Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) says the government has stiffed Bronx and city landlords out of rent payments, ultimately jeopardizing low-income housing.

Schumer says the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development never paid its August Section 8 subsidy for 4,000 city apartments. Schumer charges that HUD doesn't have enough money to pay its bills for the year.

The senator says the practice could make other landlords cautious of joining the program, creating an even greater shortage of affordable housing. Tenants are also at risk of being evicted.

HUD acknowledged the problem, saying it regrets payment delays. A HUD representative said the agency processed nearly $1.6 billion in Section 8 payments last month and expects to process $1.1 billion this month.

AP wire reports contributed to this story.