What is Section 8?

“Section 8” is the common name for the federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and run locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). It helps very low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities afford decent, safe housing in the private market.

How it works

• Families apply to their local housing agency. Eligibility is based mainly on household income and size. Many agencies have waiting lists.
• The family finds a rental. A voucher holder can choose any suitable unit whose owner agrees to take part in the program — including houses, townhouses and apartments.
• The agency approves the unit. The unit must pass the agency’s housing quality inspection and the rent must be reasonable compared with similar unassisted units in the area.
• Rent is shared. The agency pays a housing assistance payment directly to the landlord, and the family pays the rest — generally around 30% of its adjusted income.

For landlords

Landlords keep their normal responsibilities — screening tenants, collecting the tenant’s share of the rent and maintaining the property — while receiving the agency’s portion of the rent each month. List your property for free to reach voucher holders.

For tenants

If you already have a voucher, search rentals or post a free Rental Wanted ad. If you don’t, start with the housing authority that serves your area.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Program rules vary by agency — check with your local housing authority and HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher pages.