Frequently Asked Questions?

If your question isn't listed please contact Customer Care.

How many developments does the NHA have?

The NHA has 45 developments in almost every neighborhood in the City of Newark. There are 10 elderly/disabled and 34 family developments, which include scattered site development throughout the city.

What areas are included in the City of Newark?

The City of Newark includes the neighborhoods of the West Ward, South Ward, North Ward, Central Ward and Ironbound.

Can anyone apply for housing in the family public housing program?

Yes, when the waiting list for families is open, which is currently closed, anyone can apply for housing in the family program. However, certain categories of applicants receive priority on the waiting list and there are income limits. The number of available units of appropriate size may also affect an applicant's place on the waiting list.

What size unit is appropriate for my household?

The NHA is required to follow certain occupancy guidelines that limit the number of residents according to the number of bedrooms. The following is a basic guide:Occupancy Guidelines:  HUD Notice of Policy, Dec. 18, 1998 Federal Register

Families of the appropriate size shall occupy apartment units. This policy maintains the usefulness of the apartments, while preserving them from excessive wear and tear and underutilization. 

Minimum and Maximum-Number-of-Persons-Per Unit Standard

Number of Bedrooms           Min Persons/Unit        Max Persons/Unit
                                                   (Largest Unit Size)    Smallest Unit Size)

0BR                                        1                                  1         

1BR                                        1                                  2         

2BR                                        2                                  4         

3BR                                        3                                  6         

4BR                                        4                                  8         

5BR                                        5                                  10       

1. The following principles govern the size of apartment for which a family will qualify.  Generally two people are expected to share a bedroom.  Units will be so assigned that:

 
Can I apply for both the family public housing program and rental assistance (Section 8)?

Yes, but two separate applications must be completed, and the waiting list must be open.

Can I apply for both the family public housing program and elderly/disabled housing?

Yes, but you must meet all the requirements for the elderly/disabled public housing program. Separate applications must be used for each program.  Applicants who are qualified for elderly/disabled public housing may select up to three elderly/disabled developments and the city wide family list.

Can I choose the family development I would like to live in?

No, your name will be placed on a citywide list and you will be offered the first available unit of the appropriate size and type for your family.

How do I apply?

The forms necessary to apply for family public housing would be available at 500 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey if the list were open.   Please Note that the Family Waiting List is Currently Closed.  

What happens after I apply?

Within 6 to 8 weeks from the date of receipt, you will be mailed a "Notice of Preliminary Eligibility" from the NHA. This notice certifies that your application has been processed and confirms your placement on the preliminary waiting list based only on the income and family composition information you provided. This notice will contain your client control number. This number should be used for ALL future correspondence with the NHA.

What is a client control number?

A client control number is a number assigned to every NHA applicant and resident. NHA staff will request this number anytime an applicant or resident speaks with a NHA staff member.  It can also be used to check on an applicant's place on the waiting list.

Does the NHA check an applicant's past history in order to determine if he/she is eligible for housing?

Yes. The NHA checks an applicant's past rental history and also does a criminal records check on person 18 and older to help determine if an applicant is eligible for housing. If an applicant is determined ineligible for housing, the applicant has the right to request an Informal Hearing with the NHA. For more information on requesting an Informal Hearing, applicants may contact the NHA Occupancy Department at (973) 273-6106.  

’I have already applied for public housing and am wondering what my placement on the waiting list or my status is. Is there a number I can call to find out?

Yes. If you are an applicant you may call (973) 273-6100, (973) 273-6129 or (973) 273-6106 to check your application status. Please have your client control number ready.

How long does it take to receive a housing offer from the NHA?

The amount of time it takes to receive NHA housing unit offer depends on the level of priority, date of application, unit size needed and current demand. Therefore, it is very difficult for the NHA to predict how long a housing offer will take.

What will I be expected to pay for rent?

Residents of NHA public housing are expected to pay 30% of their total household income for rent. Residents can also elect to pay a flat rent in the federally funded developments. The current flat rents are based on Market Area and Property Type.

For example (flat rent)

Studios                      range between $480-$610
One Bedrooms         range between $460-$690
Two Bedrooms         range between $540-$850
Three Bedrooms      range between $630-$950
Four Bedrooms        range between $710-$970
Five Bedrooms         range between $770-$1020

What is the Preferences System?

The Preferences System

1. Preferences establish the order of applicants on the waiting list. An admission preference does not guarantee admission.  Every applicant must still meet NHA Selection Criteria before being offered an apartment. Preferences will be granted to applicants who are otherwise qualified and who, at the time of the offer (immediately prior to execution of a lease), are verified to meet the definitions of the preferences described below.  24 CFR § 960.206
2. Local Preference based on Income Targeting

There is one local preference in effect based on ranges of income as required by Federal law.  Applicants will be grouped as follows:  24 CFR § 960.202(b)

1. Tier I:  Families with incomes between 0% and 30% of area median income (this group must constitute at least 40% of all admissions in any year);  24 CFR § 960.202(b)
2. Tier II: Families with incomes between 31% and 80% of area median income (the target for this group is 60% of all admissions in any year).

Ranking preferences are used to sort among applicants within the Local Preference income tiers.  NHA has established three hierarchic ranking preferences. In order, they are:

Families that qualify for no Ranking preferences will be categorized as No-preference families. 
4.   Definition of Ranking Preferences

5.   Designated Housing and Mixed Population Buildings

1. Developments designated for seniors: Senior families (as defined herein under the term “elderly families”) will receive a priority for admission to units or buildings covered by a HUD-approved Designation Plan. When there are insufficient senior families, near-elderly families (as defined herein) will be admitted to designated properties.  No other families may be admitted to these properties.
2. Mixed population Developments:  Senior families and Disabled Families will receive an equal preference for admission to the High-rise properties that are mixed population buildings.  All elderly and disabled applicants will be admitted before applicants who are not elderly or persons with disabilities.
3. Senior and disabled families that include children under age 18 and need one or two bedroom units will receive an equal preference for one and two bedroom units at family properties over families that are not senior or disabled families. 

Further, the family list will be opened and kept open for such families.  The purpose of this preference is to avoid housing families with children in the designated senior and mixed population properties, which are completely unsuitable for occupancy by children while still providing such senior and disabled families equal access to housing.