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Income-Based Housing Assistance

Section 8 programs are income-based housing assistance therefore, households are required to report the following in writing within 30 days:

Income changes (increase or decrease for the household)

Household composition changes (a request for someone to move in or out) and must include landlord permission.

Reporting Income or Household Changes

There are many ways to report income or household changes to our office. You may submit by one of the following ways:

Preferred method: Fill out and submit this CHANGE FORM
Email a CHANGE FORM or written statement to sec8info@hawaiicounty.gov. Please include your first and last name in the subject line.
Drop off in office, or in the drop box outside of our building
Mail a copy to OHCD, Existing Housing Division, 1990 Kinoʻole St, Hilo, HI 96720
Fax to (808) 959-9308

Additional information and documents may be requested by your Housing Specialist/Housing Caseworker. Each Section 8 Tenant is assigned to a specific Caseworker in our office.

Tenant's Portion of Rent

Households are required to pay your portion of rent at the beginning of every month to remain eligible for housing assistance.

Must keep up with utility bills to remain eligible for housing assistance.

Highly recommend the household creates a monthly budget to prioritize paying your portion of rent and utilities if utilities are not included in the rent.

Taking Good Care of your Rental Unit

Taking good care of your rental unit is not only important to remain eligible for rental assistance but is also the pono thing to do while living in a rental unit AND when getting ready to move out. Households must keep rental units in good condition to remain eligible in the current rental unit and to be eligible to move to another rental unit with housing assistance.

Get my Rental Ready for the Annual County Housing Inspection

Click here to view Common Fail Items

Click here to view the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's "A Good Place to Live!" publication

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)

Participants may apply for the FSS Program. The FSS Program is designed to assist participants who are committed to achieving economic self-sufficiency. Two key features of the program are financial incentive (escrow/savings) and case management (coaching). Click here to learn more about the FSS Program

Click here to view the FSS Program Flyer (PDF)

Homeownership Option Program (HOP)

Participants may apply for the HOP program. If the family is eligible and approved, they could receive assistance towards their monthly mortgage payment instead of assistance with monthly rental payments. Available for first home purchases. Click here to learn more about the HOP Program

Click here to view the HOP Flyer (PDF)

Self-Help Housing Program

Click here to learn more about the Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC)

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Additional Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

How do I report income changes or household composition changes?
To update any Income or Household Composition changes, please submit a written statement with your new information by one of the following ways:
- Email a written statement to sec8info@hawaiicounty.gov. Please include your first and last name in the subject line.
- Drop off in office, or in the drop box outside of our building
- Mail a copy to OHCD, Existing Housing Division, 1990 Kinoʻole St, Hilo, HI 96720
- Fax to (808) 959-9308
How do I update my mailing address, phone number and/or email?
To update your mailing address, phone number and/or email, please submit a written statement with your new information by one of the following ways:
- Email a written statement to sec8info@hawaiicounty.gov. Please include your first and last name in the subject line.
- Drop off in office, or in the drop box outside of our building
- Mail a copy to OHCD, Existing Housing Division, 1990 Kinoʻole St, Hilo, HI 96720
- Fax to (808) 959-9308
How do I find a rental once I have my housing voucher?
You may use your housing voucher with any rental that accepts Section 8 if it passes the Inspection, Rent Reasonableness and Family Affordability.
Can I rent a bedroom out of a house from a Landlord with my housing voucher?
For most types of housing vouchers, yes, you can rent a bedroom out of a house from a Landlord. With a shared kitchen and a shared bathroom. This is called "Shared Housing". This is possible if the unit passes inspection, and if the unit is approved by the County of Hawai'i, Office of Housing and Community Development.
I found a unit, now what?
When you find a rental, that is within your rental limit you and the landlord must complete the Rental Packet and provide a proposed lease (unsigned lease). Once the rental meets all Section 8 program requirements including a physical inspection to ensure the unit is decent, safe and sanitary, the housing authority executes a contract with the landlord to pay rent on your behalf.
What should I do if I want to move?
You must notify in writing, both your Landlord and OHCD. Notice should include the last day you will be in the unit. Check on the length of time you need to submit the notice prior to moving.
How much notice do I need to give my Landlord if I want to move?
In writing, at least 28 days, or as specified in your rental agreement.
How much notice does my Landlord need to give me if they terminate my lease?
In writing, at least 45 days, or as specified on your rental agreement.
What happens if my Landlord increases the rent?
The landlord must notify you and the housing authority in writing of any proposed changes in the amount of rent at least 60 days before changes go into effect. If the requested amount is determined reasonable and affordable for the family, the rent adjustment will be effective the first of the month following 60 days after the housing authority’s receipt of request or date specified by owner, whichever is later.

Not all rent adjustments will increase your tenant portion. If the gross rent (current rent plus utility allowance) exceeds the current payment standard you will incur the difference.

What if I can’t afford the rent adjustment? You must give your landlord at least 28 days notice of termination in writing and provide a copy to the housing authority.
Can I move to another island or state with my Section 8 housing assistance?
OHCD must determine if you are eligible to move - Portability.
Can I request an extension to turn in my documents?
Yes, the request must be in writing and submitted prior to the due date. The request may be approved or denied.
What is my rent portion?
Your rent portion can be found on your most recent Notice of Rent Adjustment. Be sure to pay your portion directly to your landlord at the beginning of every month. Failure to pay your portion of rent is a Family Violation to the Housing Voucher Rules and you could put your housing assistance in jeopardy.
How long can I be away from my unit?
60 days, additional time may be granted as a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations are requests made in writing for individuals with disabilities and may be approved or denied.
Can I have any guests in my home?
Check your lease agreement on guest policies. If there is no specified guest policy in your lease agreement, County Housing guests are allowed to stay up to 30 consecutive days or 90 non consecutive cumulative days per calendar year. Anything that exceeds that, you will need to put in a request in writing to request to add a household member to your household. That request may be approved or denied after review. You'll also need to get permission from your landlord if you may add someone to the lease agreement and if they may move in. Persons residing in a Section 8 subsidized rental that are not authorized and not listed in the household will be in violation of the housing voucher program rules and your housing may be in jeopardy.
Do I need an appointment to see or talk to my caseworker in the office?
Yes, walk-ins are typically hard to accommodate. It's best to email sec8info@hawaiicounty.gov ahead of time to request an appointment if business cannot be conducted by phone or email.
When is my inspection?
The inspection section will notify you by mail once an inspection is scheduled. The notification usually goes out around 3 weeks in advance.
Can I email my documents or requests?
Yes, you may email documents or requests to sec8info@hawaiicounty.gov.
I need to verify my assistance and household for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), where do I find that information?
You may submit to LIHEAP your most recent Notice of Rent Adjustment along with your Household Summary that is also attached.