Public Housing
Subsidized housing is an attractive solution for the older citizen whose income is not keeping up with inflation. The rental subsidies cap the amount the resident pays towards rent at 30% of monthly income. There are a number of different programs that subsidize housing costs. Most familiar are the senior apartment complexes, usually funded through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or in more rural communities, Rural Development (formerly known as the Farmers Home Administration). There are other rental subsidies, not specifically for seniors, where low income persons can qualify: these are found in local Public Housing, HUD Section 8 subsidies, or subsidies through Michigan’s housing authority, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSDHA).
To qualify for senior housing, you generally need to be 62 or older, as well as have lower income. Apply through your local housing authority. Area Agencies on Aging often have a shelter advisor who can help identify what subsidized housing is available in your area. Unfortunately, there is much more demand for subsidized housing than there are units available. Most complexes and subsidy programs have waiting lists that are over a year long. Keep this in mind if you are considering subsidized housing.
Tenants living in subsidized housing cannot have their tenancy terminated (see above) unless it is for good cause, i.e. a violation of some clause in the lease.
