Use the New Landlord Portal
We will be sending out information for landlords to register for the landlord portal in the near future. You will be able to look up payments, tenant information, inspection status and reports, update your contact information and upload documents to the Authority!
Coming in December 2022/January 2023
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 Program)
The Housing Authority of the City of Perth Amboy currently assists approximately 920 families, senior citizens and persons with disabilities under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (section 8) Program. This program provides financial assistance to eligible households who rent apartments in the private rental housing market (i.e., the subsidy is tenant-based and moves with the family). The rent subsidy amount (provided directly to the property owner) is based on the difference between the tenant rent portion calculated at 30% the monthly-adjusted income and the lesser of the actual reasonable rent (including utilities) or Payment Standard. Under the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the initial rent can exceed the Payment Standard, which is currently set at 100% of the federally established Fair Market Rent (FMR), but the tenant must pay that portion above the Payment Standard (up to 40% of their adjusted income).
Program Eligibility and Applicant Selection Policy
The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) permanently repealed federal preferences and allows Housing Authorities to implement Local Preferences. In response to this regulatory flexibility, the HAPA’s “goal” is to ensure that housing assistance preferences and related support is given to senior citizens and families who are working toward self-sufficiency through employment, training, and/or education initiatives. And to do so to maximize serving the greatest number of eligible and responsible families and senior citizens with available housing assistance.
To forward this goal, the HAPA has designed a system of Local Preferences that are included in the Section 8 Administrative Plan as part of the HAPA Annual Plan approved by the Board of Commissioners. The HAPA’s Local Preference for admission to the Housing Choice Voucher Program provides priority to eligible senior citizens, person with disabilities and families who are engaged in self-sufficiency training, or who have achieved actual employment, or have been displaced by HAPA related activities, and which ensures that the rental assistance provided promotes broader economic diversity and is consistent with local housing needs.
NOTICE TO CURRENT PAHA APPLICANTS
The Perth Amboy Housing Authority was recently awarded 31 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV). The (EHV) program is available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist individuals and families who are:
- Homeless,
- At risk of homelessness,
- Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, or
- Were recently homeless or have a high risk of housing instability.
The availability of these vouchers is managed through a direct referral process with the Middlesex County Continuum of Care (CoC). If you believe you are eligible for EHV assistance, you must call 2-1-1 to undergo an assessment of availability. Once you receive an assessment you can notify the Authority to update your application. You can also find more information at nj211.org
Waiting List
Sorry Currently HAPA’s Section 8 waiting list is closed
The Housing Authority of the City of Perth Amboy does not anticipate opening its waiting list at this time. If and when the HAPA opens the waiting list notice will be sent to the local newspapers and various agencies within the City of Perth Amboy will also be notified when waiting list is opened.
If you are currently on HAPA's waiting list, please Click Here to check your status. (You must enter the Head of Household SSN for the Applicant)
Move Out Portability Option
The portability option allows Housing Choice Voucher applicants and participants to use their Housing Choice Vouchers outside of Perth Amboy (i.e., anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands where there is a Housing Authority that can administer the Voucher.
Click Here for Portability Procedures
Payment Standards
EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2024
0 BR - $1,768
1 BR - $1,987
2 BR - $2,503
3 BR - $3,031
4 BR - $3,334
5 BR - $3,834
6 BR - $4,334
Program Integrity
The Housing Authority of the City of Perth Amboy ensures that only eligible and responsible applicants, participants and owners are part of the Program.
Applicants are rejected for serious criminal and drug related activity, applicants can also be denied a Housing Choice Voucher if there are monies owed to the HAPA or another Housing Authority in connection with their Section 8 or Public Housing Programs. In these cases, an applicant is advised to repay or enter into a repayment agreement with the Housing Authority involved. Upon satisfaction of the debt, the applicant will then be eligible for participation in the Program. Applicants evicted from any federal Housing Program are denied assistance for a period of five (5) years.
Once an applicant is on the program, there are numerous programs available to track income information. HAPA receives information directly from other agencies regarding income such as: employment, unemployment, social security, child support, TANF. In the event a participant has failed to report income, participants are given an opportunity to the repay HAPA.
The HAPA has upgraded Federal Housing Quality Standards to better reflect community standards, including but not limited to standards for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, heating and electrical requirements and poor housekeeping.
All owners are required to submit specific documents to verify ownership, such as: deed, proof of insurance, etc.
For more info or program assistance please email: Damaris Santiago dsantiago@perthamboyha.org
