A common question we get at Gulf Coast Property Management is do we accept Government Assistance? Acceptance or non-acceptance of housing assistance is a choice that we leave up to each individual homeowner. Because we manage many properties, it means some of our homes accept government assistance, and others do not.
Section 8 Voucher Program
One of the Federal Government’s largest programs is the Section 8 Voucher Program (Rental Payment Assistance Program). This program assists elderly, low-income families, and the disabled to find clean and safe housing. Both the Manatee and Sarasota County Housing Authority administers Federal funds to locally assist those in need.
Because the aim is to offer healthy and safe living conditions, all rental units must meet the standards determined by the Housing Authority in order to be considered. Inspections are held annually to determine if the dwelling is safe, clean, properly maintained, and requesting a reasonable rental rate. The Housing Authority then pays Gulf Coast Property Management directly. At Gulf Coast, the voucher must pay the entire asking rental amount.
Fair Market Rents
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development releases a Fair Market Rents (FMR’s) for each County. These standards help determine how much assistance can be given for a certain sized rental unit. For example, the following payment standards are in effect for Sarasota County. These Payment Standards are the rent plus the utilities.
Are you Eligible for Government Assistance?
Eligibility is determined by the overall gross annual income and family size. Typically, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, MCHA must provide 75 percent of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. To find out if you are eligible for government housing assistance, please contact the appropriate housing authority office, listed below.
For more information on Rental Payment Assistance Programs please visit;
Manatee County Housing Authority
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HVC) Department538 East 48th Street Court Bradenton, Florida 34208(941) 756-3974
Sarasota County Housing Authority 269 S. Osprey Avenue, Suite #100 Sarasota, FL 34236(941) 361-6210, ext. 232
The Section 8 Voucher Program or Rental Payment Assistance Programs are not the only assistance programs available. If you are in need, please reach out to Turning Points, your local Housing Authority, or local Church. There are many communities available that are willing to help find safe, clean, and maintained homes for those who are in need.
If you are unsure if a particular Gulf Coast property accepts Government Assistance, please ask the assigned Gulf Coast Property Management Leasing Agent, as they are happy to assist. To view all of our available rentals, please click here.
Hungry for more? Check out the two blogs below or visit our Owner Resource Center here to find answers to all of your questions. Or give us a call at (941) 782-1559, we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Onboarding Experience at Gulf Coast
Benefits of Renting with Gulf Coast Property Management
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