Often referred to as “project based assistance”, the public housing program was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to highrise apartments for elderly families. It is referred to as “project based assistance” because the rental assistance is tied to the unit and not to the family. If the family moves out of the unit, the assistance terminates.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal aid to local housing authorities that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing and managing these developments.
The North Iowa Regional Housing Authority (NIRHA) Public Housing Program consists of 121 units of public housing located in ten family and senior developments. Unit sizes range from one to four bedrooms (not all sizes available at all sites).
Public Housing units are located
in the following communities:
A complete list with details of our locations is found below.
Public Housing properties are owned by NIRHA and NIRHA manages and leases the properties. Units owned and managed by NIRHA are leased to low-income people on an income-based rental, or at a flat rental rate, depending upon what the resident chooses.
Housing Choice Voucher properties are owned and managed by private landlords who are willing to participate with the Voucher program. NIRHA subsidizes part of the resident's rent to the landlord making the housing affordable for the resident.
Yes, you may. You will need to complete the appropriate section on the application requesting your program choices. Simply mark Public Housing (and the communities you would be interested in living in) and the HCV section as well. The Housing Choice Voucher program is also known as Section 8.
There is no simple answer to this question, because your wait will depend upon the date and time you submitted the application and how many other applicants are ahead of you. Depending upon the location you have selected and the number of applicants, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or longer.
We operate ten public housing developments and each development has a waiting list. Applicants can be placed on as many of the waiting lists they choose, with the following exceptions: age limitations (such as head of household must be 55 years old or over for senior housing), availability of number of bedrooms depending upon family composition, etc.
The length of time it takes to reach the top of a waiting list will depend upon the development(s) chosen (some are in higher demand than others), the size of the family, and availability of housing to meet the family's needs. It is advisable to place your name on all waiting lists you are eligible for.
You may call 641-423-0897 ext. 2. When you check your status on the waiting list, we can verify that you are active on the waiting list but you will not be given a number.
We will not be able to give you an exact time frame on when you will receive housing based on where you are on the waiting list.
You should also notify us in writing of any changes to your family size, address, or telephone number as these factors can affect your status on a waiting list.
You can also get this information by visiting the online application portal.
You may not be eligible if:
You are not eligible if:
No, however, applicants who live, work, or attend school within our jurisdiction do receive a preference over those outside of our jurisdiction.
Yes, there are HUD income limits that are posted below and updated annually.
You must be 62 years of age or older, disabled or handicapped according to Social Security standards. We do accept “near elderly” people (ages 55 – 62) as well. Near elderly applicants do not need to meet the standards of Social Security.
No. The only preference at this time is for people who live, attend school, or work within our jurisdiction. You are encouraged to apply and wait until you reach the top of the waiting list.
No. The only preference at this time is for people who live, attend school, or work within our jurisdiction. You are encouraged to apply and wait until you reach the top of the waiting list.
No. At this time there are no provisions in our policies allowing someone with an emergency to move in before someone else. You must be determined eligible first and then you will be housed in accordance with the date and time of your application and residency preference.
Unfortunately, no. The only preference at this time is for people who live, attend school, or work within our jurisdiction. You are encouraged to apply and wait until you reach the top of the waiting list.
Unfortunately, no. The only preference at this time is for people who live, attend school, or work within our jurisdiction. You are encouraged to apply and wait until you reach the top of the waiting list.
Every applicant is subject to our screening process including, but not limited to a criminal background check and former tenancy histories. If you owe money to NIRHA, the balance must be paid-in-full prior to applying for assistance. If you owe money to another housing agency, you must make acceptable payment arrangements with them prior to applying for assistance with NIRHA.
There are a number things considered when determining your income and deductions.
The formula used in determining the tenant rent is the highest of the following, rounded to the nearest dollar:
In general, you may stay in public housing as long as you comply with the lease.
If you are offered an apartment and accept it, you will have to sign a one year lease and pay a security deposit. A Housing Specialist will review the lease with you and answer any questions you may have. This will give you a better understanding of your responsibilities as a tenant and NIRHA’s responsibilities as a landlord. After the initial year, the term of the lease will be month-to-month.
1-Person family $51,100
2-Person family $58,400
3-Person family $65,700
4-Person family $75,950
5-Person family $78,800
6-Person family $84,650
7-Person family $90,500
8-Person family $96,300
1-Person family $51,450
2-Person family $58,750
3-Person family $66,150
4-Person family $73,450
5-Person family $79,350
6-Person family $85,250
7-Person family $91,100
8-Person family $97,000
1-Person family $48,550
2-Person family $55,500
3-Person family $62,450
4-Person family $69,350
5-Person family $74,900
6-Person family $80,450
7-Person family $86,000
8-Person family $91,550
1-Person family $48,900
2-Person family $55,900
3-Person family $62,900
4-Person family $69,850
5-Person family $75,450
6-Person family $81,050
7-Person family $86,650
8-Person family $92,250
1-Person family $48,550
2-Person family $55,500
3-Person family $62,450
4-Person family $69,350
5-Person family $74,900
6-Person family $80,450
7-Person family $86,000
8-Person family $91,550
1-Person family $51,450
2-Person family $58,750
3-Person family $66,150
4-Person family $73,450
5-Person family $79,350
6-Person family $85,250
7-Person family $91,100
8-Person family $97,000
1-Person family $51,200
2-Person family $58,500
3-Person family $65,800
4-Person family $73,100
5-Person family $78,950
6-Person family $84,800
7-Person family $90,650
8-Person family $96,500
1-Person family $47,900
2-Person family $54,750
3-Person family $61,600
4-Person family $68,400
5-Person family $73,900
6-Person family $79,350
7-Person family $84,850
8-Person family $90,300
Maplewood Apartments located on
the 1700 blocks of Maple and Mound
Courtyard Square located on the
800 block of 7th street
Fieldstone Circle Apartments located on Plaza Drive and 14th Ave.
Southview Plaza and Southview Apartments located on the 100 block of Cathedral Oaks
Southview Apartments
Southview Plaza Apartments
Heritage Place Apartments located
on 1st Ave SW.
Friendship Village Apartments located on the 130 block of Friendship Lane
Schoolside Apartments located on
600 block of 7th St.
Park Plaza Apartments located on the
300 block of Vine, 600 block of 3rd,
and 300 block of Park
East Court Apartments located
on 200 block of 9th St.
Oakwood East Apartments located
on 100 block of Oakwood Dr.