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Due to stringent Section 8 application processes, many applicants may receive a Section 8 denial letter the first time they submit their HUD application. Even if an applicant believes he or she has done everything right, it could be a simple issue of credit scores. What are the reasons for Section 8 denial in IL? There are plenty of reasons to receive a Section 8 denial letter, the most common being documentation. Section 8 denial letters will tell an applicant within the letter what his or her Section 8 housing disqualifications were, so be sure to examine the letter closely. For more information on Section 8 denial letters in Illinois and the processes surrounding them, the following topics are available:

  • Learn about Section 8 housing disqualifications in Illinois
  • Learn how to appeal Section 8 denials in Illinois
  • Learn how to avoid Section 8 housing disqualifications in Illinois

Learn About Section 8 Housing Disqualifications in Illinois

There are numerous reasons to receive a Section 8 denial letter, some of the most common reasons being discrepancies on applications, insufficient documentation, or failure to note changes during the verification period. Check over the Section 8 denial letter closely to find what type of Section 8 disqualification was issued.

Nearly all applications that receive a Section 8 housing disqualification are due to the public housing authorities being unable to verify some information on the application. Usually this is either due to an application being filled out incorrectly or a lack of documentation. Applicants who accidentally fill out the application incorrectly will not be able to simply fix that little mistake and resubmit. They must fill out a whole new application and attach all appropriate documentation again. Documentation is what the housing authorities use to verify the applicant’s application. If any documentation is missing or there is a discrepancy between the two will result in a Section 8 denial letter being issued. If it is the case that an applicant sent off their application and something changed, either the applicant started a new job or moved residences but did not inform the public housing authorities, they will receive a Section 8 denial letter due to discrepancies on information.

Another reason to receive a Section 8 housing disqualification is due to criminal records. Each criminal record is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The public housing authority will look at the crime committed, when it was committed, and make a decision if the application warrants a Section 8 denial letter or not. Even if a criminal record is for something as small as trespassing, the chances of receiving a Section 8 denial letter are quite high. In the event that an applicant’s family member was the one with the criminal record and he or she has left the household, the applicant can attempt to talk over the Section 8 denial letter with the housing authorities if that was the only reason for a rejection. If an applicant makes a good case, he or she may be able to file for a Section 8 denial appeal with the housing authorities.

Learn How to Appeal Section 8 Denials in Illinois

Are you unsure of what to do if section 8 application was denied? Though the housing authorities are quite thorough in their verification of Section 8 low income housing applications and their status, sometimes mistakes are made. If an applicant believes that his or her Section 8 denial letter was made erroneously, he or she can attempt to file for a Section 8 denial appeal with their local housing authority. Section 8 denial appeals are where an applicant’s Section 8 denial letter is reviewed in an informal legal setting with a third party acting as judge. A Section 8 denial appeal can only be made 14 to 30 days after the Section 8 denial letter has been issued, so do not wait to file an appeal.

The first step in the Section 8 denial appeal process is to make a list of all of the Section 8 housing disqualifications mentioned in the letter. Once a list has been comprised the applicant should take this list down to the PHA to talk with a representative to see if his or her case can hold up as an appeal. If the PHA representative gives an approval the applicant will then set a hearing with an administrative judge or hearing officer. From there, the applicant, the housing authority that issued the Section 8 denial letter and the neutral third party will hold an informal court hearing. During this hearing both the applicant and the housing authorities will present the respective cases and the judge will look over the Section 8 denial letter before deciding the outcome. Generally, these types of hearing can take up to several weeks before a definitive decision is made. However, once a decision about the Section 8 denial appeal has been made, both parties will be dismissed and the verdict will be mailed to the parties involved.

Learn How to Avoid Section 8 Housing Disqualifications in Illinois

Section 8 denial appeals are quite lengthy and stressful. The recommended course of action when going through the Section 8 eligibility process is to ask for help. Applicants who receive help on their applications from housing authorities not only decrease the likelihood of receiving a Section 8 denial letter, but are generally accepted on the first submission of their application. Public housing authorities are there to help applicants fill out their section 8 applications, there is no reason to fill the application out alone unless an applicant is completely confident in what he or she is doing. Even then, to avoid the Section 8 denial letter, it is recommended to have a PHA representative look over the application beforehand to note any possible Section 8 disqualifications before the application is sent out.