A Guide to Affordable Renter Programs
Finding affordable housing is not just a matter of comfort but a fundamental necessity for maintaining stability and overall well-being. SD Housing is dedicated to providing affordable rental housing solutions, ensuring that individuals and families have access to sufficient and secure homes.
Rental Assistance Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota Housing does not own or manage rental properties. SDH’s role is to routinely inspect rental units to maintain compliance with federal program requirements. Not all programs listed below are monitored by SDH, but are important to share as they all work to provide affordable housing options. There are a variety of rental assistance programs to cater to different housing needs:
Project Based Section 8
Privately owned rental property where portions of your rent may be paid by the federal government.
You must meet certain income guidelines and eligibility criteria and live at a property designated as having Section 8 subsidy. Some properties are able to admit market-rate renters with prior approval.
Tenant-Based Section 8, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Under this program, a portion of your rent may be paid by the federal government if you meet certain income guidelines and eligibility criteria.
You can apply for a voucher at your local housing authority or Public Housing Authority.
Public Housing
Rental property owned by the local Public Housing agency.
Here, a portion of your rent can be subsidized by the federal government, provided you meet the income guidelines and eligibility criteria.
The tenant is issued a housing voucher and is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit where the owner agrees to rent under the program guidelines.
Rural Development (USDA 515)
This program involves privately owned rental properties where part of your rent may be covered by the federal government.
Eligibility is subject to income guidelines and specific criteria.
HOME Program
Rent is based on income guidelines that were agreed to at the time the property was funded.
Rents are at a reduced rate and vary from property to property.
No portion of the rent is paid by the federal government.
Housing Tax Credit
Similar to the HOME Program, the rent is based on income guidelines that were agreed upon during funding.
Rents are typically reduced, but there is no federal government contribution to the rent.
Do I Qualify?
Qualifications for these programs are similar, although different landlords may have different selection criteria, depending on the funding for the property.
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
Annual income may not exceed the applicable income limit.
You must be within income guidelines which vary from year to year and region to region. They will also vary by property and size of your family.
The unit must be the household’s only residence
Unit size standards. A family has to meet size requirements to qualify for multiple bedrooms.
Specific eligibility criteria for the project applied to the elderly or disabled.
Documentation of citizenship or eligible immigration status
Certain full-time students may not be qualified.
Affordable housing is a critical component of a stable and thriving community. South Dakota Housing provides a range of programs and resources to assist individuals and families in accessing income-based apartments, emergency housing solutions, and rental assistance programs. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application processes, you can take steps toward securing quality, affordable housing in South Dakota.
Remember that these programs are designed to support those in need, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live in a home environment. If you are looking for a place to start searching for affordable apartments, we recommend using our Rental Housing Search.