96,000 Applications for Rent Subsidies Reported
More than 96,000 people have applied for Section 8 rent subsidies since registration reopened Sept. 15, city housing authority officials said Thursday.
Even with nearly a week left before the Oct. 1 deadline, the figure has surpassed the record of 81,859 applicants in 1990, said Don Smith, executive director of the Los Angeles Housing Authority.
“Applicants have responded faster than we expected,” said Section 8 Director Steve Renahan.
He said the best way to register is by mailing an application to Section 8 Registration, Box 268, Agoura, CA 91301. Applications can be obtained in all city libraries or by calling a 24-hour hotline, (213) 252-2576.
However, Renahan said there is no advantage in turning in the applications early. They will be sorted by a computer, which will randomly determine who will get the 2,000 to 3,000 slots available.
Housing spokesman George McQuade warned about the fraudulent use of applications by scam artists.
There have been reports about people selling applications for $3 and “guaranteeing” a Section 8 unit for $500, McQuade said.
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