FAQ

What is affordable housing?

“Affordable Housing” is a broad term used to describe decent, safe housing which is affordable for individuals who, generally, earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

What is subsidized housing?

“Subsidized Housing” is a term used to describe housing which is financed in whole or part with government funding.

What is “tenant certification”?

“Tenant Certifications” are forms that you, as a resident in an affordable housing community, must complete on an annual or periodic basis disclosing all your sources of income. The purpose of the certification is to assure that only those who meet the income restrictions of the housing receive the benefits of the housing.

Public Housing – Is the public housing wait list open?

Yes, Public Housing is accepting applications for all bedroom sizes, applications are accepted electronically through this website. Simply click on the “Apply” menu bar at the top of the Home Web Page and follow directions for the property for which you want to apply.

What if I have a record, can I still apply?

We review each applicant’s background check. However, you have the opportunity to meet with a Hearing Officer if you are denied. There are some cases in which you can be denied.

Does the APHA have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?

No. However, the Avon Park Housing Authority does have a Section 8 Project Based apartment complex called “Ridgedale Apartments” but the Section 8 subsidy that is provided to the residents in that complex is NOT portable and remains with the complex.
In other words, when the tenant moves out he/she cannot take their assistance with them.

What should I bring to apply for Public Housing / how do I apply?

If you are interested in applying for public housing, you must fill out the on-line preapplication with the Avon Park Housing Authority. With this, we will require a copy of a government (city, state or federal) issued picture ID for every person on your application over 18yrs of age and a social security card for every person on your application.

This pre-application will place you on our waiting list. To contact this department you may call during normal business hours. Office hours are 8am to 4:30pm every day ,closed on Wednesday’s. We are closed for lunch from 12-1:00 pm. Our numbers are: 863-452-4432, TTY 800-955-8771, Fax 863-452-4432. We can be reached by mail at the following address: Avon Park Housing Authority P O Box 1327 Avon Park, FL 33826

When can I drop off my application identification information for my on-line preapplication / where is the applications office located?

You may apply on-line at any time through our webpage (avonparkha.org) and follow the link for applications, if bringing application to the office, applications may be dropped off at the Avon Park Housing Authority office located at 21 Tulane Drive Avon Park, FL 33825 or mailed to P O Box 1327 Avon Park, FL 33826.

What if I need to make changes to my application information?

All changes to application information must be made in writing (please include your social security number so we can easily identify your records). If we require additional documentation of this change, we will advise you of what is required.

How long before I get on the Waiting List / when will I be notified?

The waiting list is currently not open, check back for updates. When open, as soon as you submit your “Complete Application” you will be added to the Wait List. All official notification will be made by mail. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, Avon Park Housing Authority will mail a selection letter to you. This will advise you of the next step in the application process. If, at any time, it is determined that you are ineligible, Avon Park Housing Authority will mail a denial letter to you, telling you why you have been denied and advising you of how you may request an informal hearing.

How long is the waiting list?

The length of the waiting list varies depending on the number of vacancies we have each month and how many people are applying for housing. The waiting list also varies depending on which size bedroom you qualify for. On average, you can expect to wait between 3 to 6 months. We tell our applicants, not to be discouraged by the numbers on the list; often times applicants have moved elsewhere and you can move up quickly

What if I need emergency housing?

The Avon Park Housing Authority provides limited emergency housing to families that qualify as homeless or about to be homeless. If you are in Avon Park and are in need of emergency housing you should contact the Avon Park Housing Authority office at 863-452-4432 to see if you qualify for this special program.

How is bedroom size determined?

Bedroom size is determined by the number, generation, and sex of the members of your family. If your family composition changes after you move in, you may request to be transferred to an apartment with the appropriate number of bedrooms for your current family size. In general, we will allow one bedroom for every 2 people of the same generation and sex. Infants under the age of 2 will not warrant an extra bedroom.

Persons of different generations and/or different sexes will not be considered to be housed in the same room. It is the policy of the Avon Park Housing Authority to house only family members together in an apartment. To be a member of the same family, members must prove relationship either through blood, marriage to each other, or legal adoption. This will include foster children, pregnant females, and persons seeking custody of a minor, fathers and mothers of the children of a single heads of household and single persons. For a parent to claim a child as a member of their family, the parent must be anticipated to have primary residential care of the child.

How is rent determined?

Your rent, which is referred to as the Total Tenant Payment (TTP) in this program, would be based on your family’s anticipated gross annual income less deductions, if any. Avon Park Housing Authority will exclude from annual income the following allowances: $480 for each dependent; $400 for any family whose head or spouse is elderly or a person with a disability; and some medical deductions for families headed by an elderly person or a person with disabilities. Based on your application, Avon Park Housing Authority will determine if any other deductions should be subtracted from your annual income.

Annual income is the anticipated total income from all sources received from the family head and spouse and each additional member of the family 18 years of age or older.

The formula used in determining the TTP is the highest of the following, rounded to the nearest dollar:

30 percent of the monthly adjusted income; (Monthly Adjusted Income is annual income less deductions, and divided by 12 months)
10 percent of gross monthly income
Or $50 minimum rent.