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Section 8 Rental Assistance

What is Section 8 Rental Assistance?

The Austin HRA administers the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program in the City of Austin and a limited number of units in Mower County. Rent is based on 30% of the total household’s adjusted income. The program is open to low-income individuals whose income does not exceed the income limits listed below. Program participants must find their own rental unit and can rent a house, duplex or an apartment. Section 8 Rental Assistance offers the family more choices than the public housing units because the family picks the unit and area where they are going to live. When the tenant moves, and if they are in good standing with their landlord, the Section 8 Rental Assistance can move with them.

The tenant must pay his or her own security deposits. The Austin HRA does NOT have any funds to help with a security deposit. As of July 19, 2006 the HRA of Austin will no longer mail out applications for family housing with the exception of families with members who are over 62 years old, disabled or handicapped. When applicants turn in an application they will be required to submit a photo ID for family members over 18 years old and copies of social security cards for all family members.

Applications are available at the HRA main office at 308 2nd Avenue NE, Austin, MN. Interested persons should contact section 8 staff at (507) 433-1866.

Household MembersIncome Limits*
1 person$29,200
2 people$33,350
3 people$37,500
4 people$41,650
5 people$45,000
6 people$48,350
7 people$51,650
8 people$55,000
*Income Limits Effective 2022

Victims of Physical Abuse

The Austin HRA has two 2-bedroom units available to victims of physical abuse. These units are temporary housing while the tenant waits for a Section 8 Rental Assistance Voucher. The rent is based on 30% of the tenant’s adjusted monthly income and the HRA pays for all of the utilities. All referrals for these units come through the Crime Victims Resource Center, 101 14th Street NW, Austin, MN, (507) 437-6680.  This number is answered 24 hours a day. There are no income limits for this program.