Pennington County Housing
& Redevelopment Commission
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I have an application? Is there an application fee?

  2. Pre-applications can be picked up from our office during normal business hours. There is not an application fee.
  3. What are the times and days to return the applications? When will I know if I qualify?

  4. Pre-applications can be dropped off at our office Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. They can also be submitted via mail or faxed to (605) 394-5354.
  5. Can I get a housing application on line? Can I get a rental list and a landlord list on line? Can I get a rental list and a landlord list from your office?

  6. Unfortunately housing applications and forms are not available on our web site at this time. You may pick up housing applications and forms from our office during normal business hours.
  7. What is the difference between Section 8 and Public Housing? What is Subsidized Housing?

  8. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program enables families to locate a residence with the landlord they choose as long as the landlord is not a relative. This landlord must be willing to participate in the Section 8 Property Owner Program. Public Housing units are owned and managed by Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Commission.
  9. How do I get to your building?

  10. Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Commission is located at 1805 W. Fulton Street Suite 101. The Pennington County Housing office is located on Fulton Street off of Jackson Blvd in the Jackson Heights high-rise.

  11. Where am I on the waiting list? What is the wait for Section 8 and Public Housing? Why is the waiting list so long?

  12. You can call our office at (605)394-5350 at any time to check your position on our waiting list. Any of our well qualified staff are willing to assist you. Unfortunately the waiting list for our programs can be quite lengthy. The time on the waiting list varies depending on the number of people on the waiting list and the amount of funding.
  13. Why do I keep moving up or down on the waiting list?

  14. Your placement can fluctuate due to a person with a preference applying or names being removed from the list.
  15. Is there a preference for a vet, a pregnant woman, or a homeless person?

  16. The only preference given by Section 8 is to an honorably discharged veteran or a veteran’s widow/widower.

    Public Housing gives a preference to an honorably discharged veteran or a veteran’s widow / widower and also to working families as long as the applicant is working twenty hours a week or more.
  17. Do you have emergency housing? Where can I go for emergency assistance?

  18. Unfortunately we do not provide emergency assistance. There are a number of agencies in the community who provide emergency assistance. Cornerstone Mission, Pennington County Health & Human Services and Salvation Army are just a few.  A community resource list can be picked up from our office during business hours.

  19. What if I don't have a job or income? Do I qualify if I'm a single parent? Do I have to have children to apply? What if I'm a college student? Can I still apply?

  20. Anyone can apply for housing assistance. Your final eligibility will be determined at the time you reach the top of the waiting lists.
  21. How old do you have to be to apply? Do I have to be 18?

  22. It is a federal regulation that you must be at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated to be eligible for Section 8 or Public Housing.
  23. How much will my rent be?

  24. Your portion of your rent is dependent upon the income in the household. Your portion will be approximately 30% of your adjusted gross income.
  25. What is your mailing address and fax number?

  26. Our mailing address is:

    1805 W. Fulton Street
    Suite 101
    Rapid City, SD 57702

    Our fax number is: (605)394-5354
  27. How are you funded?

  28. We are primarily funded by the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.
  29. Are your high rises secured?

  30. All of the high-rises are controlled access buildings.
  31. Do you help with security deposits? Where can I go for help with the security deposit?

  32. We are unable to assist with security deposits. It is the responsibility of the tenant to obtain a security deposit and ensure the security deposit is paid in a timely manner. Please see our community resource list for organizations who assist with security deposits.
  33. What if I'm a victim of housing discrimination, whom can I call?

  34. If you feel you are a victim of housing discrimination please contact Fair Housing of the Dakotas at 1-888-265-0907 or Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.
  35. How will I be contacted when I come to the top of the waiting list?

  36. When your name reaches the top of the waiting list we will attempt to contact you via the United States Postal Service to the last address you provided us or in some circumstances we may contact you by telephone. It is imperative that you report all changes in income, address, and phone number to us immediately in writing.
  37. Who accepts the Section 8 program? Does every Landlord have to?

  38. There are numerous landlords in the Pennington County area who participate in the Section 8 Property Owner Program. Please know that a landlord has the option not to participate in our program. For a list of landlords who accept Section 8 please contact our office.