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A Section 8 denial letter is mailed to an applicant if they are not found to be eligible for Section 8 housing. The letter explains what are the reasons for Section 8 denial, giving the applicant the opportunity to request an appeal. There are many reasons can for denial, but the most frequent issue is information on the application was invalid. A Section 8 denial appeal can be filed if the applicant does not believe the reason for denial is valid. To find more information about Section 8 denial in Minnesota, read below:

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

Learn About Section 8 Housing Disqualifications in Minnesota

Section 8 housing disqualifications in MN occur when an applicant does not meet the requirements of the housing authority. A Section 8 denial letter is then sent to the applicant, informing them of the disqualification. The most frequent issue with applications is that the paperwork contained incorrect information about the household members or the housing authority was unable to confirm data provided by the applicant.

Federal guidelines for Section 8 applicants requires automatic Section 8 denial letters if any member of the household or the applicant:

  • Is abusing illegal drugs or alcohol and threatens the safety of other residents
  • Has been convicted of creating certain illegal drugs in federally assisted housing
  • Is required to register as a lifetime sex offender
  • Has a criminal history that is related to drugs

In addition, the housing authority has ample discretion to consider any factors they may find detrimental to either the residents of or the environment of the housing program. They can consider previous rent issues in determining if an applicant qualifies for the program.

Learn How to Avoid Section 8 Housing Disqualifications in Minnesota

To avoid Section 8 housing disqualifications in MN, applicants should look at what qualifications are required in the state. Applicants must be a resident of the state, be a U.S. citizen, meet income requirements and be free of drug-related criminal activities. If each of those qualifications is met and the application was filled out correctly, they should not be disqualified.

The reason for the Section 8 denial letter is most often incorrect information or inability by the housing authorities to confirm information on the application. It would make sense to review it carefully before sending the application in. Applicants should consider reviewing the form with their local housing authority and submitting all documentation they might need at that time.

Learn How to Appeal Section 8 Denials in Minnesota

What to do if Section 8 application was denied is first read the denial letter. The letter must list all reasons for denying the application and a deadline date to appeal the denial. If an applicant does not contest the denial by that deadline date, they may not be able to do it at a later time. Hold onto the envelope the letter was delivered in for proof of when it was received.

How to appeal Section 8 denial information should be on the Section 8 denial letter. The applicant will need to write a letter to request an informal hearing and send it to the housing authority that issued the denial. The Section 8 denial appeal will be considered at the informal hearing.

If an applicant is not certain how to fight the Section 8 denial letter, they should consider consulting with an attorney who is current with Minnesota and federal laws governing Section 8. The lawyer can advise the applicant on what steps should be taken and how to contest the decision of the housing authority. The applicant may also choose to have the attorney present at the hearing, though it is not necessary.

If the reason for the Section 8 denial letter was missing or incorrect information or that the housing authority was unable to verify data, go back over the original application. Gather any documentation to verify the data or correct any errors. Submit it in advance of the informal hearing so the housing authority has time to review it.

With other reasons for the Section 8 denial letter, there are different ways to show why the denial should be considered invalid. In the event of prior criminal activities, showing that they were not violent crimes and did not impact other residents or household members in any way might be enough to sway the decision. Showing that the individual in question has since reformed and become a contributing member of society may also help. In the case of a drug or alcohol abuse accusation, successfully achieving rehabilitation can be evidence enough.