RENT SUBSIDY OPEN BURBANK OPENS LIST FOR 1,014 APPLICANTS.

Byline: Sylvia L. Oliande Staff Writer

BURBANK - For the first time since the early 1990s, the city will open its Section 8 housing subsidies list to new applicants beginning March 1, officials said Friday.

When neighboring Glendale did the same last month, more than 12,000 people signed up for rent subsidies. Burbank officials expect an even greater number because their list will be open for a full month, compared with the two-week window in Glendale.

Once recipients are accepted into the program, they will have to find housing that will accept Section 8 vouchers - often difficult in a tight housing market.

``The people that are going to be most successful in using it will be those renting in place,'' said Linda Simmons, Burbank's housing administrator. ``Those who have rentals but are having trouble meeting their rent and just need this help.''

The city currently has money to help 1,014 very-low-income residents. The list was last opened in 1994 - when 11,000 people applied - so through years of attrition, it is almost exhausted.

Eligibility is determined by income: a single person earning no more than $18,250, a family of two earning less than $20,850 or a family of four earning no more than $26,050.

Priority is given to Burbank residents, and preference goes to those displaced by government action, including redevelopment, as well as U.S. military veterans and the disabled.

Through the vouchers, the housing authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord.

Applications must be received, by mail only, by March 31, sent in care of Burbank Housing Authority, PO Box 6518, Burbank CA 91510.

Forms can be picked up at several locations, including the lower level of the Media City Center Mall, 210 E. Magnolia Blvd. Or applicants can request forms by calling [phone], or at www.burbankca.org on the Internet.