Q. What does “Public Housing Repositioning” mean?
A. LHA is changing how your home is funded. Your rental assistance will switch from the Public Housing program to a Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV) contract. This ensures your home remains affordable and well-maintained.
Q. Why is LHA making this change?
A. HUD encourages this switch to preserve affordable housing. The voucher program provides more stable, long-term funding, which allows LHA to make property improvements and repairs.
Q. When is this change happening?
A. LHA will submit the application to HUD by July 1, 2026. No actual conversion will take place before January 31, 2027. You will receive official notices in mid-fall after HUD makes a decision.
Q. What is a “voucher”, and how is it different from Public Housing?
A. In Public Housing, the subsidy is tied to the building. With a PBV, the funding is still tied to the specific unit, but it gives you more flexibility. You can stay in your home with continued assistance, or you can request to move with a voucher after living there for one year.
Q. Will my rent go up?
A. For most residents, rent stays at 27% of monthly income. If you currently pay a “ceiling rent” (the maximum amount) in Public Housing, you may see an increase. LHA will meet with impacted families to discuss specific rent changes.
Q. What happens to the security deposit I already paid?
A. Your security deposit will transfer to the new voucher contract. You will not be charged a new deposit for your current unit.
Q. Will someone be coming into my house to inspect it?
A. Yes. The voucher program requires an inspection of your unit. This is similar to the inspections you have now. You will receive a notice in advance with the date and time of your scheduled inspection.
Q. Will my Housing Specialist stay the same?
A. Judy Shaffer will continue as your Housing Specialist. If you move to a different program or location, your housing specialist may change.
Q. Should I start looking for a new place to live now?
A. It depends on your household’s specific situation: · For most tenants: NO. If your unit is staying in the program and you are eligible, you do not need to move. · For displaced tenants: YES. If you are over-income, over-housed, or in a unit slated for sale, you should start looking now. This ensures you can secure 100% security deposit assistance before the December 1 deadline.
Q. My family is small, but I live in a large unit. What happens to me?
A. HUD requires households to be “right-sized.” If you are “over-housed,” you will need to move to a smaller unit. LHA is contacting these families individually to discuss options.
Q. My family is large, but I live in a small unit. What happens to me?
A. If you are “under-housed,” LHA will work with you individually to see if a larger unit is available that fits your family size.
Q. What if I am “over-income” for the voucher program?
A. Some families earn more than the Public Housing or voucher program allows. If your income is over the limit, LHA will meet with you to discuss your options and create a transition plan.
Q. I heard some units are being sold. Do I have to move?
A. Yes, a small number of units will be sold. If your home is one of these, LHA will work with you directly to find other housing options.
Q. If I am required to move, is there financial assistance available?
A. Yes. For families required to move due to being over-income or over-housed, LHA provides the following support based on your move-in date: ·
By Nov. 30, 2026: 100% of the security deposit (up to one month’s rent). ·
Between Dec. 1, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2026: 50% of the security deposit. ·
Between Jan. 1, 2027, and Jan. 31, 2027: 25% of the security deposit. ·
Moving Expenses: Reimbursable up to $800.
For families required to move due unit sale, LHA provides the following support: ·
Full security deposit through Jan. 31, 2027. ·
Application fees: Covered up to $200. ·
Moving expenses: Reimbursable up to $800. Important Note: For all reimbursable expenses, you must provide itemized receipts from vendors. LHA will not pay for pet deposits.
Additionally, if a security deposit is later returned or refunded by the landlord, those funds must be returned to LHA.
Q. Will I need to sign a new lease?
A. Yes. Transitioning to the voucher program requires a new lease agreement that you will sign closer to the January 2027 conversion date.
Q. Do I still have legal protections?
A. Yes. Your right to a fair hearing and the “grievance process” remains in place. You still have the right to appeal decisions regarding your assistance.
Q. When is this change happening?
A. LHA will submit the application to HUD by July 1, 2026. No actual conversion will take place before January 31, 2027. You will receive official notices in mid-fall after HUD makes a decision.
Q. Can I move my voucher to another town or state?
A. Yes, in some circumstances. After you have lived in your unit under the new LHA voucher contract for one year, you may request to move. This is only possible if the Housing Authority in the area you want to move to is accepting vouchers from other agencies.
Q. I missed previous tenant meetings. Will there be more opportunities to ask questions?
A. Yes. Additional tenant meetings will be scheduled for late summer. If you missed the initial meetings and have immediate concerns, please contact LHA at 402-434-5500.
How to Comment:
LHA values your input. Written comments are due by May 4, 2026. ·
Email: info@L-housing.com ·
Mail: Attn: Public Housing Comments, 5700 R Street, Lincoln, NE 68505
For more information and future updates, visit www.L-Housing.com.
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