What DeLand Housing Authority does

DeLand Housing Authority is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing in DeLand, Florida, and administers housing vouchers for low-income households in Volusia County. The agency does not set income limits or determine who gets housing — that is done by federal rules and local policy — but it does run the waiting lists, collect rent, maintain the buildings, and process the paperwork for both public housing units and Section 8 vouchers.

The Authority operates under federal law (the Housing Act of 1937) and answers to HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). It is separate from the city government, though it is a public body. If you live in or near DeLand and are looking for affordable housing, the Authority is the place that holds the waiting list and makes decisions about who gets a unit or voucher.

Key Takeaways

  • DeLand Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for low-income households in the DeLand and Volusia County area.
  • You must be on the Authority's waiting list to get a unit or voucher, and waiting lists are often closed when they reach capacity.
  • Income limits are set by HUD and vary by household size; you can ask the Authority for the current limits before you explore.
  • The Authority's office is located in DeLand, and you can contact them by phone or in person to ask about waiting list status and what documents you will need.
  • Rent in public housing is based on your income (usually 30 percent of gross monthly income), not the market rate.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

DeLand Housing Authority runs two separate programs. Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent directly from them. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, with a minimum rent set by the Authority (often $50 to $100 per month). The Authority is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. The Authority gives you a voucher that covers part of the rent on a privately owned apartment. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord directly. Your share of the rent is still based on your income, but you have more choice in where you live. Section 8 waiting lists are typically much longer than public housing lists because demand is higher.

Both programs have income limits set by HUD. The limits change each year and depend on household size. The Authority can tell you the current limits when you call.

How to find out about waiting lists

The first step is to contact DeLand Housing Authority directly. Call their main office or visit in person to ask whether the waiting list for public housing or Section 8 vouchers is open. Many housing authorities close their lists when they reach a certain number of applicants, so you need to know the current status before you spend time gathering documents.

When you call, ask for the waiting list status, the current income limits for your household size, and what documents you will need to bring. The staff can tell you whether you likely meet the income requirement without going through a full process. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can call back to check.

The Authority's office hours and phone number are available on the Volusia County website or by searching for "DeLand Housing Authority." Some housing authorities also post waiting list status online, though not all do.

Documents you will need

When you explore, bring proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, Social Security statements, unemployment letters, or bank statements showing deposits). You will also need a photo ID, proof of residency in the area, and information about everyone in your household, including their Social Security numbers and dates of birth.

If you are explore for Section 8, you may also need to provide references from previous landlords or employers. The Authority will give you a full list of what to bring when you call or visit. Having these documents ready before you go in will speed up the process.

If you do not have all the documents, ask the Authority what you can do. Some documents can be obtained through other agencies (birth certificates from the county clerk, Social Security statements by calling 1-800-772-1213), and the Authority may allow you to submit them later.

Income limits and rent calculations

HUD sets income limits for public housing and Section 8 based on the area median income. For DeLand and Volusia County, the limits change each year. A household of one person might have a limit around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, and a household of four might be around $45,000 to $55,000, but these numbers vary year to year. Call the Authority to get the exact current limits.

If you are approved, your rent in public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. If your household makes $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. There is usually a minimum rent (the Authority sets this, often $50 to $100), so even if your income is very low, you will pay at least that amount.

For Section 8, the calculation is similar, but the voucher amount depends on the size of the unit and the local market rent. The Authority will tell you the voucher amount when you receive one, and you will pay 30 percent of your income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest up to the voucher limit.

What happens after you explore

After you submit your process, the Authority will review it to confirm you meet the income and other requirements. This usually takes a few weeks. If you pass the initial review, you will be placed on the waiting list in the order your process was received (or sometimes by priority if you are elderly, disabled, or homeless).

Waiting times vary widely. For public housing in DeLand, you might wait months to a few years depending on how many units become available. Section 8 waiting lists are often longer — sometimes several years. The Authority can tell you the approximate wait time when you ask about the list status.

Once a unit or voucher becomes available, the Authority will contact you. For public housing, you will be offered a specific unit and given a move-in date. For Section 8, you will receive the voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord sign up with the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DeLand Housing Authority the same as the city housing department?

No. DeLand Housing Authority is a separate public agency that operates under federal law. The city government does not run it, though the Authority is a public body and answers to HUD. If you contact the city, they can direct you to the Authority's office.

What if I am homeless or have a disability?

Some housing authorities give priority to homeless households or people with disabilities. Contact DeLand Housing Authority and tell them your situation. They will explain whether you may have access to for priority placement and what documents you need to prove it.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, so you can be on both. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can usually stay on the other list in case something becomes available later, though the Authority's rules may vary.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Call the Authority every few months to ask when the list will reopen. Some lists reopen seasonally or when funding becomes available. You can also ask whether you can be added to a notification list so they contact you when applications are accepted again.

Do I have to live in DeLand to use DeLand Housing Authority?

No. DeLand Housing Authority serves Volusia County, so you can live in other parts of the county and still use the program. Ask the Authority about the specific areas they serve when you call.