Congressman
John E. Peterson

Housing Casework - FAQs

Are there any low interest mortgage loans with HUD?
First time home owners may qualify for low interest loans. For more information you can call HUD at 1-800-225-5342, for credit counseling 1-800-569-4287, multi-housing 1-800-685-8470. HUD has a lot of information for homebuyers on its website.

Who do I contact if I’m interested in subsidized housing?
A good first place to look at information on these programs is online at the HUD website. For Pennsylvania, HUD has centeralized information on rental help and other housing assistance programs. From here you can find contact information for your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) who can provide one-on-one service related to subsidized and Section 8 vouchered housing. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency also has a locator service to assist folks looking for affordable apartments.

What can I do if I am served an eviction notice from subsidized housing? You have the right to request an informal hearing with your housing authority to explain any misunderstandings. Be sure to request this in the appropriate timeframe to insure you get a chance to speak on your behalf. To assist residents of subsidized housing understand their rights and responsiblities, HUD has developed an easy-to-read handbook that is available online. (pdf) Tenents of non-subsidized housing have rights as well, and you can find more information on these rights online.

Can I have my name expedited for subsidized housing?
Public Housing Authorities fill vacancies in order of date of application; therefore, there is no “emergency” housing. If you are interested in housing, it is important to put your name on the waiting list as soon as possible.

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