Section 8 Rental Assistance

Section 8 Rental Housing Assistance is a program that makes market rate rental housing affordable for low income families. Program participants pay a minimum of 30% of their monthly adjusted income for rent and utilities. And getting help is easier than you might think. We provide rental assistance in the city of Duluth or Southern St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties.

Click here for information for Property Owners

Step 1: Apply
If you meet the income requirements, your first step is to fill out an application form and Tennessen Notice. You can download an application form from our home page, or you may call 218-529-6300 and ask for one to be mailed to you.  Once completed and signed, they can be returned to us in person, by fax, or by mail to:

HRA
P.O. Box 16900
222 East Second Street
Duluth, MN 55816-0900
218-529-6344 FAX
218-529-6300

Step 2: Wait
After we receive your application your name will be placed on the waiting list based on the date and time we received it. Within a week or so of the HRA receiving your application you will be notified by mail that we received your application and the approximate timeframe before your name reached the top of the list. Remember to contact us if you move or change your mailing address.

Step 3: Eligibility
Once your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be notified to come in for an appointment to determine final eligibility. After final eligibility has been determined, you will receive a voucher.

Step 4: Search
Because Section 8 is private market assistance, it is your job to find suitable housing that is decent, safe and sanitary. After you have found a unit that meets these standards, and the landlord agrees to lease to your family under the Section 8 program, an HRA inspector will then make sure the unit meets all standards. Upon approval, the landlord and the HRA will enter into an agreement through which your monthly rent is supplemented by the HRA. You will be responsible for the difference between the total rent and the HRA payment.

Step 5: Move
After all the paperwork is completed, your rental assistance can begin. Typically, Section 8 agreements are signed for a 12-month period and continue on a month-to-month basis. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? If you qualify for Section 8 assistance, our goal is to make the entire process as easy as possible.

We want to see you succeed, because we think that great things can happen when basic housing needs are adequately met. Our dedicated staff will answer any questions you have and will help you through every step of the process.

So, are you ready to get started? It all begins with one phone call.

218-529-6300