Murfreesboro Housing Authority

Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) Program Waiting List

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

This document is provided to answer common questions regarding the application process and general program requirements.

How do I apply?
During an open enrollment period, you may apply online at www.mha-tn.org from any computer or smart phone with internet access. You will need a valid email address, and will need to register a new user name. Click the apply now button on the home page. Now click the “apply now” link. The next page will list our programs and which waiting list is currently open or closed. You may click on the name of the program to obtain information about that program. At the bottom of the page, click “next” to get started.

What will I need to apply?
You will need to provide:

A current mailing address and telephone number where you can be reached.
Names of the Head of Household and family members who will be living in the unit, and the following for each member:
Social Security number
Date of birth
Gender
Race and ethnicity
Whether you or anyone who will live with you has a disability.
The annual income of the household (including all household members).

How will I know my pre-application was submitted successfully?
You will receive an email with a confirmation number letting you know your pre-application was successfully submitted.

What if I do not have access to a computer, smart phone, tablet or the internet, or need assistance or an accommodation to complete my pre-application?
If you are unable to complete the online pre-application yourself, you may ask a trusted friend, family member or service organization to complete it for you with your information. MHA has computers available in the lobby and staff available should you need assistance.

Is there a cost to apply?
No. There is absolutely no cost to submit a pre-application online. You should only apply through the MHA website at www.mha-tn.org. Do not provide anyone with a credit card number or pay anyone. The pre-application is completely free.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is PBRA?
The PBRA program provides low to moderate income individuals and families with monthly rental assistance. The family pays 30% of their monthly adjusted income. PBRA assistance is tied to specific units rather than to the family. Eligible families only receive assistance while living in the PBRA unit.

Is MHA accepting regular Section 8 applications?
At this time MHA is not accepting Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) applications. Please visit the MHA website at www.mha-tn.org for announcements and other housing assistance options that may be available.

Will I receive PBRA assistance if I complete a pre-application?
Submitting an online pre-application places you on the waiting list and is not an offer of housing assistance. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements through a formal application process in order to qualify and receive assistance.

What are the income limits? If you are selected for the waiting list, MHA will determine your eligibility. A family’s annual income must not exceed the Very Low Income Limit published by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area. For reference purposes, the current income limits used are listed below, but are subject to change.

1 Person = $35,460
2 Person = $40,500
3 Person = $45,540
4 Person = $50,580
5 Person = $54,660
6 Person = $58,680
7 Person = $62,760
8 Person = $66,780

How do the selection preferences affect my position on the waiting list?
Generally, applicants with selection preferences have shorter wait times than applicants who have no selection preference. When you are selected and your eligibility is determined, MHA will verify any preference(s) you selected. If you select a preference you do not qualify for, your application will be returned to the waiting list and repositioned without the preference.

What is the difference between a pre-application and an application?
A pre-application is a short form used to obtain only the basic information needed to place an applicant on the waiting list and does not qualify the applicant for housing assistance. This means that if you are placed on the waiting list, when your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be required to complete a full application and provide additional information regarding your household composition, income, citizenship status, and other information needed to verify your eligibility for the PBRA program.

How long is the wait?
It depends on the location(s) applied for, whether or not a unit is available at the location(s) applied for and your position on the waiting list(s). It could be a few months to a few years.

What do I do if my mailing address or family size changes after I submit a pre-application?
Once MHA notifies you that your pre-application has been accepted, it is your duty to immediately inform the office of any changes to your contact information, including address, email or phone. It is not necessary to change income or household member information as they do not affect your position on the waiting list. You may return to the online application portal and sign in using the same user name and password created when you entered your pre-application and make updates to your contact information. Or, you may email us at pmcleod@mha-tn.org (for PBRA applications) or dorr@mha-tn.org (for S/8 HCV applications) or submit this information in writing to:

Murfreesboro Housing Authority,
415 N. Maple St.,
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

The Murfreesboro Housing Authority does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (gender), gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, income derived from public assistance programs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in admission to, access to or operations of MHA programs, services or activities.