In Massachusetts, a Section 8 denial letter is submitted to applicants when they have been determined to be ineligible for Section 8 housing. What are the reasons for Section 8 denial? The reasons can range from incorrect information on the application to a previous eviction from federally funded housing. The exact reason for the Section 8 denial letter will be contained within the letter. A Section 8 denial appeal can be filed if the applicant feels the denial reason is not valid. To find more information about Section 8 denial in Massachusetts, read below:

• Learn About Section 8 housing disqualifications in Massachusetts
• Learn how to avoid Section 8 housing disqualifications in Massachusetts
• Learn how to appeal Section 8 denials in Massachusetts

Learn About Section 8 Housing Disqualifications in Massachusetts

There are numerous Section 8 housing disqualification reasons. The most common reason applicants are denied Section 8 housing is due to missing or unverifiable information on the application. This is why it is so important to double check the information before sending in the application form. Applicants should review the form with the housing authority agent if they have any questions.

The federal housing authority will automatically send a Section 8 denial letter if they determine that a household member of the applicant is abusing drugs or alcohol and that abuse may threaten the well-being of other residents. They will also send a Section 8 denial letter if a member of the household has been convicted of certain criminal drug-related activities or sex crimes requiring lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Section 8 housing disqualifications set forth by the MA housing authority do not automatically deny applicants. Instead, the applicant is given a chance to show reasons they should be allowed public housing before being denied. Section 8 denial letters may be issued by the state if any member of the household or the applicant:

• Has a pattern of not paying rent.
• Has deliberately given false information on the application.
• Causes disturbances, destroys property, performs criminal acts or in any way threatens the well-being of any housing authority employees or tenants.
• Uses controlled substances in an illegal manner.
• Fails to provide adequate information to the housing authority.
• Does not plan to live in the public housing as the main residence.

Reasons for Section 8 housing disqualifications in Massachusetts are different for federal housing and state housing authorities, so it is important to review the rules for each one separately.

Learn How to Avoid Section 8 Housing Disqualifications in Massachusetts

Section 8 housing disqualifications in Massachusetts happen most often when filling out the Section 8 housing forms incorrectly, or incompletely. If a member of the household or the applicant are aware of a reason they may receive a Section 8 denial letter, on a federal or state level, they may be able to take steps to rectify the problem. For example, if the Section 8 housing disqualification will be due to alcohol or drug abuse, the household member can enroll in and complete an approved rehabilitation program prior to submitting the application.

Learn How to Appeal Section 8 Denials in Massachusetts

Applicants wondering what to do if Section 8 application was denied need to carefully read the Section 8 denial letter. The letter states exactly what are the reasons for Section 8 denial and the deadline for challenging or appealing it. The deadline varies according to which type of housing was denied whether it be state public housing, federal public housing, voucher or multifamily housing. Keep the envelope the Section 8 denial letter came with, in order to prove when it was received.

Applicants will find out how to appeal Section 8 denials in Massachusetts by first submitting a formal letter to the housing authority to request an informal hearing. Regardless of whether it is a state or federal denial, both agencies require a formal letter to start the process.

For the Section 8 denial appeal in Massachusetts, the applicant needs to gather any documentation supporting their reason why the Section 8 denial is invalid. The documentation should be submitted to the housing authority prior to the meeting. The applicant has the right to examine any documents the housing authority used in making their decision to send the Section 8 denial letter. Applicants should consider consulting with an attorney familiar with the housing authority. Rulings by a judge on the matter take a few weeks for deliberation, upon which the involved parties will receive notification of the decision.