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Housing Authority - Public Housing

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1. Low Income Public Housing Frequently Asked Questions

Please note this set of questions deals only with the Public Housing Waiting List. As of November 19, 2019, all applications for Public Housing are now submitted online. Starting July 15, 2021, you can apply and maintain your file through Haven Connect. This change from our previous waiting list software was to better serve our applicants and we do apologize for any inconvenience.

Contact Haven Connect for the following:

• Technical questions about updating your application
• Any questions about submitting your application online
• Haven Connect account creation

Documents such as birth certificates and social security cards are not required for the pre-application. These will be requested when you near the top of the waiting list.

If you wish to request a reasonable accommodation, including modifications, auxiliary aids and services due to disability in regards to applying, please contact us immediately: 

• Email the Housing Authority at housing@flagstaffaz.gov;
• Write to the Housing Authority at 3481 N Fanning Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86004; or 
• Call us at (928) 213-2730. 

The Reasonable Accommodation form for Low-Income Public Housing is available here.

Written and oral language services will be provided upon request. Please note that the Flagstaff Housing Authority lobby is currently closed to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

If you speak a language other than English, use the Google Translate menu for an approximate translation. The Google Translate menu can be found at the bottom right of your web browser window on a desktop/laptop or scroll to the bottom of this page on a mobile device. Web browsers also support many text-to-speech plug-ins. See the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Browser Add-Ons page, and this how-to Internet Edge or this how-to for Internet Explorer.

If you wish to request a reasonable accommodation, including modifications, auxiliary aids and services due to disability in regards to applying, please contact us immediately by emailing the Housing Authority by mail to 3481 N Fanning Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86004; or by phone at 928-213-2730. The Reasonable Accommodation form for Low-Income Public Housing is available here. You can also come into our office at 3481 N Fanning Dr. during typical business hours. Written and oral language services will be provided upon request. Please note that the Flagstaff Housing Authority lobby is currently closed to limit the spread of COVID-19.

If you speak a language other than English, use the Google Translate menu for an approximate translation. The Google Translate menu is to the bottom right of your web browser window on a desktop/laptop or scroll to the bottom of this page on a mobile device. Web browsers also support many text-to-speech plug-ins. See the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Browser Add-Ons page, and this how-to Internet Edge or this how-to for Internet Explorer.

Find the FAQs for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/faq.aspx?TID=46.

2. How will I know if I am on the Waiting List or not?

When you finish the application, you receive a confirmation number. If you received a confirmation number, you are on the waiting list. For technical assistance, contact Haven Connect. 

3. What is my status or number on the Waiting List?

To review your file and see your status, login to Haven Connect. 

The City of Flagstaff Housing Authority maintains a Residency Preference for all waiting lists. If no adult in the household lives in Flagstaff, works at least 20 hours/week in Flagstaff, nor has a promise of work (excluding a nonvoluntary transfer) in Flagstaff, they will be sorted behind those who do. 

4. I am already on the Low Income Public Housing Waiting List; how do I apply for Section 8?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list will open September 1, 2021 at 8:30. Applicants will be able to apply via Haven Connect. 

5. What are the steps for receiving public housing? When will I receive a unit? What does the screening process include?

These steps vary in length of time based on the length of our waiting lists and the rate at which units turn over.

1. Pre-Application: This is the online application and it establishes your date and time for the waiting list.
2. Maintaining Your File: If there are changes to your file, update your file with Haven Connect at https://app.havenconnect.com/login. If your physical address or employment status changes, this may affect your residency preference, so you are encouraged to keep your file updated. Keep your mailing address updated as this is our primary means of contacting you. You may add or remove family members, which can affect the waiting lists for which you qualify.
3. Full Application: When an applicant nears the top of the waiting list, they will receive the full application. This application includes a letter to help applicants secure public records requests for all residents aged 18 or older. It also includes a checklist of documents applicants will need to provide such as birth certificates, social security cards, photo IDs, pay stubs, and bank statements (as applicable). If the application and documentation are not provided in full, the applicant may be removed. See below concerning removals. Any additional changes to your file should be submitted 
4. Review of Application and Documents: At this stage, we verify the documents provided, follow up with previous landlords, and calculate household income. Missing or incomplete documents are also requested at this time. As many of these steps include third parties such as landlords and employers, time for this step varies. An applicant may be denied due to various items discussed below.
5. Eligibility Interview: Following the review, your file is passed to a housing services specialist who will schedule an interview with you. These interviews may be at 3481 N Fanning Dr or at 1 Brannen Circle, so read these letters carefully. If the applicant fails to attend the eligibility interview or does not submit requested paperwork within the time frame, then they will be removed from the waiting list.
6. Pre-Lease Briefing and Maintaining Applicant File: After the eligibility interview, applicant files are passed to the housing manager. An pre-lease briefing is scheduled; all adults in the household must attend the pre-lease briefing, which will be held at 3481 N Fanning Dr. In addition, applicants must maintain an up-to-date file concerning pay stubs, bank statements, and other changes. Failure to attend the pre-lease briefing or maintain a file will result in removal from the waiting list.
7. Unit Offer: Some time following the briefing, a unit offer will be made. The unit offer is made when it is clear that a particular unit is suitable for and will become available to an applicant. Typically, this unit is still occupied or in need of maintenance before move in, which can take weeks or months. When responding to a unit offer, a third of the deposit is required. An applicant must continue to respond to any requests for documentation or risk removal.
8. Move In: When the unit is ready, the applicant is given a move in appointment with the housing services specialist and they may move in. Upon move in, another third of the deposit is required. The final third can be paid with first month’s rent or sooner.

6. Do you have any emergency housing options available?

The City of Flagstaff Housing Authority does not have emergency housing available. We house applicants off of the waiting list based on the date and time of application. Applicants with the residency preference are sorted ahead of those who do not have the preference. (See FAQ on preference below for more information on preferences.) Applicants must submit an application to be placed on the waiting list in order to receive housing. If you are seeking emergency housing, see the Emergency Housing page and visit with the Front Door of Coconino County website, the one-stop for those experiencing homelessness.

7. Can you expedite my application due to my circumstances?

No, we do not expedite applications due to individual circumstances. Each applicant family must be placed on the waiting list and go through the eligibility interview process based on the date and time they applied in order to receive housing.

If you currently have Section 8 and are using portability to move to Flagstaff, see the Section 8 tab, "S8 Participant Info," for more information. If you are a veteran experiencing homelessness, you may have additional options through the VASH Program and should contact a veteran services provider; in Flagstaff, call Megan Studer, (928) 499-0284 or (800) 949-1005 ex 5692. See our dedicated Emergency Housing page for more resources. 

8. What do you mean, “Preference”?

We give preference to those who live or work in Flagstaff. If you do not have a residency preference, you will have an indeterminate wait and may never near the top of the waiting list. Your residency preference status on the Waiting List is based on whether your primary residence is in Flagstaff, an adult household member works or is self-employed at least twenty hours a week in Flagstaff, or an adult household member has an offer of work in Flagstaff. If this changes for you it may change your position on the waiting list once you report. 

For one-bedroom units, there is an additional preference for seniors (people of 62 years or older), people with one or more disabilities, or both.

If your situation changes, please update your information through the applicant portal. Your preference status can change while you’re on the waiting list. 

9. I applied and have not received a letter or a phone call.

Prior to November 19, 2019, the Flagstaff Housing Authority would send a pre-eligibility letter through the U.S. Postal Service. Starting on November 19, 2019, we now send an email confirmation to the email you listed in your application. If you received a confirmation number, you have applied. The Flagstaff Housing Authority does not request or disclose information over the phone.

10. After I apply, why does it take so long to receive assistance?

The Flagstaff Housing Authority has only 265 public housing units. We can’t offer assistance to a new family until one who is currently housed moves out of one of these units. By responding clearly, completely, and quickly to requests for information, you can help us house your family as promptly as possible. Be sure to keep your information up to date so that you are on the appropriate waiting lists and have the appropriate preferences.

11. Why should I update my application?

You should update your information so that we can contact you quickly when you near the top of the list and that you are on the correct waiting list. If you fail to update your contact information, you may miss the opportunity to be housed. If you near the top of the waiting list and do not respond in time, you will be removed from the waiting list. At which point you would have to reapply, losing your original application date and time. You can update your application at app.havenconnect.com/login. 

If you have already submitted your record request (background check), any changes should be reported directly to who has requested them, to housing@flagstaffaz.gov, or in writing to 3481 N Fanning Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 so they can be passed to the program manager or case worker handling your file.

12. How do I change my address or phone number, add another household member, or update my income?

You can update your information through Haven Connect apply.havenconnect.com/login. If you need technical assistance, see Haven Connect Support. If you are unable to update your file, you may submit them to housing@flagstaffaz.gov or inwriting to 3481 N Fanning Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 The Flagstaff Housing Authority does not make changes or disclose information over the phone.

If you have already submitted your record request (background check), any changes should be reported directly to housing@flagstaffaz.gov or in writing to 3481 N Fanning Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 so they can be passed on to the program manager or case worker handling your file.

13. If I have a felony will that automatically make me ineligible? What about rental history or other criminal activity?

No, felonies do not immediately make applicants ineligible. Low-Income Public Housing applicants will be screened for tenant suitability. We review criminal activity related to drug, disturbance and/or violent activity documented through police reports, landlord references and convictions. This will include credit, landlord reference, and criminal background checks. (Criminal background checks are requested for all residents 16 years or older as part of the full application.) Sex offenders under lifetime registration requirements are disqualified under federal law.

Reasons for disqualification include, but are not limited to:

• Debts owed to previous landlords or Public Housing Authorities
• Delinquent utility debts
• Drug or alcohol related activities or evictions
• Gang related activity
• Past evictions or poor landlord references
• Property tax liens
• Violent crimes

Efforts to repay past delinquencies and successful completion of drug or alcohol abuse programs will be taken into account when determining tenant suitability. Lack of credit history is not cause for disqualification. If you are denied admission, you have the right to request a Grievance Hearing. Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you cannot be denied because you were a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

14. What size of home can I apply for?

The City of Flagstaff Housing Authority can only honor requests for at least one person or couple per bedroom and no more than two people per bedroom except as a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may include a room for medical equipment or for a live-in aide.

You may request a change in bedroom size once every twelve months after your initial application or following a change in family composition. That means, if you applied on January 1st of this year, you can change your bedroom size on January 1st of next year. A family composition change includes (but is not limited to):

• A family member becoming pregnant
• A family member moving away for school or work
• Someone on the application getting married or divorced

If you are communicating a family composition change, consider if a change in bedroom size is appropriate and you may request that change following your change report. You must still qualify for the new bedroom size (one person per bedroom, no more than two, couples share a room). To request a bedroom size change, email housing@flagstaffaz.gov.

15. My family includes citizens and/or permanent resident non-citizens. My family also includes non-citizens who are not Permanent Residents. Are we still eligible for Section 8/Low-Income Public Housing?

Yes. HUD regulations prohibit assistance to ineligible family members, but mixed-eligibility households may receive assistance from either Section 8 or Low-Income Public Housing. However, assistance will be provided on behalf of family members who are eligible. Income from both eligible and ineligible household members are included in calculating household rent responsibility. Both eligible and ineligible household members are included in the household size when determining the appropriate income limit and eligible number of bedrooms.

Concerning Low-Income Public Housing and §13.5 of the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan, a household that includes ineligible family members receives a proportional reduction in their rental subsidy which leads to a higher rent burden. For example, a four person family where three individuals are eligible and one is not will receive 75% of the rental subsidy of a four person family where all four individuals are eligible.

16. I have been removed. What can I do?

Applicants are removed from the waiting list if they fail to respond to forms or requests for documentation by the deadline, for failing to check in at least every twelve months, for voluntary removal, or after being denied (see below). Maintaining an updated applicant file, including an accurate mailing address, is the applicant’s responsibility. 

• If your email address has changed, notify us by emailing the Housing Authority at housing@flagstaffaz.gov or in writing to: 3481 North Fanning Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Include your date of birth in your correspondence. 
• If you were removed for failing to respond to requests for documentation, then you may typically appeal this removal by completing and delivering the requested documentation within ten days of your removal.
• If you are outside your appeal deadline, you will have to re-apply to get onto the waiting list. Applications are not expedited due to previous removal or previous submission of documents.

17. I have been denied. What can I do?

If you are denied admission, you have the right to request a Grievance Hearing. Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you cannot be denied because you were a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. Grievance Hearing requests are addressed to Kurt Aldinger, Public Housing Manager, who can be reached by:

• Email at kaldinger@flagstaffaz.gov; 
• Mailing a statement to 3481 N Fanning Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004; and 
• By providing a written statement to the front desk. 

Find more information on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) here.

18. How will I know how much rent I will be responsible for?

Your rent will be based on your family income. In most cases, you will pay 30% of your adjusted income toward rent. When there is a change in household income that may change your rent. When you attend a pre-lease briefing, we will give you an estimate of your rent.

19. Where are the homes I can rent?

The City of Flagstaff Housing Authority owns and maintains East Flagstaff Housing (Siler Homes and Scattered Sites in zip code 86004) and Flagstaff Housing West (Brannen Homes and Scattered Sites in zip code 86001). Find a map of Flagstaff Housing West, or a map of East Flagstaff Housing.

As part of the pre-application you opted for one or both waiting lists. If you applied for only one waiting list, you may be able to apply for the second; however the new application will have a new date and time while the first application date and time will be preserved.

20. I have been discriminated against in my search for housing. What can I do?

The City of Flagstaff is committed to fair housing. The Federal Fair Housing Act and the State of Arizona prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, and familial status. For legal assistance, the City of Flagstaff Housing Authority refers households to the non-profit DNA Legal Services and to the Southwest Fair Housing Council.

For more information see U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Fair Housing, the National Fair Housing Alliance, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Fair Housing First, Housing Discrimination Page with the Arizona Attorney General, Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Regulations, and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization 2013.