Our Programs

The Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission manages and maintains 264 rentals as part of the affordable housing program through HUD. These rentals are scattered throughout the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Eligible persons are given an opportunity to live in one of our units and will pay no more than 30% of their monthly adjusted income for rent. Applicants must meet our screening criteria prior to placement in a rental.

To be eligible for admission to the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission rentals, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Rentals are available to any individual 18 years of age and older who meet application requirements.
Applicants must be physically and mentally able to take care of themselves or with professional assistance and the unit assigned to them.
Although there are no asset limitations, all assets must be reported to the Sault Housing Commission for income calculation in determining eligibility.
Gross income from all sources may not exceed the standards set by the federal government.
Tenants are provided a utility allowance for utilities they must contract for and pay.

Income Guidelines

Listed below are the maximum income limits based on family size for Public Housing in Chippewa County:

1-person household: $45,400
2-person household: $51,850
3-person household: $58,350
4-person household: $64,800
5-person household: $70,000
6-person household: $75,200
7-person household: $80,400
8-person household: $85,550

Updated: May 1, 2024

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher)

As vouchers become available, eligible families are certified to find their own housing in the private market. These rentals must meet the program's housing quality standards and landlords must be willing to participate in the program. Under the Section 8 program, tenants pay generally between 30-40% of their monthly adjusted income for rent.

Individuals receiving rental assistance must sign a lease for a minimum of one year. Only one lease is allowed for a tenant receiving assistance. Additionally, whether you remain where you live now or move to a new rental, your housing must meet the following two requirements:

The total cost of rent plus utilities must be within subsidy standards.
The house/apartment must be in decent, safe, and sanitary condition.

The Housing Commission will inspect the unit to ensure it meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards initially to qualify and yearly thereafter.

If you are considering the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, keep the following in mind:

Comply with your lease, and landlord/tenant laws including preparation of inventory checklist.
Pay your share of the rent.
Make your utility payments, if any, when due.
Take appropriate care of the property.
Respect the rights of others.
Contact the Sault Housing Commission for instructions if you wish to move before the lease expires.
Permit annual inspections to ensure property is in good condition to ensure it meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards.
Re-certify every year if you wish to continue participating in the program.
Immediately report any changes in family composition or income.

housing Application

If you wish to apply for our Public Housing and/or Section 8 program, click the download button below.

(Note: We do not accept faxed or emailed housing applications).

Housing Application (pdf)

The Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission operates under the Fair Housing Law (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) and other federal and state housing laws which generally prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national ancestry or origin, physical disability, handicap, height, weight, or marital status. Instances of suspected discrimination may be reported by filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or State Civil Rights Commission. The HUD complaint form may be obtained from the Housing Commission.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

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