Parkersburg Housing Authority office WV.JPG

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your most common questions about our programs and services. We're here to help guide you every step of the way.

Section 8 | Public Housing | Homeownership

Section 8 Rental Questions

  • No, The Parkersburg Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program which is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

  • Your portion will be based on approximately 30% of your monthly adjusted income.

  • Bedroom size is determined by number of household members. Children of opposite sex will each qualify for a separate bedroom. If children of the same sex are more than six years apart, they will qualify for separate bedrooms. Adults living together that are not considered a couple will each be awarded a bedroom. Couples living together will be awarded a single bedroom.

  •  Section 8 is transferable through the portability option as long as the receiving Housing Authority has a Section 8 Program.

  • An initial contract is for one year from the time the assistance starts, not when you move in. After your first year, the contract will renew based on renewal terms listed in the lease agreement between you and your landlord. Tenants are not permitted to move within the first year of their contract.

  • All income earned in the household by adult members (age 18 or over). This includes but is not limited to: Wages, SS, SSI, TANF, Child Support, and Alimony.

  • Persons responsible for payment of utilities will be specified in the lease agreement.

  • You must be at least 18 years of age or emancipated by state law to qualify for Section 8 Rental Assistance.

  • No, you do not have to have children to qualify for Section 8 Rental Assistance. All applicants are given "family" status regardless of the size of household. Eligibility is based on income, not family size.

  • Yes, you have to be a legal citizen of the United States or have eligible immigration status to qualify for Section 8 Rental Assistance.

  • The tenant is always responsible for the security deposit and responsible for rent until the assistance begins. (Assistance begins according to deadline dates you received on your voucher).

Public Housing / Homecrest Manor Questions

  • No. The types of money, which are to be used as income for purposes of calculating the total tenant payment, are defined by HUD in federal regulations.

  • Total tenant payment is 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income.

  • Homecrest Manor Apartments will provide gas, water, sewer, and trash. The tenant is responsible for the electricity.

  • Applicants are pulled from the waiting list according to the date and time of their completed application. The waiting list is also determined by the amount of applicants, the bedroom size required, and availability of the required bedroom size. The length of time will vary for each individual family.

  • No. Homecrest Manor Apartments does not offer emergency assistance under any circumstances. All applicants are housed in order of the date and time of their completed application.

  • We do request a credit report at times when it is needed to verify residential history. We do not determine housing based on credit history.

  • Applications are can be completed online here

  • Our leases are for a one-year term. After the first year, the lease will automatically become month-to-month.

  • The security deposit is currently $400.00.

  • Homecrest Manor Apartments offers a variety of bedroom sizes ranging one to five bedrooms.

  • Yes, you would qualify for an apartment if you are currently unemployed. However, we do offer incentives for working families.

  • You must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for housing.

Homeownership Questions

  • You must have at least three members in your household and meet income guidelines. 

  • The security deposit is currently $400.00.

  • Yes.  You must have an acceptable credit history or one that can be improved within the two-year lease-to-purchase period.

  • Employment is not required however, you must be able to verify a reliable source of income that would place the family within the required income guidelines. If a family member is employed, he/she is required to be at their current job for at least one year.

  • You can still qualify if it has been two (2) years past the discharge.

  • Every month,  50% of the rental payment will be placed into an escrow account to be applied toward down payment and closing costs.  

  • The home will be sold to the family based upon fair market value.  The family will not pay more than 30-35% of gross income towards the mortgage.

  • Yes, you will be required to participate in a Homebuyer's Club. The Homebuyer's Club will offer credit, budgeting, financing, and home maintenance counseling.

  • The family will be responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of the home.

  • We ask that the family  does not make any major changes to the home until they have purchased the home.

  • Yes, in accordance with the Parkersburg Housing Authority's Pet Policy.