Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Income Housing with GMHA
Thank you for researching your low-income housing options at the Greene County Metropolitan Housing Authority. We hope this FAQ page addresses your questions. If the FAQ items here do answer, we suggest you email GMHA at info@gmha.net.
GMHA cannot estimate when you will receive assistance. We do follow a point system based on your preference points. Vouchers or units become available when people currently on our programs move out. Quick and efficient response to our mailings ensures you get on the waiting list promptly!
GMHA cannot estimate when you will receive assistance. We do follow a point system based on your preference points. Vouchers or units become available when people currently on our programs move out. Quick and efficient response to our mailings ensures you get on the waiting list promptly!
No, however, please contact us for Greene County resources.
The total of your income before taxes.
Yes, in fact, we suggest getting on both waiting lists. There is no way to know which program will have housing available first.
We need the landlord’s references for the public housing program only. We will take into consideration professional community references such as your caseworker, your supervisor, or ex-supervisor, your minister, your doctor, or your teacher. A professional reference cannot be related to the applicant.
We cannot tell where anyone is on the waiting list until each time we run a waiting list. GMHA can only verify your preference points because new applicants are constantly being added to the waiting list with different point totals.
You will be notified in writing when you are placed on the waiting list. You will be notified by phone or mail when assistance is available to you.
It is important that you report all changes in your living conditions in writing while you are on the waiting list. The changes can affect your points.
With the Section 8 voucher, you can choose where you live. In the Public Housing Program, GMHA has only a community-wide waiting list. You will be offered the first unit available when you reach the top of the waiting list.
For the public housing program, you will need to pay a security deposit equal to 1 month’s rent or $50.00; whichever is greater. Elderly Minimum of $200 up to the rent amount. Family Minimum of $250 up to the rent amount. For the Section 8 program, the security deposit is dependent on the Landlord/Property Owner.
The owner (including a principal or other interested party) may not be the parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sister, brother or spouse of any member of the assisted family. Renting from a family member may be approved as a reasonable accommodation for a family member who is a person with disabilities.
No. The security deposit is paid by the tenant.
Whether or not a family receives a utility allowance check is determined by family income and the utilities for which the family is responsible. The tenant’s total payment (approximately 30% – 40%of their monthly adjusted income) includes the rent portion and utilities. If the tenant’s rent amount is less than the utility allowance for the unit, the family will receive the difference in a utility reimbursement on a Relia Card.
The utility allowance is based on the typical cost of utilities and services paid by households that occupy housing of similar size and type in the same locality. Allowances are not based on an individual family’s actual energy consumption.
No. However, there must be a responsible adult present, age 18 or over, to let the inspector in.
No. The Housing Authority determines the tenant’s portion of the contract rent.
GMHA staff cannot give legal advice. We recommend you seek the advice of an attorney.
You must contact your initial housing authority and let them know you want to port to Greene Metropolitan Housing Authority.
Please contact us by :
Mail: GMHA
538 North Detroit Street
Xenia, OH 45385
Fax: 937-347-1230
Email: ashockley@gmha.net
GMHA is currently absorbing all incoming portables.
To ensure better accuracy of housing benefits, HUD has been given authority to develop and operate a data match system that will report to local housing authorities income broken down by household member from the Ohio State Wage Information Collection Agencies (SWICA) and the Social Security Administration.