Rent rates are rising from Los Angeles to San Diego — but you can still find a good deal. Make sure you download a California residential lease agreement that sets out your rights first. Read on to discover how to find affordable homes in California’s main cities.
What Is Section 8 Housing?
The federal Section 8 scheme gives low-income families across the USA access to special housing choice vouchers. These are also available for elderly or disabled citizens. This measure has specific income limits to keep in mind. Specifically, your family’s income can’t be more than 50% of your county’s median salary.
For one person in California, the current cap sits at $48,550. If you earn less than this, you may be eligible. Apply through your local public housing agency and prepare to give them documents to prove your current income. However, there might be a long waiting list.
These vouchers cover a significant portion of the rent, though not all landlords accept them. You will also still have to give around 30% of your income to rent and utilities. But this can be a lifeline for families needing extra help in any state.
California’s Biggest Affordable Housing Programs
As it stands, California has the third-highest levels of rental stress across all states. Over 29% of the renting population spends over half of their salary on rent. A lot of this will be concentrated in major cities where prices are higher. The state has set up a number of programs to help with this, though each has its own waiting list. Here are just a few of the programs that could help:
Below Market Rate Homes
Cities and towns across California are offering below market rate properties. These come with a much lower price tag than other homes. In big cities, this could make a big difference. The local housing authority typically sets the price for these properties to make sure they’re fair.
Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program
San Francisco established the IAHP in 2002. In this initiative, housing projects with 10 or more units must offer 15-30% of these as BMR homes. They could instead pay an Affordable Housing Fee. This varies in price — but every cent goes towards the city’s inclusive housing fund.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit
This is another federal program that could help rent-stressed Californians. It offers tax credits to developers who build affordable homes. Since the state’s major cities serve as real estate hubs, they’ll particularly benefit.
These incentives are responsible for quite a lot of California’s current affordable projects.
Veterans Housing And Homelessness Prevention Program
A third of America’s homeless veterans live in California, though this is falling. The VHHPP has spent billions of dollars on affordable homes for vets across the state. If you’re a struggling veteran, get in touch with your local housing authority right away.
Complete Your Documents ASAP
Some affordable properties are only on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. This means you’ll have to have all your documents in order before a spot opens up. If you don’t, this can sink the whole application. A lot of Californians need affordable homes. There are still only so many properties in the state — even with the programs above.
Every home is sure to have dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants. You must get proof of your income before you even sign up. If you’re a veteran, find your DD214 form. Keep an eye on any deadlines, and remember that they could still close before then.
Keep digital copies of everything you’re likely to need. This means you’ll be able to upload them at a moment’s notice when a place becomes available. If you’re eligible, your case manager or a local veteran service organization can help you.
Negotiate Rent With Your Landlord
It’s still possible to get lower costs when struggling with your rent, even if you signed a lease. All it might take is talking to your landlord about it. Check the local market rates to see if your home is pricier than it reasonably should be. If it is, you can raise this and ask for a rent reduction.
Landlords are more open to negotiations in fall or winter, the off-peak rental season. As demand is lower then, they’ll want to make sure their current tenants are comfortable. You might want to consider signing a longer lease on a lower per-month basis.
No matter the route you take, always be professional. This lets you have a good discussion, one where you’re more likely to convince them.
Conclusion
Rent rates are a massive concern in any state — but especially California. No matter where you live, look into your housing authority’s projects. There could be any number of opportunities that fit your situation. However, you’ll most likely have to act quick as soon as you find a place.
