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1. Where is the Housing Assistance Agency located?

The Town of Babylon's Housing Assistance Agency is located at the Town Hall Annex, 281 Phelps Lane, North Babylon, NY, 11703. The phone number is (631) 893-1040.

2. What is Section 8 housing?

Section 8 is a federally funded rental subsidy program more formally known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program for low-income individuals and families. Each town / jurisdiction manages its own Section 8 housing program.

3. What are the Section 8 housing requirements?

Generally, applicants must meet low-income guidelines as defined by HUD as well as other eligibility requirements as detailed in the Code for Federal Regulations for the Housing Choice Voucher program.

4. How do I apply for Section 8 housing?

Applications are normally accepted as funding becomes available. The Housing Assistance Agency then advertises in local publications detailing how to get applications as well as the requirements for submitting an application and ultimate acceptance.

Currently, the Town of Babylon is not accepting new applications for Section 8 housing. The demand for housing is high but the supply is low for those seeking Section 8 housing. As a result, the Town is currently working from an existing list of interested tenants and applicants are selected on a first come, first serve basis. Once the existing list is exhausted, the Town will open up the Section 8 housing program to new applicants.

5. How will I know when the Section 8 housing program is open to new applicants?

The Town of Babylon will post advertisements and legal notices in the local newspapers once the Section 8 housing program is open to new applicants. Interested applicants can also contact the Housing Assistance Agency at (631) 893-1040 for more information.

6. How long can I reside (live) in Section 8 housing?

There is no limit to how long you can occupy Section 8 housing as long as you remain in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

7. Where are the Section 8 properties located?

Section 8 housing includes any legal rental property  located in the Town of Babylon, provided it has the necessary rental permit and the landlord has been approved by the Town of Babylon Housing Agency as a Section 8 landlord.

8. How do I apply to be a landlord in the Section 8 housing program?

For those interested in becoming landlords in the Town's Section 8 housing program, please contact the Housing Assistance Agency by calling (631) 893-1025.

All Section 8 properties are required to hold a Town of Babylon Rental Permit. Rental Permit applications can be obtained through the Department of Planning and Development's Rental Division.

To apply for a Rental Permit, you must fill out a Rental Permit Application and file it with the Rental Division.

The following items will be required when you submit your application:

• Deed or duplicate Certificate of Title
  
• Detailed floor plans drawn at 1/4" = 1' scale


• Survey


• Certificate of Occupancy


• Identification


• Tax bill


• Building Permit application (if you intend to make changes to the dwelling or building)


• Fee ($200 for first unit and $50.00 for each additional unit)

The permit requirements for rental units include:

• Smoke detectors must be placed in each bedroom, each hallway leading to a bedroom and at least one on each level of the house


• Hardwired carbon dioxide detectors must be on each level of the building


• Railings for all outside stoops in excess of 18" high


• Handrails for stairwells


• Fire-rated sheet rock for boiler areas


• Improved driveways


• No unregistered motor vehicles are allowed on the property


• Property must be in good and well maintained condition


• Storm windows


• No basement bedrooms


• Electric outlets cannot be exposed


• Tiles and grouting in bathrooms must be in good condition


• All units must have proper heat and hot water


• All Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy must be in place and up to date


• House or building address number must be visible

For more detailed information on these requirements, please call the Rental Division at (631) 957- 4434.

9. How do I change my contact information on a Section 8 application?

Applicants must submit in writing any changes to their contact information (mailing address and phone number) if they are on an active Section 8 applicant list. All changes must be mailed to the Housing Assistance Agency, Town Hall Annex, 281 Phelps Lane, Room 9, North Babylon, NY, 11703.

10. How can I verify my Section 8 appointment?

All Section 8 housing appointments are made by Janet Madlon in the Housing Assistance Agency. She can be contacted directly at (631) 893-1040.

If a participant, for any reason misses a scheduled Section 8 appointment, you will receive a program termination letter explaining your termination and steps to take to receive a fair hearing as a result of your termination.

11. How do I move out of Section 8 housing?

If you are currently living in Section 8 housing and want to move, for any reason, please contact Sylma Burdett in the Housing Assistance Agency at (631) 893-1036.

12. How do I submit a complaint regarding a Section 8 housing tenant?

All complaints regarding a Section 8 housing tenant should be sent to the Office of the Executive Director, 281 Phelps Lane, Room 9, North Babylon, NY, 11703.

Typically, a caseworker will be assigned to the issue. In some instances, a case will be assigned to the Landlord/Tenants Rights Court.

13. What can I do if I reside in Section 8 housing but my landlord is selling the property?

Section 8 participants being evicted because of the sale of their rental unit must move. For further assistance, participants should contact Sylma Burdett in the Housing Assistance Agency at (631) 893-1036.