What is Public Housing?
Public Housing is a federally funded rental assistance program that is located ONLY in the city limits of Fairmont. The FMHA is the landlord. Your rental assistance is directly tied to the unit you are assigned and does not transfer when you move.
All program participants are required to pay 30% of their monthly income towards their own rent and utilities.
Please note: Public Housing has a $50 minimum rent requirement.
What is the difference between Section 8 (HCV) and Public Housing?
Public Housing: The FMHA is the landlord and the rental assistance is directly tied to the unit. You MUST have income to enter this program.
Section 8: Vouchers are issued for you to find a private landlord. Please see the Section 8 FAQ for more details.
Who can apply to Public Housing?
The FMHA accepts applications from both market rate renters, as well as those needing rental assistance. Applicants are screened according to HUD and Housing Authority policy. Applicants will submit to criminal, credit, sex offender, and landlord background checks.
Do I have to have income in order to be eligible for Public Housing?
Yes. You must have income of some sort, because you must be able to pay utilities.
This could be any or all of the following: employment income, child support, social security, TANF, and odd jobs paid in cash.
What are the income guidelines?
Can I be over income?
Income Guidelines Effective April 1, 2024
Yes. If accepted you will pay flat rent. Current flat rent monthly charges are:
Bedroom Size |
Fair Market Rent |
Flat Rent |
1 Bedroom |
$812.00 |
$649.00 |
2 Bedroom |
$1001.00 |
$800.00 |
3 Bedroom |
$1234.00 |
$987.00 |
4 Bedroom |
$1437.00 |
$1149.00 |
5 Bedroom |
$1652.00 |
$1321.00 |
Please note: a utility allowance is taken off of the monthly flat rent according to where you are housed.
How do I apply for the Public Housing program?
You may obtain an application for the Public Housing program by clicking on the apply here tab on the left side of this FAQ page. If you choose to get the application here on the web site you must first print it. The application can NOT be submitted electronically. You can mail, fax, or drop off your application to our office. The Housing Authority's contact information is located on the first page of the application, top right corner.
You may also pick up an application from our receptionist at our office located on 103 12th Street in Fairmont, WV. If you need further assistance please contact our receptionist at 304-363-0860 ext 102
What happens after I complete an application for Public Housing?
Your application needs to be completely filled out with ALL requested information and returned to our office. If we receive an application that is not completely filled out with ALL requested information, it may be sent back to you for your completion, which could delay you being placed on the waiting list.
You may bring your application to our office, you may mail it back in, or you may fax it to us. (If you choose to fax it please make sure you fax all pages, front and back)
Physical Address |
Mailing Address |
Fax Number |
103 12th Street Fairmont, WV 26555 |
P.O. Box 2738 Fairmont, WV 26555-2738 |
(304) 366-0469 |
Once your completed application has been received at the Housing Authority office you will then be placed on the waiting list according to the date and time your application was received and any preferences that may apply to the household. Preferences are given to families who are fall under the categories of disabled families / individual, working families / individual, and residency within our state, West Virginia, as per our administrative policy.Once this has been done you will remain on our waiting list until your name reaches the top.It is your responsibility to report any changes in your household while you are on the waiting list. Examples of changes that need to be reported are: your address, your phone number, you or your co-head start or loose employment, etc.
I am on the waiting list and have a change of information, do I need to report it?
Yes! It is very important that you let us know of any updated information while your name is on the waiting list.
We communicate by letter and telephone. If we are trying to contact you and don't hear from you within 10 days we will consider your file closed. Your name will then be removed from the waiting list and you will have to apply again.
Since the Public Housing program requires income we will also need to have updated information if you loose or gain employment.
Where are the Public Housing units located?
The FMHA owns 136 Public Housing units that are located in the city of Fairmont. Units range in size from one (1) to five (5) bedrooms. Units are located on the following streets: Oregon Avenue, Columbia Street, Harlem Street, View Avenue, Maple Avenue, Chicago Street, Norval Street, Howard Street, Ogden Avenue, Billingslea Street, and Carlone Street.
Note: You can NOT request a specific street and/or unit.
Can I request a certain development or street?
No. It is one waiting list. If you are deemed eligible, you will be shown the first unit available meeting your bedroom number requirements.
Can I refuse a unit that is shown to me?
Should you refuse the unit that is offered to you it may cause your name to be removed from the waiting list. This would then require a new application to be submitted and your name would have to go back on the waiting list until you return to the top of the list. Units are offered in accordance the accessibility needs of the family and by the date it was listed as vacant.
Who pays for the utilities?
Water, gas, electric, phone, cable, and internet are the responsibility of the tenant.
Is there a security deposit?
Yes.
Security Deposits are based off of the income reported at lease up.
What amenities are provided?
A range (stove), refrigerator, and washer / dryer hook-ups are included with each unit. Some locations include storage space and playgrounds.
Free parking is provided at all sites, as long your vehicle has a parking sticker. To get a sticker please bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to the FMHA office.
On-site maintenance is provided along with lawn service, roadway snow removal, and monthly exterminating services.
Can I have pets?
Yes, but you must pay a $250 non-refundable pet deposit. The dog or cat cannot be over 35lbs and you must have documentation showing that the pet is spayed/neutered and all shots are up to date. The fee must be paid and the paperwork submitted BEFORE the animal can be brought into the unit.
Are any preferences given to applicants of Public Housing?
Yes. Preferences are given to disabled families / individuals, working families / individuals, and residency within our state, West Virginia, as per our administrative policy.
Do I need a parking sticker for all my vehicles?
Yes. Free parking is provided at all sites, as long the vehicle has a parking sticker in the back left window. To get a sticker please bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to the FMHA office.
If you change vehicles you will need to get a new sticker issued to you at no charge. Vehicles without stickers risk being towed.
If I have a maintenance issue who do I call?
For maintenance issues, tenants of the Public Housing units can call our main office from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday at 304-363-0860 ext 122.
If it is a non-emergency and after hours please leave a message on the machine and we will get back to you when we are in the office.
For emergencies ONLY that are after hours or on weekends, tenants can call 304-216-2417.