As many renters know, finding affordable housing these days is extremely difficult. As a result, many low-income families turn to housing vouchers to help pay rent. More than 5 million households use federal rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 8 program, about 70 percent of whom are seniors, children and people with disabilities.
Still, many renters may not know where to find private landlords who accept housing vouchers. Here are some tips and an overview of what housing vouchers are and who is eligible for them.
What are U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Vouchers?
HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, helps low-income people afford the rent of a home, whether it’s an apartment, a single-family home or a townhouse.
Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer Housing Choice Vouchers. However, low-income households need to find rental and private landlords that accept vouchers.
Private landlords receive payments from PHAs on behalf of tenants participating in the Section 8 program. The difference between the rent the tenant pays and what the voucher covers.
The scheme benefits private landlords and tenants. Landlords receive vouchers for fair market rates, and tenants can find rentals that better fit their budgets.
How do you qualify for Section 8 Vouchers?
Public housing agencies determine eligibility for Section 8 vouchers based on household income and the number of family members living in the home. Rental assistance is only available to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizen groups. There are also financial requirements to qualify.
Article 8 Financial Requirements
To qualify, a household’s income cannot exceed 50% of the area median income. Federal housing programs also require local housing authorities to provide 75 percent of housing choice vouchers to people earning no more than 30 percent of the local median income.
Part 8 Waiting List
The waiting list to receive a housing voucher is usually several months, but sometimes longer. The length of the waiting list depends on location.
Once you reach the top of the listing, the housing authority will contact you. Then it’s time to look for Section 8-compliant apartments and other rental properties.
Section 8 How do coupons work?
Housing options are available to low-income individuals and families. Once a PHA selects someone for a federal housing program, they choose the type of rental that best meets their needs, but also accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
There are two types of housing choice vouchers: project-based vouchers and tenant-based vouchers. Project-based coupons must be used for a specific housing development project. You can use tenant-based vouchers on any property as long as the owner accepts the voucher and the property meets program requirements.
When a tenant finds a home or other suitable property where a private landlord accepts a voucher and sets the terms of a lease agreement, HUD inspects the home to ensure the landlord is demanding a reasonable payment.
This voucher pays a portion of the rent based on what the tenant can afford.
How do I find affordable housing that accepts vouchers?
Once you are approved for the program, the next step is to find homes and apartments that accept Section 8 vouchers. And, it’s difficult, depending on where you live.
Tips for finding Section 8-compliant apartments and other rentals
To find apartments and other rental properties owned by private landlords that accept Section 8 vouchers, follow these steps:
- Start with your local PHA, which can point you in the direction of property owners who accept coupons. The Department of Housing and Urban Development website lists contact information for state PHAs.
- Please check with your local HUD office to apply for the program and learn about rentals that accept coupons.
- Ask friends and family for recommendations on private landlords who accept vouchers.
- Search Rentals.com to find properties in your area. You can filter your search to find “income restricted” rentals.
Do landlords have to accept housing vouchers?
Section 8 allows private landlords to accept housing vouchers and rent to low-income individuals at fair market rates. PHAs enter into leases with private landlords and pay a portion of the rent, while tenants must pay the difference.
However, under federal law, private landlords are not required to accept Section 8 vouchers and participate in the program. Some states require private landlords to accept vouchers.
Landlords in Connecticut, Maryland and Massachusetts cannot refuse to rent to tenants who qualify under Section 8, according to the National Apartment Owners Association.
Can Section 8 Coupons be used anywhere?
Not all private landlords accept Clause 8.
Private landlords screen tenants
Whether it’s an apartment or a single-family home, landlords will still screen tenants if they accept Section 8.
The Section 8 program verifies a tenant’s income before approving them into the program.
HUD must approve apartments and other rentals
To receive Section 8, private landlords must obtain HUD approval for their apartments and other properties. Otherwise, Section 8 tenants cannot live there.
The landlord will submit a lease request to HUD that includes the address of the apartment or other rental property, the estimated lease start date, the tenant’s rent, and any included utilities.
Rental properties must pass inspections
Apartments and other rental housing subject to Section 8 must pass inspections by HUD and the local PHA.
HUD sets minimum housing standards and you must accept Section 8. Private landlords must ensure apartments and other rental properties protect the health, safety and security of their residents.
Section 8 The authorities conduct inspections of the premises once a year. Private landlords must pass inspections before they can continue to receive Section 8.
follow the lease
Just like other tenants, private landlords must adhere to the tenancy agreement when accepting Section 8.
Section 8 The tenant must also abide by the lease, including paying his or her portion of the rent on time and complying with other rules and regulations.
Notify HUD of rent increase status
Private landlords can raise rents on Section 8 apartments and houses. All they need to do is notify their local HUD office in advance.
However, under Section 8, private landlords are required to charge the same fees to other tenants in similar apartments. Also, they can only increase the rent once a year.
Follow fair housing rules
Federal fair housing laws protect tenants from discrimination when renting, including Section 8 rent.
Fair Housing prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability.
Article 8 What is the maximum payment?
The Section 8 program determines how much it pays private landlords based on a variety of factors, including the prices of apartments and houses typically rented in the area and the maximum amount the Public Housing Authority (PHA) determines they will pay.
The exact amount the government pays for Section 8 varies depending on where the property is located, but the amount is typically 90% to 110% of fair market value.
Tenants who accept Section 8 must also pay rent. The amount also varies, but is usually 30% of adjusted monthly income or 10% of gross monthly income, whichever is higher.
The tenant pays its portion of the fee directly to the private landlord who accepts Section 8.
While Section 8 pays part of the rent and makes finding a place to live more affordable, it doesn’t cover everything. Tenants will still need to pay a security deposit.
How do I apply for a Section 8 Voucher?
To apply for Section 8, please contact your local PHA office or HUD office.
The Section 8 application process involves providing personal details such as name, Social Security number, and income. The PHA will verify your monthly income with your employer and determine your eligibility and the amount of Housing Assistance Section 8 funds you will receive.
Once approved, you may be placed on a waitlist. The landlord will then accept the housing voucher.
What you need to know about Section 8
Section 8 is a huge help to many renters who are struggling to find a home they can afford. Under this scheme, the government pays part of your rent. You just need to find homes that accept coupons.
The best way to find Section 8 rentals is to check with the Public Housing Authority (PHA) in your area and search sites like Rentals.com, where you can filter for “income restricted” properties. This will help you find houses and apartments that meet your family’s needs and fit within your budget.
