Question 1

I applied by paying the fee, but I have not been contacted. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you applied to an affordable apartment community that had an application fee, contact the property to confirm your waiting list status. You can use the search bar on the top of this page to search for housing authority and apartment community contact information.

But if you paid a fee to apply to a Section 8 or Public Housing waiting list, it is likely you are a victim of a scam. It is against HUD policy to charge an application fee for those programs.

You can read more about housing scams in our Housing Scam Prevention Guide.

If you are unsure if a waiting list opening is legitimate, contact the housing authority or apartment community identified on the application for confirmation. If a HUD housing authority is charging an application fee, you may send a complaint to HUD here.

Link to this FAQ: https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-help/I-Applied-By-Paying-The-Fee-They-Have-Not-Contacted-Me

Question 2

How can I file a complaint?

Accepted Answer

To file a complaint about your unit or the property you are living in, contact the housing authority or management company that manages your unit.

You can use the search bar on the top of this page to search for housing authority or apartment community contact information.

If you feel you have been mistreated by a housing authority, apartment community, or landlord, visit HUD's web page here, and submit a complaint through the appropriate category.

If you are seeking legal advice, there are legal aid offices in every state that help low-income persons. You can search for a legal aid office near you here.

Link to this FAQ: https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-help/How-Can-I-File-A-Complaint-To-The-Office

Question 3

Is it safe to put my Social Security Number on the online application?

Accepted Answer

As long as it is an official application, it is overall safe to put your Social Security Number on your online application.

Anyone who transmits personal information over the Internet does run a certain amount of risk when submitting the information. However, if you and the housing office are following the right security procedures, that risk is extremely small. In our opinion, the risk is so small, it's worth submitting this information online. Once you have submitted your application, that information is kept private and secure by the housing office.

That being said, make sure you are applying to a legitimate waiting list, and it is not a fake application run by a scammer. You can verify if the application is legitimate by contacting the housing authority or apartment community identified on the application. You can read more on how to identify and avoid scams in our Housing Scam Prevention Guide.

If you have concerns about an online application, contact the housing office for more information.

You can use the search bar on the top of this page to search for housing authority and apartment community contact information.

Link to this FAQ: https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-help/I-Am-Afraid-To-Put-My-S-S-N-On-The-Application-Is-It-Safe-To-Give-This-Information

Frequently Asked Complaints and Scams Questions

I applied by paying the fee, but I have not been contacted. What can I do?

How can I file a complaint?

Is it safe to put my Social Security Number on the online application?