Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2018-05-29T18:40:55-06:00
My child is enrolled in a charter school or private school in Minneapolis. Can we receive assistance through the SHSS program?2023-08-15T23:45:21-06:00

Currently, the SHSS program only provides assistance to families of elementary-school aged students enrolled in Minneapolis Public School district. Please review the Other Support Programs.

Will immigration status affect my family’s eligibility?2023-08-15T23:41:09-06:00

No, immigration documentation status does not impact a family’s eligibility.

If I accept SHSS assistance, will I be removed from the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority waiting lists?2023-08-15T23:40:49-06:00

Recipients of SHSS funding will not be removed from the MPHA waiting lists for public housing or housing choice vouchers.

How do I apply for SHSS assistance?2023-08-15T23:40:29-06:00

SHSS is a referral-based programs. Please contact the social worker at your child’s school to determine if you qualify for assistance.

What if I have more questions?2023-07-12T19:52:26-06:00

Reach out to your property manager for further assistance.

Why don’t I see my payment when looking at my bank/credit card statement?2023-07-12T19:51:18-06:00

Payments will appear immediately in Rent Café’s Recent Activity tab, but they may take 1-3 business days to process from your bank account or 1-5 business days for credit card account.

Do I have to stop recurring payments once I move out?2023-07-12T19:51:01-06:00

No, recurring payments are automatically disabled at move out.

Is there a fee to make payments online?2023-07-20T19:26:35-06:00

MPHA pays the fee for Bank Account (ACH) transactions. If you choose to use a debit or credit card, you will incur a service fee. MPHA does not receive this fee, and it is non-refundable.

How do I stop recurring payments?2023-07-12T19:50:27-06:00

Under the Auto-Pay Setup tab, you may edit the end date for any existing recurring payments. You may also click the Delete button.

What do I do if I’m unable to successfully verify my bank account?2023-07-12T19:50:08-06:00

If the bank account verification processes fails, it’s likely that you’ve repeatedly entered an incorrect deposit amount. You should contact your property manager so that they can reach out for assistance.

What should I do if I’m unable to locate the small deposit amount paid to my account?2023-07-12T19:49:48-06:00

If you don’t see the small amount paid to your account within three business days, it’s likely the bank account information was entered incorrectly. You should either try again and be certain to enter the correct bank routing and account numbers or contact your property manager for assistance.

How do I locate the small deposit amount that was paid to my bank account?2023-07-12T19:49:26-06:00

Whether looking at your account online or at a bank account statement, look for the small deposit amount that’s labeled “BANK VERIFY”.

How do I verify my bank account?2023-07-12T19:48:46-06:00

After you’ve added your bank account, we’ll send a small deposit that will be paid to your account within THREE BUSINESS DAYS. To verify your bank account, you’ll need to return to the Resident Portal, click the verify button and then enter the small deposit amount that we paid to your bank account. If the amount you enter matches the amount we paid to your bank account, you’ll then be able to make a payment from that account.

Why do I need to add and then verify my bank account?2023-07-12T19:48:26-06:00

Whether for one-time or recurring payments, having a verified bank account on file is required to make a rent payment. This is an electronic funds transfer network rule that is in place for your protection.

I may have a unit in an Opportunity Area. How can I check?2022-08-03T16:48:41-06:00

Use the Address Locator Tool to look up if a property is in an Opportunity Area and qualifies for benefits as part of the Community Choice Demonstration.

If you have questions as to whether your unit qualifies or what it takes to list your unit for rent for the Community Choice Demonstration Program, contact Leasing Coordinator Brenda Pierson at Brenda.pierson@metc.state.mn.us or 651-602-1051

Who is eligible for the Community Choice Demonstration?2022-08-03T16:49:50-06:00

Your family is eligible for the demonstration if:

  • You have a voucher from the Metro HRA or Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA)

  • You have at least one child in your household age 17 or younger.

A small number of families from the current Metro HRA and MPHA Housing Choice Voucher waitlists are also being invited to participate through invitation only.

The Community Choice Demonstration helps families Services for Families with Housing Choice Vouchers find homes in designated Opportunity Areas in the Metro HRA and MPHA service areas. If you think you are eligible to participate in the Community Choice Demonstration, you may want to think about the following:

  • Are you willing to move? Would you consider moving to a new neighborhood in an Opportunity Area?

  • Do you have time to search for your housing in a new neighborhood or do you need to move very quickly? Families who need immediate or emergency housing may not have enough time to benefit from the services provided through participation in the program.

If I enroll in the study, do I have to move to an Opportunity Area?2022-08-03T16:58:02-06:00

If you are enrolled in the study and are selected to receive services offered through the Community Choice Demonstration, you will only be able to receive services for moves to an Opportunity Area. Things like security deposit or application fees can only be paid toward a unit in an Opportunity Area. However, we understand that moving is a big decision and the logistics of moving can be complex. If you choose not to move to an Opportunity Area, or not to move at all, your voucher will not be affected. You will simply move using the normal process at your Housing Authority.

I have a voucher and I am interested in the program. Who should I contact?2022-08-03T16:50:41-06:00

You can contact Jinaa Lane at 612.342.2201 or communitychoice@mplspha.org  to learn more about the program and see if you qualify. The first step to enrolling in the program if you are eligible is to attend an info session.

What are the Opportunity Areas? Where are they?2022-08-03T16:52:17-06:00

Opportunity Areas are neighborhoods or communities in the Metro HRA and MPHA service areas where children and families are expected to have the best opportunity to thrive. Researchers and local experts developed the list of Opportunity Areas based on data on school quality, long-term economic outcomes for children, poverty rates and other social and economic neighborhood criteria. Opportunity Areas are defined based on census tracts and block groups, which are area designations developed by the U.S. Census Bureau.

You can look at the Opportunity Areas here.

What if the rent I charge is above the Payment Standard?2022-08-10T08:23:06-06:00

There are two important factors to keep in mind. First, families with income may choose to look above the established price limit because they can pay a larger portion of the rent. Second, although the payment standard helps families figure out how much they can afford based on the location, the rental price agreed upon between the Housing Authority and the property owner must be similar in price to other comparable units in the area fair market rate. The Housing Authority will look at comparable units in the area (based on amenities, size, and type of unit) to make sure that the rental amount the property owner requests is a fair price based on the market. This process is called determining rent reasonableness. If your rent is determined to be reasonable and the family can afford the unit according to MPHA rules, they can still rent your unit.

How much is the voucher worth?2022-08-03T16:58:46-06:00

Housing Authorities are subject to limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which sets regional limits on how much the housing authority can pay based on the number of bedrooms the family qualifies for. The limit is called the Payment Standard and includes rent plus renter-paid utilities. Payment Standards are dependent on the location of the unit. MPHA has a special authority to determine how to calculate rental amounts based upon local payment standards. To view information on how MPHA calculates tenant portion and MPHA’s portion, please click here.

As a property owner, I have never worked with a tenant with a housing choice voucher before. What should I expect in the rental process?2022-08-03T16:59:08-06:00

Renting your property to a family with a voucher follows a very similar process as leasing to a family without a voucher. It includes a few extra steps to make sure you and the tenant will make a successful match.

We encourage property owners to screen voucher families the same way they would with any other applicant. You will want to consider, however, that the voucher will count towards a large portion of the rent (if not all of it), so many property owners have different, more flexible income criteria for voucher holders.

After an applicant goes through your screening criteria, you turn in a packet of information to the Housing Authority called a Request for Tenancy Approval. This proves that you are the owner of the unit and lists the amenities included in the unit.

Once the Housing Authority has the Request for Tenancy Approval, you and the Housing Authority must agree on the rent amount. The Housing Authority will look at comparable units in the area (based on amenities, size, and type of unit) to make sure that the rental amount requested is a fair price based on the market.

Lastly, a Housing Authority representative will inspect the unit to make sure that it meets Housing Quality Standards. These standards were created to ensure that our federal tax dollars are not used to house families in units that are subpar and unsafe.

After the unit passes inspection, the tenant can sign the lease and the deposit is paid. You sign an agreement with the Housing Authority called the Housing Assistance Payment Contact (HAP for short). The contract shows that you have agreed to receive the rental payment from the Housing Authority. The HAP contract outlines the exact amount of monthly rent being charged, the amount the tenant is responsible to pay directly to you, and the amount the Housing Authority will pay directly to the you.

Each month, you receive the rent from the Housing Authority and the tenant. If the tenant’s income goes down, the Housing Authority may pay a larger portion of the rent so that the unit is always affordable for the tenant.

Inspections are typically conducted annually so if the tenant wants to live in your unit another year, the Housing Authority will come to inspect the unit prior to the lease anniversary date.

What is a Housing Choice Voucher?2022-08-03T17:06:12-06:00

A Housing Choice Voucher, historically called “Section 8,” is a rental subsidy for low- income households in the United States. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the largest federal subsidized housing program for low -income households in the US. State and regional authorities operate 2,500 voucher programs around the country. In the Twin Cities the Metro HRA and MPHA are two of ten housing authorities that operate the Housing Choice Voucher program.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is not an entitlement program, and only about a quarter of families who qualify for the program actually receive a voucher. There are typically long wait lists for families who want to receive vouchers.

Families who receive vouchers search for housing on the private rental market. The voucher acts as a coupon, so families can find housing affordable to them, and they only pay a portion of the rent. The housing authority pays the rest.

Which areas are eligible for section 8?2015-04-20T19:08:58-06:00

MPHA only administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers within the city limits of Minneapolis. Suburban areas are covered by other housing agencies. Program rules may vary for other housing agencies. Visit www.Housinglink.org  for a listing of Housing Authorities within the 7 County Metro area.

What happens when a property is sold?2015-04-20T19:08:35-06:00

MPHA will not know about a property sale unless notified. Documentation will be requested of the new owner, including MPHA‟s Owner Change form, an IRS W-9 form, a copy of the Warranty Deed, and a signed copy of the city rental license.

If you would like to notify MPHA of an ownership change, please call 612-342-1211. All owner documentation is required before checks are released to the new owner.

Can owners raise the rent?2015-04-20T19:08:16-06:00

Contract rent increases are allowed in accordance with the lease terms. Rent increases are allowed at the annual renewal of the lease and HAP Contract.  Property owners must notify MPHA of any increase in rent at least 60-days prior to the effective date.  MPHA requires a new 1 year lease term for any Rent increase.

When will the owner receive the subsidy payments?2015-04-20T19:07:36-06:00

The FIRST payment for a tenant moving into your unit will be released  within  45-60 days after the start date of the lease agreement.   Payments will be retroactive to the rental subsidy start date.

What will cause the rent portions to change?2015-04-20T19:07:16-06:00

Rent portions may change at the family’s annual re-examination, or with a change in the Contract Rent.  Changes that occur mid year are due to a change in the family’s income or the  family’s  composition. The owner and the family will be notified in writing of any change in the rent portions.

What should an owner do if a tenant violates the lease?2015-04-20T19:06:56-06:00

Lease violations by Section 8 HCV tenants must be managed in the same manner as you would with unassisted tenants and in accordance with applicable laws. The lease is between the tenant and the owner. MPHA is not a party to the lease. MPHA advises the owner to notify the family “in writing”, of any lease violations, request the necessary change(s), and state a deadline for the correction of the violations. A copy of this correspondence MUST be forwarded to MPHA. If the family does not comply with the written correspondence, the owner must initiate a legal court eviction by contacting the Clerk of Court and filing an Unlawful Detainer Action.

The owner must notify MPHA, in writing, of the commencement of termination procedures. This can be done by furnishing MPHA with a copy of the Unlawful Detainer. The owner must notify MPHA of the outcome of the Unlawful Detainer action and the actual court ordered date of eviction.

Who is responsible for utilities?2015-04-20T19:06:33-06:00

The Section 8 HCV Program does not have rules about which party is responsible for utilities.  Utility responsibility is based upon the terms of the lease agreement.

Does section 8 provide security deposits?2015-04-20T19:06:02-06:00

MPHA does not assist families with security deposits.

What is the maximum security deposit amount a family is allowed to pay?2015-04-20T19:05:40-06:00

The family may pay a security deposit that equals the security deposit charged to unassisted families. The Section 8 families cannot pay a security deposit greater than what is charged to unassisted families. Full and timely payment and collection of the Security Deposit is the owner’s responsibility.

What is the tenancy addendum?2015-04-20T19:05:21-06:00

HUD requires that all property owners attach Form 52641-A (commonly known as the Tenancy Addendum) to their lease with any participant in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (24 CFR 982.162(a)(3)). The tenancy addendum is Part C of the Housing Assistance Payment Contract and if and when there is a conflict between the contract and the lease agreement, the tenancy addendum takes precedence.  See Form for a copy.

What is the required lease term?2015-04-20T19:05:04-06:00

Section 8 requires an initial lease term of no less than 1 year. A lease may end by:

  • Termination of lease by owner at end of lease with the required written notice.
  • Termination of lease by tenant at end of lease with the required written notice.
  • MPHA termination of HAP Contract for HQS or program violations which terminates the lease.
  • The owner may terminate the lease for serious and/or repeated violation of the terms of the lease, violations of Federal, State, or local Laws regarding the occupancy or use of the unit.
Whose lease document is used?2015-04-20T19:04:44-06:00

The owner has the option to use his/her own lease document or a standard lease issued by the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association. Call (952) 854-8500 if you wish to use the Minnesota MultiHousing Association lease.  MPHA requires all leases to contain the following information –

  • List of all family members
  • Utility responsibility
  • Contract Rent/Rent to Owner
  • Maximum Late fee (in compliance with state law) is 8% of tenant rent portion
  • Term of Lease
  • Unit rental address

The owner may incorporate building/property rules and/or policies by adding additional provisions and attaching a copy of the provisions, signed and dated by both parties, to the lease for MPHA approval.

HUD requires that all leases subsidized under the Housing Choice Voucher program contain the Tenancy Addendum (Part C of the Housing Assistance Payment Contract)

What will MPHA approve for use as a bedroom?2017-06-16T21:41:27-06:00

MPHA follows City of Minneapolis code, which states that bedrooms must be at least 70 sq. feet for one person and 90 sq. ft for two persons occupying the room, and not less than 7 ft in any one direction. The ceiling height in all bedrooms must be at least seven (7) feet high to qualify as a bedroom.  A bedroom is not required to have a closet but is required to have a heat source.   All bedrooms must have  a  safe method of escape (egress) in case of fire.

What is an abatement?2017-06-16T21:41:27-06:00

HUD Regulations states that the PHA shall not make any housing assistance payments if the contract unit does not meet the HQS, unless the owner corrects the defect within the period specified by the PHA and the PHA verifies the correction. If a defect is life threatening, the owner must correct the defect within no more than 24 hours. For other defects, the owner must correct the defect within the period specified by the PHA.

This means that the rent will be prorated for the period of time from the failed inspection until MPHA receives verifiable documentation of the completion of the needed repairs.  This may require an additional physical inspection. No payment will be made for the abated period.

If the PHA determines that the owner is not entitled to the housing assistance payment or any part of it, the PHA, in addition to other remedies, may deduct the amount of the overpayment from any amounts due the owner (including amounts due under any other Section 8 assistance contract).

When will the owner know what the tenant portion of the rent is?2015-04-20T19:02:54-06:00

As soon as you ask your tenant. Each participant attends a program briefing upon initial approval of participation in the program and each time they transfer units.

Each participating family is provided a Worksheet which determines that the unit is affordable for the family and provides an estimated tenant rent portion.

The HCV Program will notify, in writing, both you and your tenant of the final rent portions. The calculation of the final rent portions and the drafting of the Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP) may take up to 45 days for completion.  Upon receipt of the executed HAP contract MPHA will release payments.

Participant families are instructed to pay the estimated rent portion to the owner until the final calculations are completed.  If there is a balance owed/due, it is expected that the tenant and the property owner will reconcile any balances.

When can a tenant move in?2015-04-20T19:02:13-06:00

If a tenant moves in before the assistance starts, the tenant is responsible for the full rent until  rental subsidy is authorized.  MPHA will only begin rental assistance as of the 1st or the 15th of the month after a unit passes inspection and the family, property owner and lease agreement have been approved.

For example, if a unit fails an inspection on May 26th, and the required repairs aren’t complete until June 5th, the tenant can move in on June 1st, but MPHA will make rental assistance payments effective June 15th. In this example, the tenant would be responsible for the whole rent amount from June 1st until June 14th.

What are some common reasons for an inspection to fail?2015-04-20T19:01:50-06:00

Link to Commonly Failed Items

What if the unit fails‟ the inspection?2015-04-20T19:01:02-06:00

If the unit does not pass the HQS Initial inspection, the property owner may elect to make the repairs or withdraw the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA).  If MPHA does not receive a request for a re-inspection within 30 days of the initial failed inspection, MPHA will with draw the RFTA.   If the owner elects not to make the repairs, the family must choose another unit to receive assistance. MPHA cannot enter into the Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP) until the unit passes the HQS inspection, a 1year executed lease agreement has been submitted and approved, and the participant has possession of the unit.

If the participant is in possession of the unit prior to the assistance start date, the FULL contract rent is the responsibility of the participant family.

If the unit fails the Annual HQS inspection due to property’s owner failure to repair or participant’s violations of HQS standards, both parties will receive a copy of the failed inspection report.

What is the purpose of the inspection?2015-04-20T19:00:33-06:00

The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) is the federally mandated inspection requirements designed for all types of housing throughout the nation.  HQS was developed to ensure that housing assisted through the HCV program is “affordable, decent, safe and sanitary”.

Units are inspected at initial move-in; annually and as needed or requested by property owner or program participant.

How do owners schedule a move -in inspection?2015-04-20T19:00:01-06:00

Once the participant returns the Moving Packet (including the Request for Tenancy Approval) MPHA Inspections will contact the owner via e-mail to schedule an initial inspection of the unit. The property owner must confirm this inspection date/time and either the owner or the owner’s representative must be present at the inspection.  Once the unit passes the inspection, the lease can be executed and submitted to MPHA. (Assistance starts on the 1st or 15th of the month following the passed inspection date).   MPHA will calculate the rent portions and will draft and email/fax the Housing Assistance Payment contract to the Owner for signature. The owner must sign the contract and return it to MPHA before payments can be released.

When do I get paid?2019-06-11T10:01:48-06:00

There is an initial 45-60 day delay of the first check sent to owners on a new lease. The subsequent Housing Assistance Payments to Owners are mailed timely. Usually payments are received on the 1st day of the month; there are occasional occurrences when the 1st of the month delivery is not possible. We will make every effort to deliver quickly.

What is the housing assistance payment (HAP) contract?2015-04-20T18:52:05-06:00

The HAP contract is entered to provide assistance for the family under the Section 8 voucher program. (see HUD program regulations at 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 982) The HAP Contract outlines the compliance,   rights and responsibilities of the property owner for program participation. MPHA strongly recommends that the owner read the contract completely, and be familiar with all of its provisions. (link to contract)

What is a “request for tenancy approval (rfta)?”2015-04-20T18:51:30-06:00

The Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) is a required HUD form that the family provides to the owner. The owner completes it with information about the unit regarding unit size, rent, address, and utility responsibilities. The family returns it to MPHA. The RFTA provides MPHA with information necessary for the calculation of rent portions  and the drafting of the Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP) . The RFTA is not a lease; however, it’s required that a landlord complete the RFTA when he/she has determined he/she is willing to enter into an assisted lease with the family.

The participant submits the RFTA to MPHA staff who must determine affordability for the family and calculate HUD’s Rent Reasonableness of the unit cost.  Rent Reasonableness requires staff being able to locate 3 comparable units of similar size, type and locations that have a gross rent (rent plus tenant paid utilities) that is equal to or greater than the rent requested.

Can the owner obtain information about the family from MPHA?2015-04-20T18:51:05-06:00

MPHA will disclose the following information to potential owners:

  • The family’s current address.
  • The name and address of the most recent and prior owner if known by MPHA.
  • All other information about the tenant is protected by Minnesota’s Government Data Practices Act.
What about background check ?2017-06-16T21:41:27-06:00

MPHA determines program eligibility based on income levels; citizenship status and all adult family members passing a criminal background check.  MPHA does not screen for tenancy or rental history. Tenant background checks, to determine suitability as a renter, is the responsibility of the owner.

Is an owner required to participate in the section 8 program?2015-04-20T18:50:02-06:00

An owner has the same right and responsibility to select Section 8 HCV tenants as any other tenants. Federal, state, and local laws, however, prohibit housing discrimination based on Protected classes: race, age, marital status, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation & public assistance status

How does an owner find a Section 8 HCV Program participant to rent his or her unit?2015-04-20T18:48:49-06:00

MPHA does not maintain a list of vacant rental units. Instead, MPHA refers program participants to Housing Link, a private non-profit organization that compiles a weekly listing of vacant affordable rental property in the Twin Cities metro area. Houisnglink.org

How does an owner get involved in the program?2015-04-20T18:37:09-06:00

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a tenant-based voucher program. MPHA issues vouchers to tenants, who then can choose any private-market rental unit (subject to affordability, rent reasonableness, housing quality standards, and other stipulations). Property owners become involved with the Section 8 HCV department when a tenant applies to lease their property.

What should I do if there is an infestation in my unit?2015-06-23T20:59:09-06:00

If you suspect that you have any cockroaches, bed bugs, or mice in your unit, you should report it to your management office immediately. They will inspect your unit and make a decision as to what course of action needs to be taken. Click here for a contact list.

Are there any job programs available to residents?2017-06-16T21:41:27-06:00

The MPHA Self-Help Program offers its residents an opportunity to earn a stipend in return for accomplishing short-term assignments. Contact your Property Manager for more information. Click here for a contact list.

Through Section 3 Employment, MPHA and its contractors adhere to HUD Section 3 requirements, meaning that 30% of employees hired should be current MPHA residents or HCV Section 8 participants, HUD Youth Build Program participants, or other low income persons who live in the Twin Cities Metro Area.

How do I transfer from my current unit?2015-06-24T16:07:48-06:00

There are eight different categories for a transfer. Tenants must contact your management office staff to request a transfer and complete the necessary paper work. You can review the transfer policy and process by going to the Statement of Policies.

What do I do if I need grab bars in the shower, a shower stool, etc.?2015-01-12T17:24:57-06:00

If you need a reasonable accommodation for your unit such as a grab bar in the shower, you should contact your management office and complete the required forms. Your request will be reviewed and a decision made as to your request.

What do I do if I lose my unit key or my key badge?2015-06-23T21:02:57-06:00

If you lose any keys to your unit, please immediately call in a work order at 612-342-1585. If you lose your key badge notify your management office immediately. Staff will then issue you a new unit key and key badge. There will be a charge to replace them. Click here for contact information for your management office.

How do I request a repair to my unit?2017-06-16T21:41:27-06:00

High-rise tenants should call 612-342-1585 and Family tenants call 612-342-1515 for repairs. Let the Work Order Coordinator know the nature of your needed repair and a staff person will be assigned to fix it. The Work Order Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. During the non-work day, weekends, and holidays your call will be taken by an answering service that will direct your call to an MPHA staff member on-call who will address your concern.

How do I pay my rent?2022-08-08T20:12:36-06:00

You will receive a rent statement and a payment envelope for the next month’s rent at the end of each month. Rent is due the first of each month. Your rent must be mailed to the following address: Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, PO Box 860758, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0758. Your payment should be in the form of a cashier’s check, money order or personal check made out to “Minneapolis Public Housing Authority” or “MPHA.” Cash is not accepted. If you are past due in your rent you should pay your rent at the Rent Collections window at 1001 Washington Avenue North. The Rent Collections office is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday; except holidays.

Am I allowed to have a pet?2015-01-12T17:22:55-06:00

Residents are permitted to have pets. The Statement of Policies sets forth the guidelines for both high-rise and scattered site tenants. Generally residents may have, “only one cat or one dog weighing not more than 25 lbs; or two caged birds; or an aquarium of thirty gallons or less for fish only; or two cages gerbils or hamsters…” The policy does set forth which pets are prohibited.

Can MPHA deny housing assistance?2015-01-05T23:48:11-06:00

Yes.  Even if you can prove that you need housing, MPHA is required by federal law and regulations to deny assistance if you do not qualify.

Do I have to move into a MPHA unit?   Can I stay where I am currently living?2015-01-05T23:48:11-06:00

Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) is not the same as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.  If approved for LIPH you will have to live in a LIPH unit. Click here for more information on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

How many offers will I receive for a housing unit?2019-06-11T10:06:28-06:00

For highrise buildings, you will be provided up to two offers. If you do not accept the first unit offered, you will then have one additional unit offered to you.  If you do not accept either of the units offered, you will be taken off the wait list and you must wait one year before applying again.

For a family unit, you will be provided up to two offers.  If you do not accept the first unit offered, you will then have one additional unit offered to you. If you do not accept either of these units offer you will be taken off the wait list and you must wait one year before applying again.

How long will it take for me to be housed?2020-01-31T14:39:51-06:00

The wait for housing varies, depending on the size of your family and the length of the waiting list.  It may take five years or more from the approval date of your application before an offer of housing is made to you.  The time, however, varies from list to list.

Who is the Eligibility Technician assigned to my application?2015-01-05T23:48:11-06:00

You can call 612-342-1400 and use our automated phone system to find out who is your ET.

What is the status of my application?2015-01-05T23:48:11-06:00

You can call 612-342-1400 and use our automated phone system to determine the status of your application.

Where are Low Income Public Housing buildings located?2015-01-05T23:48:11-06:00

Buildings are located throughout Minneapolis.  The Housing Programs section includes a listing of all highrise buildings and information about scattered site and senior highrise buildings; with information about each of them, including pictures of the buildings, locations, layout, nearby bus routes and information on the surrounding neighborhood.

How do I update my application?2015-06-24T16:34:20-06:00

If you need to provide an update on the application you have completed you will need to complete the Updates for Pre-application form and submit it the Leasing Department. This form can be found in the How to Apply section of the website.

How do I apply for Low Income Public Housing (LIPH)?2017-06-16T21:41:28-06:00

The How to Apply section explains the steps you should take to apply to the Low Income Public Housing program and for what categories applications are currently being taken.

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