How to Apply for Housing
SMHA currently administers two HUD housing programs in the Clark and Champaign counties of Ohio – the Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) program and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Applicants can apply for housing for one or both of our programs.
Both housing programs have requirements and supporting documentation that need to be submitted along with applications. Please review our FAQ for the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for SMHA’s Low Income Public Housing Program?
You can pick up an LIPH housing application by visiting our main office, located at 2026 W. Main Street, Springfield, OH 45504. Applications can be picked up during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:30pm. You can also call or email us to request to have one sent to you as well. You can call us at 937-325-7331 ext. 230 or email us at applicationintake@smhaohio.org.
Completed applications can be brought in and submitted to the main office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 8:30am-11:00am and 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please make sure to gather all required documents for your household so we can make copies to go with your submission. If you are mailing in your completed application, please address it to the attention of the Application & Referral Specialist and use the main office address. If you are submitting your completed application digitally, you can email it to applicationintake@smhaohio.org or FAX it to us at 937-325-3657. Please address digital submissions to the attention of the Application & Referral Specialist as well.
How do I apply for SMHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program?
You can only apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program if the waitlist is open.
NOTE: The waitlist is closed effective November 1, 2025 until further notice. Applications will not be available nor accepted while the waitlist is closed. Please check our website often – an announcement will be posted if it reopens.
How do I prepare beforehand for my application?
- An applicant must qualify as an individual or family as defined by SMHA.
- Head of household must be at least 18 years of age at the time of this pre-application or an emancipated minor by a court of competent jurisdiction, consistent with Ohio law.
- Family must have annual income at the time of admission that does not exceed the established income limits at the time of admission according to the maximum income by family size established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Applicant and all adult members of the family must pass a criminal background check.
- An applicant or any member of the family that has ever been convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the premises of any federally assisted housing or any family household member that is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program will not be eligible for housing assistance.
- Applicant and all members of the family must provide documentation of social security numbers for all family members or certify that they do not have social security numbers at the time of initial eligibility interview.
- Applicant and all members of the family must meet HUD requirements on citizenship or immigration status.
- Applicant or any member of the family who currently owes rent or other amounts to SMHA or any other housing authority will not be offered assistance until the outstanding balance is paid in full.
Low Income Public Housing Program
SMHA owns and manages several properties, which are listed on the Our Facilities webpage. SMHA also manages several scattered sites in addition to these properties. Please be aware that you are not guaranteed a unit at a specific property. The offerings provided when you reach the top of the waitlist are based on the available units at that time that fit your household’s needs.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Under the HCV program, qualified housing applicants are issued vouchers to use in the private market for landlords that are willing to accept the voucher. You can search on your own for a place in Clark and Champaign counties. SMHA also has a list of landlords that participants can review. You can also visit https://www.affordablehousing.com and search for rentals in the area you are looking for as well.
The following information is required at the time you submit your application. This list applies to both housing programs:
- Birth Certificates (from the Health Department) for all family members listed on the application
- Marriage Certificate (if married)
- Social Security cards for all family members listed on the application
- Valid Picture I.D.s such as Driver’s License, State I.D. or Passport for all family members over 18 years of age (including students)
- Verification of all household income (Examples: social security, SSI, wages, TANF, Child Support)
- Verification of any assets such as checking account, savings account statements, real estate, IRA’s etc.
For the Low Income Public Housing program, the following information is also required at the time of submission:
- Complete residential history for all locations/addresses for the past five years
- Three complete community/professional references – Name, full address, and phone number are required.
NOTE: We can only accept copies from another government office. Otherwise, please bring original documents and our office will be happy to make copies for you!
APPLICATIONS MISSING ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Thank you for your cooperation!
Additional Assistance
If you require assistance to complete our housing applications, please call 937-325-7331 ext. 230 or email applicationintake@smhaohio.org .
Updates & Maintaining Status on the Waiting List
Applications can be received while the wait list is open. The LIPH program and the HCV program both have their own separate waiting lists. If brought to the main office, applicants will receive a date & time stamped copy of the cover page of their application, which serves as a receipt and acknowledgment of successful submission. The Application and Referral Specialist may also call or email you to confirm successful submission of your application.
If you are added to a waiting list, you will be notified by phone and/or mail when your name comes to the top of that waiting list or when we are updating our files. If you do not respond to our notifications, or your letter is returned to us as undeliverable, your name will be removed from the waiting list. If you have a change of address, phone number, income or family size, you must notify us within 10 business days of the change. ALL CHANGES MUST BE IN WRITING. No changes will be taken over the phone. Please include your social security number on any correspondence. You are responsible for keeping your contact information updated.
Disclaimer
Please note that you are not guaranteed placement on any waiting list by submitting an application. Should your application be denied you will be contacted by phone and/or mail.
The Springfield Metropolitan Housing Authority does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, ancestry, or sexual orientation in the access to, admission into, or employment in housing programs or activities.