What is Section 8 Housing?

Officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Section 8 is a rental assistance
program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In this section:
Section 8 vs. Public Housing

Section 8 was designed to help seniors, people with disabilities and low-income households find
affordable housing that is safe, sanitary and decent. 

Under this program, beneficiaries receive a voucher that reduces the cost of rent. HUD uses the
voucher to pay the landlord directly, covering most of the rental cost. The beneficiary is
responsible for paying the remaining amount of the rent cost. (Refer to the section called “How
much rent do tenants pay?” of this guide for detailed  information on rent.)

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Tenant-Based Vouchers vs. Project-Based Vouchers

The Section 8 program includes two main types of assistance: 

Tenant-based assistance, which allows a household to find and choose their own unit. This
type of assistance stays with the family, meaning a household can move somewhere else
and continue receiving a rent subsidy.
Project-based assistance, which allows a household to receive rental assistance only if they
live in a certain unit. Rent assistance is tied to the unit, not the family. This means you lose
assistance if you move out of the unit.

Since project-based and tenant-based vouchers are both part of Section 8, they have the same
eligibility requirements and program rules, except for the differences discussed below:

Tenant-Based Vouchers Project-Based Vouchers

 Tenant-Based Vouchers: Families must look Project-Based Vouchers: PHAs refer families
for their own units. to eligible units.

Tenant-Based Vouchers: Families can keep Project-Based Vouchers: Families will lose
their vouchers when they move out of the unit. their vouchers if they move out of the unit.

Many PHAs combine their project-based and tenant-based waiting lists. 

However, even if your PHA has separate waiting lists for each type of assistance, you do not need
to apply for project-based vouchers separately. Once your name is put on one of the waiting lists,
your PHA is required to also offer you a spot on the other.

Section 8 vs. Public Housing

Often confused with Section 8, HUD’s Public Housing is another program overseen by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by local PHAs. 
Like Section 8, the Public Housing Program helps low-income families, the disabled and the
elderly rent affordable and safe housing. 

However, there are important differences between Section 8 and Public Housing.

Housing units in the Public Housing Program are owned by HUD. This allows HUD to rent the units
below market value. When a family moves into a Public Housing unit, the PHA becomes their
landlord.

Section 8 housing vouchers are used for units on the open market. These units are owned by
private landlords who enter into a contract with a PHA.

Refer to the section called “The HUD Public Housing Program” of this guide for more information.

Section 8 Contact Information

In this section:
National Customer Service Center
State Contact Information

Although Section 8 is a federal program, it is administered by hundreds of local Public Housing

Authorities (PHAs) across the country.

You can apply for Section 8 through any PHA that is accepting applications, even if you do not live
in that PHA’s area. Learn more about the location rules in the section called “Using Your Housing
Choice Voucher” in this guide.

National Customer Service Center

The Section 8 National Customer Service Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
Please be ready with your name, email address, phone number and question before you call.

Section 8 National Customer Service Center: 800-955-2232

State Contact Information

The following list provides links to contact information for all PHAs in your state, as well as state-
specific resources for more info and resources like:

Subsidized housing locations.

Links to your state’s PHA websites.
Housing counseling agencies near you.
Utility bill assistance.

Find contact information for your state or territory below:

select your state

Section 8 Eligibility Requirements

In this section:
Social Security Number Requirement
Criminal and Drug History Check
Family Status Requirements
Can college students receive Section 8 vouchers?
Residency Requirements
Income Guidelines
What are the Section 8 income limits?

Each public housing authority (PHA) is responsible for determining the specific eligibility
requirements for the Section 8 program. However, there are a few program requirements set by
the Departmentof Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that apply in all PHAs. These are:

Citizenship status – Only U.S. citizens and permanent nonresidents with eligible
immigration status may participate in the Section 8 program.
Social Security Number – At least one person in the family household must have a Social
Security Number.

Other factors vary depending on the PHA you apply through. Your eligibility for vouchers may be
based on one or more of the following factors:

Your criminal or drug history.

Your household “family” status.
Your residency status.
Your income.

The following sections will discuss these requirements in detail.

Social Security Number Requirement

To receive a Section 8 voucher, at least one person in your family household must have a Social
Security Number. 

A family consisting of at least two household members can receive Section 8 vouchers even if
one household member does not have a SSN, as long as the other member does. This is known
as a mixed family; PHAs cannot deny assistance to mixed families based on this factor alone. 
However, the amount of assistance that a mixed family receives will be prorated. In other words,
they will not receive the full voucher amount. PHAs use a calculation to determine a mixed
family’s prorated rent, in which the pre-prorated rent is multiplied by a fraction consisting of:

The numerator, which is the number of family members who have established eligible
immigration status; and
The denominator, which is the total number of family members.

Criminal and Drug History Check

PHAs will check your criminal history when you apply to the program. 

You may be denied assistance if any of the following are true: 

Someone in your household is registered as a lifetime sex offender in any state.

Someone in your household has engaged in criminal activity, including illegal drug-related
activity.
Someone in your family has a pattern of alcohol abuse that could threaten the peace or
safety of household members or neighbors.

To identify these individuals,  PHAs will consider any drug or alcohol-related arrests and
convictions that occurred within at least the past three years.

In some cases, a PHA may require you to wait for a reasonable period of time before you can be
admitted to the voucher program after a criminal offense. 

If your drug or alcohol-related activity affects your eligibility, housing authorities might allow you
to apply for assistance after completing a treatment or rehabilitation program.

Family Status Requirements

HUD’s definition of “family” includes two broad categories: 

A single person.
 Any group of people (with or without children) who identify themselves as a family and live
together, even if they are not related by blood, marriage or have any other legal bond
between them.

HUD does not base your family status on factors such as: 

Actual or perceived sexual orientation.

Actual or perceived gender identity
Marital status. 

It helps to understand how HUD defines family categories such as “elderly,” “disabled” and
“displaced from home.”

An elderly family has a head-of-household, co-head or spouse who is 62 years of age or

older. 
A near-elderly family has a head-of-household, co-head or spouse who is between 50 and
62 years of age. 
A displaced family is a household where each member of the family is involuntarily
displaced from home due to:
Government action. 
A formally declared natural disaster that causes extensive damage to the family’s
home. 
A disabled family has a head-of-household, co-head or spouse who is disabled with a
physical, mental or emotional impairment. 

Can college students receive Section 8 vouchers?

Students attending college usually are not eligible for housing vouchers. However, there are a few
exceptions. 

You may be able to receive Section 8 assistance as a college student if any of the following
apply:  

You are 24 years of age or older. 

 You were an orphan, ward of the court through the age of 18.
You are or were an emancipated minor. 
You are a veteran of the U.S. armed forces or are currently serving on active duty. 
You are a professional graduate student. 
You are married. 
You have children or legal dependents other than a spouse. 

Residency Requirements

You do not need to be a resident of the state where you are applying for assistance. You can sign
up for Section 8 with any PHA. In fact, it is common to apply for Section 8 through multiple PHAs
at the same time.

However, keep in mind that PHAs are allowed to establish local residency preferences, meaning
that they can prioritize applicants who live in a certain area, including the PHA’s local area.

Income Guidelines
To qualify for Section 8, families must be considered “very low income” according to the state
Section 8 income limit. This means that their income cannot be more than 50 percent of the
median income in the area where they choose to live.

Median incomes vary depending on location, so different areas have different Section 8 income
limits.

Note:

Even if your family is not considered to have “very low income,” you can still apply for
Section 8, as PHAs may give housing vouchers to low-income or even moderate-income
families in certain situations.

What are the Section 8 income limits?

Income limits vary by area. There are two simple ways to find Section 8 income limits for a given
area:

Option 1: You can access a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with all income limits for 2022 by
clicking on this link or typing the URL into your browser’s address bar, then selecting the “Data for
Section 8 Income Limits in MS EXCEL” button to start the download:
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html#2022_data

Option 2: You can search for an area’s current income limit by following these steps: 

1. Visit the following URL:

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html
2. For 2022 income limits, click the button that says, “Click Here for FY 2022 IL
Documentation.”
3. Select your state from the list. A county list will appear to the right.
4. Click the county whose income limits you want to check. 
5. Finally, click “View Calculations” to see income limits for the selected area.
Your results will show the limits for families who earn 30 percent (extremely low income), 50
percent (very low income) or 80 percent (low income) of the area’s median income.

Make sure to look at the income limits based on your family’s size.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing

In this section:

How to Fill Out a Section 8 Application 

Section 8 Application Methods
Reasons for Section 8 Denial
Can you appeal a Section 8 denial?
How does the informal review work?
Getting on the Waiting List
Local Preferences for Waiting Lists

Since Section 8 is administered locally, there is no national application for Section 8 housing
vouchers.

To apply to the program, you must apply through a PHA that has an open waitlist. 

First, PHAs will have you start by filling out a preliminary application (also called a “pre-
application”) with basic information like:

Your address
Family size
Date and time of application
Racial or ethnic designation of the head of household
Estimate of annual income 

This pre-application is used to determine your initial eligibility. After completing this step in the
process, you may be placed on a waiting list or denied Section 8.

Refer to the section called “Reasons for Section 8 Denial” of this guide to learn about the process
to appeal a housing voucher denial.

How to Fill Out a Section 8 Application 

Once your name is selected from the waiting list, your PHA will likely ask you to fill out a full
application. Unlike the pre-application mentioned in the previous section, the full application will
ask for more detailed information about your household.

Each PHA may have its own instructions for filling out a Section 8 application. However, there are
several guidelines to follow no matter where you apply. 

In general, full applications usually ask for:

Detailed information about your family’s income, including sources of income and how
often you are paid.
A list of checking and savings accounts for all household members.
Information about dependents, elderly family members, disabled family members, etc.
Estimates of childcare, disability and medical expenses.
 Information about previous evictions from federally assisted housing.
Names and addresses of previous landlords.
Information about any past drug- or alcohol-related arrests.
A self-certification about the accuracy of the information the applicant has provided.

Section 8 Application Methods

Each PHA has its own application methods and procedures. You can usually apply in one of the
following ways: 

Online
In person 
By phone 
By mail or fax

To learn about the application options available to you, you will need to contact the PHA you wish
to apply to.

For state-specific PHA contact information, refer to the section called “State Contact Information”
of this guide.

After you submit a Section 8 application, your family may: 

Receive a letter of denial. 

Be placed onto a waiting list. 
Receive a voucher right away, if funding is available.

If you are denied, remember that you can appeal the decision. Refer to the section below for more
information.

Reasons for Section 8 Denial

If you are unsure of why your Section 8 application was denied, consult the following list for
potential reasons:
 1. Not meeting the program’s eligibility criteria.
This could refer to area income limit, immigration status, college enrollment or any other
requirement discussed in the section called “Section 8 Eligibility Requirements.”
2. A previous eviction from rent-assisted housing.
PHAs may deny Section 8 admission to a family if any member of the household was
evicted from federally assisted housing within the last five years.
3. Fraud, bribery or any other criminal act in relation to rent assistance.
PHAs are allowed to deny an application if a member of the family has committed any
corrupt or criminal act in connection to a federal housing program. This includes submitting
false information on the application.
4. Having an outstanding balance with a PHA.
If a family member owes rent or has an outstanding balance with any PHA, the household’s
application may be denied.
The decision to deny an application is generally made by the individual PHA you applied to.
PHAs may consider mitigating circumstances when deciding whether or not to approve or
deny an application.
For example, if a family member was removed from the Section 8 program for abusing
alcohol in the past, but has since completed a supervised rehabilitation program, the PHA
may decide to approve a new application.

Can you appeal a Section 8 denial?

If your application is denied, the PHA must send you a written notice explaining why. It must also
let you know that you are allowed to request an informal review of the decision.

How does the informal review work?

The PHA will assign someone to review its decision to deny the application. The reviewer cannot
be the same person who made the denial decision in the first place. You will be given the
opportunity to respond to the PHA’s decision with a spoken or written statement. In your
statement, you can explain and give examples of why you believe the PHA’s decision is wrong. 
After the informal review, the PHA must notify you of the final decision and briefly explain the
decision.

Getting on the Waiting List

If you are eligible for Section 8, you will likely get placed on a waiting list after you submit your
preliminary application. 

PHAs make public announcements whenever a waiting list opens. They are required to publish
waiting list openings in popular newspapers.

However, they are also encouraged to reach out to in-need residents in other ways, including:

Distributing flyers or applications at libraries, schools, hospitals, etc.

Making announcements on local TV and radio.
Buying advertisements on subways and buses.
Asking current participants to inform their families, friends and neighbors.

If your preferred PHA has a closed waiting list, you may apply for assistance at any other PHA.
You can even apply through multiple PHAs at the same time.

Local Preferences for Waiting Lists

A local preference is a factor that can affect how quickly you get assistance. PHAs may assign
preferences to people who may have a greater need for affordable housing. You might qualify for
a preference if you are: 

Elderly or near-elderly. 
Disabled. 
Displaced from home. 
A victim of domestic violence. 
Homeless. 
Living in substandard housing. 
A veteran. 
A local resident. 

The exact preferences vary in each individual housing authority. Some PHAs do not have any local
preferences.

Using Your Housing Choice Voucher

In this section:
How much rent do tenants pay?
How to Find HUD’s Fair Market Rental Rates for an Area
Where can you use a Section 8 voucher?
How do PHA jurisdictions affect where I can use my voucher?
Where else can you look for Section 8 rental units?
Can a landlord refuse to accept Section 8 vouchers?
How long is a housing choice voucher valid?
What happens when I choose a unit?
Section 8 Housing Quality Standards
Tenant Responsibilities in the Section 8 Program 
Recertifying Your Section 8 Eligibility 
Can you move and keep getting assistance?

When your family is selected from a waiting list, the PHA will notify you in writing by mail. You will
then have to fill out a full application, as discussed in the section called “How to Fill Out a Section
8 Application” of this guide.
Once you have completed the full application and the PHA has verified the information you
provided, the following will happen: 

1. The PHA will send you a written notice inviting you to an individual or group briefing about
the program.
2. During the briefing, you will receive information about:
How the program works. 
What your responsibilities are. 
How to continue receiving benefits from Section 8 if you move to a new location.
Where you may lease a unit. 
3. The PHA will provide an informational packet with details about:
The term of your voucher (how long it is valid). 
The amount of your rent assistance payment. 
Information about where to find housing.
An explanation of your obligations under the program.

To see what a housing voucher looks like, click the following link or input the URL into your
browser’s address bar: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/52646.PDF

How much rent do tenants pay?

A family’s expected contribution depends on the family’s income and fair market rental rates in
the area.

To calculate how much rent a Section 8 family must pay, HUD uses one of the following formulas
(whichever is greater):

30 percent of monthly adjusted income

This is gross income (before taxes) minus deductions for dependents, child care and
disability assistance. Elderly or disabled families can also claim an elderly deduction
and a medical expenses deduction.
10 percent of gross monthly income
This is income before taxes and deductions.
 The welfare rent in as-paid localities
The “welfare rent” only applies to families who are on welfare (Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families) in places where the welfare office designates a certain amount of
cash assistance for rent. Not all welfare offices do this, so this does not apply to
everyone.
The PHA’s minimum rent
This varies by PHA but is between $25 and $50. A PHA will only impose a minimum
monthly rent if each of the previous three formulas equals less than $25.

How to Find HUD’s Fair Market Rental Rates for an Area

To check an area’s fair market rental rate, follow these steps:

1. Visit the following URL:

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html#2022
2. Click the button that says, “Click Here for FY 2022 FMRs.” 
3. Select your state from the list. A county list will appear to the right.
4. Click the county whose income limits you want to check. 
5. Finally, click “Next Screen” to see the fair market rents for the area.

Your results will show the fair market rents for units up to four bedrooms.

Note:

When you first enroll in Section 8, you are not allowed to pay more than 40 percent of your
adjusted gross monthly income on rent. 

Where can you use a Section 8 voucher?

You can use your voucher in any type of housing on the open market, including apartments,
townhomes, single-family homes, etc. 
However, you cannot use a Section 8 voucher in:

A nursing home, care home or any other facility providing psychiatric, nursing or medical
care.
A unit occupied by its owner. 
College dormitories. 
Prison or reformatory units. 
Public housing units. 
Any other unit already receiving a federal subsidy, such as project-based assistance. 

How do PHA jurisdictions affect where I can use my voucher?

When you first begin receiving assistance, your PHA may require you to choose a unit located
within its jurisdiction. A jurisdiction is simply the service area covered by a PHA. 

New voucher-holders (families that are receiving Section 8 benefits for the first time) can choose
a unit anywhere in the country only if they were already living in the jurisdiction serviced by the
PHA to which they applied.

New voucher-holders who applied to a PHA in a jurisdiction where they do not currently live must
initially choose a unit within that jurisdiction for at least 12 months. After the 12-month period,
they can move to another jurisdiction and maintain their Section 8 benefits after discussing the
relocation with the PHA.

Where to Search for Section 8 Rental Units

There are many ways to find Section 8-approved rental units. Looking online is the easiest way to
find a unit. Resources to consider trying are described below. 

HUD’s Resource Locator Tool

1. Click on the following link or input the URL into your browser’s address bar:
https://resources.hud.gov/
2. Allow location access.
3. Click “Find Affordable Housing Opportunities Near Me.” 
4. Next, enter a city or address in the search bar. 
5. A local map will appear with multiple icons on it. Click on an icon to learn about the housing
unit.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Listings

1. Click on the following link or input the URL into your browser’s address bar:
https://rdmfhrentals.sc.egov.usda.gov/RDMFHRentals/select_state.jsp
2. Click on a state on the map. 
 3. Next, click a county. 
4. Finally, click on the name of a rental property from the list. 

 PHA Listings

A PHA may provide you with:

Links to apartment searching websites that the PHA endorses. 

A list of landlords who have rented to Section 8 participants in the past. 
Flyers from local landlords. 

Many PHAs partner with a third-party website to advertise rental listings. For example, GoSection
8.com or SocialServe.com are common resources for PHAs to partner with. 

Where else can you look for Section 8 rental units?

Because a housing choice voucher gives you the freedom to choose any rental unit that accepts
housing vouchers, you are not limited to using the above resources. You may also search for
Section 8 rental units in the following places: 

Any mainstream apartment searching website, such as Zillow, Apartment Finder or

Apartments.com. 
Newspaper advertisements. 
Online classifieds. 
For-rent signs in the neighborhood.

Keep in mind that you do not need to limit your search to housing advertised to low-income
renters. In fact, you can choose any unit you want as long as it meets the requirements. In fact,
you can choose any unit you want as long as it meets the requirements discussed in the sections
called “What happens when I choose a unit?” and “Section 8 Housing Quality Standards” of this
guide and as long as it accepts housing vouchers.

Can a landlord refuse to accept Section 8 vouchers?

The federal government does not prohibit discrimination based on the source of income. This
means that as far as HUD is concerned, landlords are allowed to refuse Section 8 vouchers.

However, many states, counties and cities have laws against discrimination based on the source
of income (SOI). In these places, it is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to you just because
you are enrolled in Section 8.

For a list of places with laws against discrimination based on the source of income, review the
table below:

States with California, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York,
Statewide Rhode Island, Utah, Washington
SOI Laws
and Local
SOI
Ordinances
in Effect

States and Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon,
Federal Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington
Districts
with
Statewide
and
Districtwide
SOI Laws

States Florida: Alachua County, Gainesville, Broward County, Daytona Beach,

Without Hillsborough County, St. Petersburg, Miami-Dade County Georgia: Atlanta;
Statewide Illinois: Chicago, Glenview, Harwood Heights, Naperville, Urbana, Wheeling; Iowa:
SOI Laws, Des Moines, Iowa City, Marion; Kentucky: Louisville; Michigan: Ann Arbor, East
But Local Lansing, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kentwood, Lansing, Wyoming;
SOI Missouri: St. Louis; Ohio: Cincinnati, Cleveland Heights, Linndale, South Euclid,
 Ordinances University Heights, Warrensville Heights, Wickliffe, Yellow Springs, Westerville,
in Effect Worthington Columbus, Reynoldsburg; Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
Borough of State College, Tennessee: Memphis; 

States Minnesota: Minneapolis; Wisconsin: Ripon, Dane County, Madison, Milwaukee

Where County, Wauwatosa, Cambridge
Statewide
SOI Laws
Exclude
Section 8,
But Local
Ordinances
May Differ

States That Texas: Dallas, Austin

Preempt
SOI Laws,
But Local
Ordinances
May Differ

States Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri,

Without SOI Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina,
Laws Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming

If you live in one of these locations and believe you were discriminated against based on your
Section 8 status, you have a right to submit a complaint. Contact your PHA for information on the
state, county or city office that can receive your complaint.

How long is a housing choice voucher valid?

Once you are accepted into the program, it is important to begin your search for housing as soon
as possible. By law, PHAs are required to give you at least 60 days to secure a rental home. 
However, some PHAs may set longer terms. If you do not find a unit before the deadline, your
voucher may expire and become invalid.

A housing authority may also let you apply for an extension of at least 90 days if you are having
trouble finding a place to rent. Some PHAs may grant longer extensions. For example, Miami-
Dade offers a 60-day extension to its 60-day initial term, for a total 120-day voucher term.

The process for asking for an extension varies by PHA. When you are accepted into Section 8,
your PHA will explain how you can receive an extension.

Additionally, PHAs set their own eligibility guidelines for extensions. Some may only grant the
extension under extenuating circumstances, such as a family member’s hospitalization or another
emergency. For more information about extensions, contact your PHA.

For more information about extensions, contact your PHA. You can find contact information in the
“State Contact Information” of this guide.

What happens when I choose a unit?

Once you find a unit that you want to rent, you will need to contact the landlord. The next steps
may include: 

Touring the unit. 

Submitting to a background check or other screening procedures. 
Undergoing an interview with the landlord.

Keep in mind that landlords, not PHAs, are responsible for screening tenants. Even if you meet
your PHA’s requirements, a landlord can set their own rules about tenant approval as long as the
rules do not break federal, state or local laws.

The HUD advises beneficiaries to consider multiple units before making a decision. Your PHA can
provide you with information about landlords in your area who have worked with the program
before, but it is up to you to find and select a suitable housing unit. 

Once you find a housing unit that you want to move into and work with the landlord on an
agreement, you must notify the PHA by submitting a request for tenancy approval. The PHA must
provide you with a form that you will fill out and sign (along with the landlord’s signature) to
submit this request. 

In addition to the form, you must submit a copy of your lease agreement and the tenancy
addendum provided by the HUD.

After submitting these documents to the PHA, the PHA will make sure that:

The unit is eligible for Section 8 vouchers.

The landlord is acceptable.
PHAs will not allow you to rent from landlords who have committed fraud, engaged in
criminal activity, repeatedly rented units that do not meet housing codes, etc.
The unit meets HUD housing standards.
Refer to the next section, called “Section 8 Housing Quality Standards”, for details on
housing standards.
The rent is reasonable.
Refer to the section called “Using Your Housing Choice Voucher” for specific
 information on HUD rental limits by area.

Once all of these requirements are met, the PHA will execute a Housing Assistance Payment
(HAP) contract with the landlord. You will then start receiving rent assistance.

Once the lease begins, the PHA will send a portion of the rent payment directly to the landlord
whenever it is due. You will be responsible for paying the remaining amount of rent directly to your
landlord. 

For more information on rent amounts, refer to the section called “How much rent do tenants
pay?” of this guide.

Section 8 Housing Quality Standards

When you choose a unit and apply for tenancy through your PHA, the PHA will hire an
independent agency to inspect the unit.

Depending on your PHA’s policies, a member of your household may need to be present during
the inspection. PHAs are required to give you reasonable notice so you can make the necessary
arrangements.

During an inspection, the housing authority ensures that the unit is: 

The appropriate size for your family. 

Free from major issues, such as: 
Broken windows, doors or locks. 
Damaged walls, ceilings or floors. 
Inadequate lighting or outlets.
A poor foundation. 
Inadequate heating and cooling. 

For more detailed information on housing quality standards, refer to HUD’s publication “A Good
Place to Live” at the link below: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_11735.PDF 
Tenant Responsibilities in the Section 8 Program 

Once you begin receiving rent assistance, it is important to follow the program rules as well as
your lease terms. As a tenant, you are responsible for: 

Paying your portion of the rent on time each month.

Keeping your rental unit in good condition and notifying the owner about necessary repairs. 
Allowing annual PHA inspections. 
Notifying the PHA and your landlord prior to moving. 
Telling the PHA about changes to your income or family composition. 

Recertifying Your Section 8 Eligibility 

After you receive a voucher and begin renting, you will need to undergo yearly reexaminations in
order to keep your assistance. 

The point of reexaminations is to verify that you are still eligible to receive assistance. During your
reexamination, the PHA will check your:

Income. 
Assets. 
Expenses. 
Family composition. 

You should be prepared to verify any information you give with acceptable documents, such as W-
2 forms, copies of bank statements, etc.

Can you move and keep getting assistance?

If you receive a tenant-based housing choice voucher, you are allowed to move somewhere else
and bring your assistance with you. 

The process of moving with rent assistance is called “portability.” Before you move, however, it is
important to keep these rules in mind: 
 When using vouchers, you usually cannot move more than once a year.
You must give your PHA and landlord appropriate notice.

Your Housing Rights

As a renter or homeowner, you have certain rights. Under the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal for
anyone to discriminate against you based on: 

Race. 
Color.
Religion.

National origin. 
Sex. 
Family status. 
Disability.
In this section:

How to File a Complaint Against HUD or a PHA

Illegal discrimination occurs when a landlord does one of the following in relation to one of the
aforementioned protected categories:

Refuses to rent housing

Refuses to negotiate housing
Makes housing unavailable
Establishes different housing terms, conditions or privileges for certain applicants
Gives different services or facilities
Falsely denies that a property is available for rent, sale or inspection
Publishes or prints any sort of notice or statement that shows his or her preferences,
discrimination or limitation about a rental or sale
Applies different criteria to assess possible tenants or owners (income, requirements, fees,
approval procedures, etc.)
Evicts a tenant or a tenant’s guest
Limits or discourages a rental or sale
Delays or does not provide maintenance services
Assigns people to specific sections or buildings

For other examples of housing discrimination based on a federally protected category, click on
the following link or input the URL into your browser’s address bar:
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/examples_housing_discrimination

How to File a Complaint Against HUD or a PHA

If you believe you were treated unfairly or that your rights were violated, you can file a complaint
with the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO).

Online

You can file a complaint online in English or in Spanish.

To file a complaint in English, click on the following link or input the URL into your browser’s
address bar: https://portalapps.hud.gov/FHEO903/Form903/Form903Start.action

Para presentar una queja en Español, haga clic en el siguiente enlace:

https://portalapps.hud.gov/AdaptivePages/HUD_Spanish/Espanol/complaint/complaint-
details.htm

By Email

To file a claim by email, download the PDF document in the table below. Then, complete the
Housing Discrimination Information page and email your local FHEO office according to your
region:

Language PDF Link

Language: English PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12150.PDF

Language: Spanish PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12153.PDF

Language: Arabic PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12147.PDF

Language: Cambodian PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12148.PDF

Language: Chinese PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12149.PDF

Language: Korean PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12151.PDF

Language: Russian PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12152.PDF

Language: Somali PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_20596.PDF

Language: Vietnamese PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12154.PDF

State or Territory Email Address

State or Territory: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT Email Address:

ComplaintsOffice01@hud.gov 
 State or Territory: NJ, NY and the Caribbean Email Address:
ComplaintsOffice02@hud.gov 

State or Territory: DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV Email Address:

ComplaintsOffice03@hud.gov 

State or Territory: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, Email Address:
TN ComplaintsOffice04@hud.gov 

State or Territory: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI Email Address:

ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov 

State or Territory: AK, LA, NM, OK, TX Email Address:

ComplaintsOffice06@hud.gov 

State or Territory: IA, KS, MO, NE Email Address:

ComplaintsOffice07@hud.gov 

State or Territory: CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY Email Address:

ComplaintsOffice08@hud.gov 

State or Territory: AZ, AS, CA, GU, HI, NV Email Address:

ComplaintsOffice09@hud.gov 

State or Territory: AK, ID, OR, WA Email Address:

ComplaintsOffice10@hud.gov 

By Phone

To file a complaint, speak with an FHEO intake specialist at:

1-800-669-9777 or 1-800-877-8339

By Mail

To file a complaint by mail, download and print the PDF document in the table below. Then,
complete the Housing Discrimination Information section and mail the form to the office for your
region (office addresses are included in the document):

Language PDF Link

Language: English PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12150.PDF

Language: Spanish PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12153.PDF

Language: Arabic PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12147.PDF

Language: Cambodian PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12148.PDF

Language: Chinese PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12149.PDF

Language: Korean PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12151.PDF

Language: Russian PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12152.PDF

Language: Somali PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_20596.PDF

Language: Vietnamese PDF Link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_12154.PDF

The HUD Public Housing Program

In this section:
What is the Public Housing Program?
Who qualifies for public housing?
How to Apply for Public Housing
What happens after you apply?
Public Housing Leases
How much do you have to pay in rent for public housing?
How long does public housing last?
In addition to Section 8, the Department of Housing and Urban Development also oversees the
Public Housing Program. 

The two programs are often confused with one another because they have similar eligibility
requirements and are geared toward similar groups, namely low-income renters. Learn more
about this program in the sections below.  

What is the Public Housing Program?

The program provides rental housing that is safe to the following groups of people: the elderly, the
disabled and low-income families. 

Like Section 8, the program is administered by public housing agencies. The HUD provides the
PHAs with federal funds so that the PHAs can keep the rental costs of their housing affordable. 

Various types of housing are available through the Public Housing Program, including single-
family homes and apartments. 
Who qualifies for public housing?

To qualify for public housing, you must meet the following requirements: 

Your annual gross income (before taxes are removed) is lower than the income limit in your
area. Income limits vary by PHA.
You belong to one of the eligibility groups (the elderly, the disabled or a family).
You are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the country.

Similar to the Section 8 program, if you meet the above requirements, the public housing agency
you apply to will check your references to make sure that your family will be good tenants. If your
record has indications of alcohol abuse, drug abuse or other habits that may have a negative
effect on the housing environment, the PHA may deny your application. 

To find out if you meet the income requirement, the HUD provides an online tool that allows you to
see the income limits of individuals and families by specific area. 

Simply choose your state and county to view the income limits in your area:
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html  

How to Apply for Public Housing

The process to apply for public housing is the same as the one to apply for Section 8. 

To apply for public housing, you must contact your local PHA to submit an application. The
application will ask for:

The names, genders and birthdates of everyone who will be living in the public housing unit.
The relationship between each individual named and the person applying for public housing.
Your contact information, including your phone number and residential address.
Contact information for your landlords, who will be asked about your conduct as a tenant.
A one-year income estimate for your household, including the sources of the income.
Contact information that would allow the PHA to confirm your income estimate, any
deductions you might be eligible for and your family makeup, such as contact information
 about your bank and employer.
You will be asked to sign a release form so that the PHA can obtain this information. 
Information about potential preferences you may qualify for, such as if you have a veteran
living in the family

Note:

If you are applying for Section 8, you do not need to submit a separate application for the
Public Housing Program. Once your name is put on the waiting list for Section 8, your PHA
is required to also offer you a spot on the public housing waiting list.

To get in contact with your local PHA, you can find state-specific contact details in the section
called “State Contact Information” of this guide.

What happens after you apply?

The PHA you apply to must notify you in writing regarding its decision. Applicants who do not
qualify will be notified in writing regarding the reason for their denial. 

Similar to Section 8, you may request an informal review if your application was denied.

Applicants who do qualify will be placed on a waiting list and contacted as soon as their names
are reached on the list. 

Note that long waiting periods are common because the demand for public housing typically
exceeds the units available. Also, PHAs can give preference to certain groups of people, which
allows these applicants to receive public housing before other applicants. 

Preferences vary by PHA, so be sure to contact your local public housing agency to find out about
preferences in your area and to see if you may be able to get faster access to housing. 
Public Housing Leases

If you qualify for public housing and you accept the unit you are offered by the PHA, you will need
to sign a lease with the PHA. 

The PHA now becomes your landlord. Depending on the specific housing agency, you may have to
pay a security deposit to the PHA as well.  

How much do you have to pay in rent for public housing?

Your rent cost with public housing is based on how much your family is expected to earn in the
year minus any deductions you are eligible for. 

Rent for under the Public Housing Program is calculated the same way it is under Section 8. Your
PHA will decide your specific rent payment is by selecting the highest of the following four
options: 
 10% of your total monthly earnings
30% of your adjusted monthly earnings, which is total income minus deductions
The amount of your welfare rent
A minimum rent of $25-$50

If applicable, your PHA will decide what deductions you are eligible for after looking at your
application. 

Based on the HUD rules, the deductions a PHA is allowed to subtract from your gross income
include: 

Subtracting $480 for every dependent member in the household.

Subtracting $400 for every elderly or disabled member in the household.

A PHA may also allow you to deduct certain medical expenses if the head of your household is
disabled or elderly.

How long does public housing last?

As long as you are following the guidelines provided in your lease agreement and continue to
meet the PHA requirements, you can remain in public housing. 

However, note that PHAs will review your ability to follow your lease agreement, as well as your
eligibility requirements, on a regular basis. Specifically, PHAs will look at your income at least
once a year. 

If the PHA finds that you make enough money to afford a home without public housing
assistance, they may decide to terminate your lease. 

On the other hand, if a PHA sees that your family requires assistance with making your public
housing safe and sanitary, it is the PHA’s responsibility to repair or renovate the housing for you.

Other Tips For Lowering Your Housing Costs

What if you don’t qualify for Section 8, but are still looking for ways to save money on housing?
Housing costs in the U.S. continue to rise, leaving many individuals and families scrambling to
find ways to reduce their expenses. 

You may be interested in the following tips to reduce your housing costs:

Live with a roommate

By living with one or more roommates, you not only save money on the rent itself, but
can also lower your monthly responsibilities for utilities. Most roommates share the
cost of electricity, gas, heat, cable, wifi, and other utilities. Some even split the cost of
food.

Rent out a bedroom

Just like living with a roommate, you may be able to save money on housing costs by
renting out a portion of your home to another person. If you own your own home, you
may even be able to include access to separate utilities, kitchen area, and parking. 

Downsize 
Downsizing your home or rental unit is another way you may be able to lower your
housing costs. Oftentimes, the smaller the home, the less expensive it is. This might
mean sacrificing bedrooms, living spaces, or other amenities. Keep in mind that if you
live with several other people, downsizing may cause other issues. 

Move to another area

Some housing markets are more expensive than others. For example, living in the
downtown area of a busy city tends to be more expensive than living in a suburban
area. Keep in mind that if you move to an area that is further away from where you
work, you may have increased transportation costs.

How to Search for Low-Cost Apartments

Finding affordable housing doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as you know where and how
to look. If you are searching for an apartment that doesn’t break the bank, keep the following tips
in mind:

Expand your search to multiple websites

You can broaden your pool of prospective apartments by searching on multiple
websites. If you limit your search to just one website, you may be missing out on other
listings. Some of the most popular apartment search websites include:
Zillow
Trulia
Apartments.com
Rent.com
Realtor.com

Use filters
When conducting searches, be sure to use filters to narrow your search results. This
can also help you from finding apartments that are outside of your budget. For
example, you can limit the results page to only show listings that fall beneath a certain
price range. 

Consider the amenities 

The more amenities the apartment complex offers, the more likely it is that the rent
increases. For example, if the apartment has a gym, pool, or conference room, the
rental rates may reflect this. 

Word of mouth
You may be able to find an affordable apartment by asking friends or family members
if they know of any available units. For example, a friend may have a relative who is
looking to rent out his or her unit. If it’s a personal reference, you could even knock
some costs down when it comes to application fees and background checks.