Unlock Affordable Housing with Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that project-based rental assistance (PBRA) programs enable nearly 2 million people in 1.2 million households with low incomes to live in affordable homes.

Finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing low-income families in the U.S. With rising rental costs and limited availability of affordable units, many families struggle to secure safe and stable housing. The lack of affordable options can lead to housing instability, stress, and financial strain. Thankfully, programs like Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) offer a lifeline by providing long-term rental subsidies that keep housing costs manageable for eligible families. In this post, we’ll dive into how PBRA works, its benefits, and how you can apply to take advantage of this essential program.

Key Takeaways:

What PBRA is: Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) is a HUD program that offers rental subsidies to specific housing projects, ensuring affordability for low-income families.
Eligibility: To qualify, your income must be below 50% of the area median income, with eligibility criteria varying by property.
Application Process: Applications are submitted directly to the property management or through your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
Benefits: PBRA provides long-term stability, allowing tenants to pay affordable rent based on their income, with the government covering the remaining cost.
Long-Term Assistance: PBRA contracts typically last 20 years, ensuring that rental assistance is available over the long term.

What is Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)?

Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) is a program overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that helps ensure affordable housing by providing rental subsidies to specific properties. The subsidies are attached to the property itself rather than the individual tenant, meaning that qualifying tenants pay a reduced rent based on their income, while the government covers the remaining portion.

Government Subsidies: The government pays a portion of the rent directly to the property owner.
Rent Adjustments: Tenants are required to pay the balance, which is typically calculated at 30% of their adjusted household income.
Long-Term Contracts: The rental assistance is typically provided under long-term contracts lasting up to 20 years, ensuring stability for both tenants and landlords.

To learn more, visit HUD’s PBRA overview.

How does PBRA work?

Project-Based Rental Assistance helps low-income individuals access affordable housing by directly linking rental assistance to specific housing projects. Here’s a breakdown of how PBRA works:

Eligibility Verification: Tenants must meet income qualifications, usually having an income below 50% of the area median income (AMI).
Subsidy Payment: HUD pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. The tenant pays the remainder, based on their income.
Property-Based Assistance: The rental subsidy is tied to the property, meaning tenants must reside in that specific building or housing development.
Landlord Participation: Property owners must enter into an agreement with HUD to participate in PBRA, and they must maintain the property and provide a certain level of services to tenants.

For more details, visit the National Counsel of State Housing Agencies page.

What are the benefits of PBRA?

PBRA offers several key benefits, both for tenants and property owners. Some of the most notable advantages include:

Affordable Housing: Ensures long-term affordability for tenants, preventing excessive rent increases.
Stable Housing: Helps families maintain stable housing by linking their rent to their income rather than market fluctuations.
Preserves Affordable Housing: Encourages property owners to maintain their buildings in good condition and continue offering affordable units.
Incentivizes Landlords: Property owners are incentivized to participate by guaranteed payments from the government, helping them maintain financial stability.

Learn more about the benefits of PBRA on the National Housing Trust page.

Who is eligible for PBRA?

Eligibility for PBRA depends on several factors, including income, family size, and the specific property’s requirements. Typically, the program is designed for individuals and families whose income is below 50% of the median income for their area. Key eligibility criteria include:

Income Limits: Families must have an income below 50% of the area median income (AMI). However, some properties may allow tenants with higher incomes to apply if the property has available units.
Family Size: Eligibility also depends on family size, as larger families may qualify for larger units.
Other Requirements: Each property may have specific eligibility criteria based on factors like age, disability status, or special housing needs.

For a more in-depth guide on eligibility, visit the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities page.

How do you apply for PBRA?

Applying for Project-Based Rental Assistance typically involves contacting the property or development offering the assistance. Each participating property will have its own application process, but the general steps are detailed below. To find available properties, check out HUD’s PHA locator.

How long can you stay in a PBRA property?

The length of your stay in a Project-Based Rental Assistance property can vary. Generally, you can live in a PBRA unit for as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and comply with the lease agreement. Some key factors include:

Eligibility: If your income exceeds the allowable limits or other circumstances change, you may need to leave the property or transition to another form of housing assistance.
Lease Terms: PBRA housing contracts usually last for 1 year, but you can typically renew the lease each year as long as you remain eligible.
Changes in Housing Assistance: If your income increases, you may no longer qualify for PBRA assistance, and you may need to find alternative housing.

For more information, visit HUD’s Tenant Rights and Lease information.

What are the differences between Project-Based Rental Assistance and Housing Choice Vouchers?

While both PBRA and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) are government programs designed to provide affordable housing, they have key differences:

PBRA: Assistance is tied directly to specific properties. Tenants must live in a designated building or development.
Housing Choice Vouchers: Tenants can choose their own housing (as long as it meets HUD standards), and the voucher is used to help cover rent in private housing.

Learn more about Housing Choice Vouchers at Housing Choice Voucher Program Overview.

Can PBRA housing be used in rural areas?

Yes, PBRA housing is available in both urban and rural areas. However, the availability of PBRA units may be more limited in rural locations. Some important points to consider:

Rural Availability: While fewer PBRA properties are available in rural areas, there are still affordable options.
Partnerships with USDA: In rural areas, PBRA often works in partnership with the USDA Rural Development program, which helps to provide affordable housing for rural families.

For information about rural housing, visit USDA Rural Development Housing Assistance.

What happens if the landlord decides to end the PBRA contract?

If the landlord decides to terminate their PBRA contract, the following may occur:

Notice to Tenants: The landlord must provide notice to HUD and tenants before ending the contract.
Alternative Housing: Tenants may be given time to find alternative housing if the contract is terminated.
Possibility of Continuation: In some cases, tenants may be able to continue their stay if the landlord agrees to renew the contract or transfer to another PBRA property.

For more information on the contract termination process, check out this National Low Income Housing Coalition article.

Are there any costs for tenants in Project-Based Rental Assistance housing?

While PBRA is designed to make housing affordable, tenants are still required to pay a portion of the rent. The cost to tenants typically includes:

Income-Based Rent: Tenants pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent.
Utilities: Tenants may also be responsible for paying some utilities, depending on the lease agreement.
Other Fees: Additional fees may apply for things like parking, pets, or community amenities, depending on the property.

For more details on tenant costs, visit HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity page.

How can I find Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) housing in my area?

To find PBRA housing in your area:

HUD’s Website: You can find a list of available properties through HUD’s affordable housing search tool.
Local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs): Your local PHA can also provide information on PBRA properties and how to apply.

Start your search with HUD’s affordable housing search toolkit.

Affordable housing for you and your family

Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) plays a critical role in providing affordable housing for low-income individuals and families across the country. Understanding how PBRA works, who is eligible, and how to apply can help you take advantage of this valuable program. Whether you’re seeking stable housing or trying to navigate the world of affordable housing programs, we hope this FAQ has provided you with helpful answers.

For additional resources on PBRA and other housing assistance programs, visit A Guide to the Most Accessible Low Income Housing Programs.