Section 8 Application Guide for South Dakota Renters

Looking for help paying your rent in South Dakota? The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program can offer crucial rental assistance to qualifying renters and families. This step-by-step guide will walk you through eligibility, the application process, and where to get support—making the South Dakota Section 8 process clear and manageable, even if you have never applied before.

What Is Section 8 and Who Qualifies?

Section 8, officially called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federally funded program that helps low-income renters afford safe and decent housing. In South Dakota, the program is managed statewide by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) and some local public housing authorities (PHAs).

• Eligibility is based on income, family size, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
• Applicants must meet HUD’s income limits, which are updated yearly and can be checked using the HUD Income Limits Tool for South Dakota.
• Recent criminal background or debts to a housing authority may affect eligibility.

Once approved, renters receive a voucher to help cover a portion of their rent each month with a participating landlord.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Section 8 in South Dakota

Applying for Section 8 can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it much more approachable.

1. Find Your Local PHA or the Statewide Program

• In South Dakota, the main provider is the SDHDA, but some cities also have their own public housing authorities.
• Contact the SDHDA or check their Section 8 rental assistance page for details on your area.

2. Obtain and Complete the Application

• The standard form is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Application (no formal HUD number; each PHA may customize).
• Download the application directly from the official SDHDA Section 8 application (PDF).
• Example: Maria, a renter with two children and a limited income, downloads and fills out the SDHDA’s application at home, including details about her family size and income.

3. Gather Required Documentation

• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters)
• Identification (driver's license, social security cards)
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status

4. Submit the Application

• Mail or deliver your completed application and documentation to the address listed on the official SDHDA Section 8 Program page.
• For local PHAs, follow their submission instructions.

5. Wait for Confirmation, Screening, and Interview

• The PHA will review your paperwork. If a waitlist is open, you’ll be notified, or placed on a waiting list if necessary.
• If your name is selected, you’ll attend an interview and provide supporting documents.

6. Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing

• Once approved, you’ll get your voucher and have a limited time to find a unit that meets both program and safety standards.
• Your new landlord must complete the required forms and pass a rental inspection.

Required Forms and Key Official Resources

• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Application (SDHDA version)
  
  • Download from SDHDA
  • Use this form to apply for the Section 8 program statewide. Fill out all required fields, sign, and attach supporting documents before submission.
• PHA Authorization for Release of Information
  • Usually needed during application or screening to verify income and rental history.
  • Available from the PHA or SDHDA upon request.
  • View HUD Form 9886 (sample)
  • Example: After submitting her application, Maria is asked to complete the Authorization for Release of Information, allowing SDHDA to check her income and background.
• Unit Request for Tenancy Approval (HUD Form 52517)
  • Required after you find a rental unit; both you and the landlord fill it out so the PHA can inspect the property.
  • See HUD Form 52517
  • Example: Once approved, Maria and her new landlord complete this form so SDHDA can inspect the apartment before her move-in.

Who Oversees Tenancy and Renters’ Rights in South Dakota?

The South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) oversees Section 8 for the state, while tenant-landlord laws and disputes are handled primarily by the local court system (county Circuit Courts). Learn more about your tenancy rights under the South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32: Rights and Duties of Landlord and Tenant.¹

FAQ: Section 8 in South Dakota

1. How long does the Section 8 waiting list take in South Dakota?
   Wait times vary and depend on funding and demand. Many applicants are placed on a waiting list, which can range from months to several years depending on your location.
2. Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher if I move within South Dakota?
   Yes, vouchers are portable within South Dakota and other states, though you should notify your current PHA and coordinate during your move.
3. Are there priority categories for Section 8 applicants?
   Some PHAs may give preference to elderly, disabled, or homeless applicants, but all applications are considered based on eligibility and available funding.
4. Do I need to reapply each year?
   No, but you must undergo annual recertification and report any changes in income or family size to your PHA to keep receiving assistance.

Key Takeaways

• Section 8 offers significant rental assistance but involves an application, documentation, and a potential waiting list.
• The SDHDA is your primary resource in South Dakota.
• Knowing where to find forms and how the process works can reduce stress and help you secure housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• SDHDA Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program – Program applications, forms, and contact details for statewide assistance.
• SDHDA Contact Us – For phone, email, or in-person help.
• HUD South Dakota Rental Help – Additional resources on rental assistance and tenants’ rights.
• South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32 – Full details on landlord-tenant laws in South Dakota.

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1. South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32: Rights and Duties of Landlord and Tenant
2. South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) – Section 8 Program
3. HUD Form 52517: Request for Tenancy Approval

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