a unit that cost more than what HUD allows, I can still take it, as long as the extra that I'll have to pay doesn't result in me paying more than 40% of my income in "gross rent." (gross rent = rent plus utilities) The place that's calling me, now, has units that cost a little above what HUD allows, so I'ld have to pay more than the 30% of my income that HUD considers ideal. (But it would be less than 40% of my income, so HUD would let me do that.)

If I don't take the unit offered now, my name goes to the bottom of the list at this complex, which apparently wasn't all that long. I don't want to rush into anything, especially since the unit they showed me wasn't as clean as I'ld like. Moving in cost would mean coming up with money I don't have. (I could probably borrow it.) Moving to this place would save me money every month. I would have to sign a year's lease there. Currently, I rent on a month-to-month basis, which gives me a nice sense of freedom, that I may never have again. (HUD subsidies require a year's lease.)

I've only put my name on a wait list, for one of these, but I am sure, I've a long ways to go with the list.

Was the place, not clean, because someone had recently moved out?
That could be something you can ask. Point out, any flaws, immediately, before signing on the dotted line.

I hear you, about the 'freedom' that comes with being month-to-month, at the same time, money in your pockets is money in your pockets every month.

Wish, I could offer you more, advice. Thinking back, to when, you initially applied for the waiting list, what were your reasons? Was it about trying to save money, unhappiness with your current location, or a combination of many things?

Thanks so much, healing.

I asked about the less than pristine state of things. The assistant manager said they might not be finished dollin' up the unit. She seemed not to really know. I do want it thoroughly cleaned before I will sign anything. I've found that big complexes can be less fussy about cleaning than some small properties. I've had good luck with little places where the landlord/landlady would live nearby and become my friend. These big investment properties can be very impersonal. And they are quicker to raise rent on a yearly basis. I certainly will point out every flaw. If I decline it, based on that - then maybe, even if I have to wait longer - they might make sure the next one they offer me is nice. (One is coming up that is going to be completely renovated.) After all, I might be there for the rest of my life.

My current place is month-to-month and was real nice and clean. Also, it is large. They haven't raised my rent since I moved in 6 years ago, and it's a very low rent by today's standards. But - it is terribly noisy here (located on a busy artery) and it is very hot in the summer. Also it has passed hands from one group of investors to the next. I never meet the owners. The property manager isn't the nicest of people.

I really would have liked to end up in a place that was owner-managed by an owner who lived nearby and would appreciate me. I tend to become good friends with those kind of landlords/landladies. Also, they tend to not raise my rent. They'll often make extra improvements over the years to keep me happy. . . and because they know how careful I will be with there property.

I suppose that could still be my long-term goal. When my voucher comes up, maybe there is somewhere that I could advertise for a rental owner - like, maybe, Craig's list . . . or in the newspaper. I'm calmed down a bit, now. Tomorrow, I'll go and see what they have to say.