Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) increases affordable housing choices for very low-income households by helping families pay a portion of their rent in privately owned housing. The HCVP provides families with monthly housing subsidies that will cover a portion of their rent, allowing them to choose the location and type of rental home that best suits their needs.

Table of Contents

What Is Section 8 Housing?

As an agency created by the Maryland Legislature, it is the responsibility of DHCD’s Division of Rental Assistance to provide leadership and oversight for all state and federally aided rental assistance programs that serve low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

The Section 8 housing program serves low-income families and the elderly who are unable to afford rent. This assistance is provided through a network of public and private agencies. Each household is matched with a landlord at their current location.

Section 8 Housing Guide

How Does Section 8 Housing work
- How does section 8 housing work for landlords
- How does section 8 housing work in California
- How does section 8 housing work in Ohio
Section 8 Houses For Rent
- Advantages Of section 8 houses for rent
- Requirements for section 8 houses for rent
- Tips For Section 8 Houses For Rent
Who is eligible for Section 8 Housing?

Section 8 Housing is subsidized housing managed by local housing agencies.

Eligibility Is Based on the Family’s Gross Income

At least 75% of all vouchers issued by a housing agency must be targeted to households whose gross income does not exceed 30% of the area median income.

HUD develops the income limits. The tenant must be able to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status and identity and pay all rent.

What Is the Rent Payment Plan?

The tenant pays 30% of their gross monthly income towards rent and the housing authority pays 70% of the monthly rent.

What Is the Length of Time a Tenant May Stay In Section 8 Housing?

Tenants can stay up to five years.
After five years, the tenant must move to another housing program.
The new program will be determined by the HUD.

What Is the Section 8 Tenant Eviction Process?

If a HUD-assisted unit has been in use for 5 years, the tenant can request to renew.
The housing authority must then give the tenant notice and a chance to renew.
After that period of time, they can evict the tenant.

What Are the Section 8 Tenant Rights?

Tenants have the right to:

A right to privacy.
Have a right to live in the housing without discrimination.
A right to fair treatment.
Live in the housing as they choose.

Section 8 Housing Application Process:

An applicant has to fill out an application.
The application asks them questions about their income, family size, citizenship, and veteran status among other things.
The applicant must also disclose any information they have that would affect their eligibility for the program.

The Housing Authority will give an applicant a notice letting them know if their application is approved or denied.

If the applicant’s application is approved, the housing authority will tell them whether they are eligible for a voucher or not.

DHCD’s eight regional administering agencies administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and each agency has its own application. To contact your local agency, you may visit the contact information listed on this website or call the phone number listed here. Please be advised that because the demand for housing assistance often exceeds the limited available resources, long waiting lists exist. (Note: In Massachusetts, families can also apply to over 100 local housing authorities that also administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Lists are frequently closed due to the number of families waiting.)

Section 8 Housing Grant amounts:

DHCD manages a Section 8/HCVP Voucher Program which serves over 22,000 households.

Applicants of Section 8 Housing

1. Must be an adult (age 21 or older)

2. Have a household income not exceeding the monthly maximum income limit set by DHCD. For example, in the Boston area, rent cannot exceed $1,000 per month. See the “Section 8 Payment Standards” section below for more information on income limits and other factors that may affect eligibility.

Families of all sizes can apply for Section 8 housing. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program programs:

DHCD administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which serves more than 22,000 families. The program provides rental assistance to very low-income households living in the Boston and Springfield metro areas. The Section 8 Voucher Program provides rental assistance to very low-income households living in the Boston and Springfield metro areas. The program is funded through a combination of federal and state grants, with the latter covering 79 percent of program costs. The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is the largest BHA District, serving the City of Boston. The BHA was founded in 1956 and provides housing services to more than 3.2 million people annually in the Greater Boston area.

Section 8 housing offers a convenient way for eligible applicants to enjoy the benefits of moving into a safer and more secure home. The application process differs according to jurisdiction, but in general, residents of a particular area who receive a Section 8 housing voucher from the jurisdiction in which they live may use the voucher anywhere in the country, but nonresidents of the jurisdiction must live in the jurisdiction that issues the voucher to them for 12 months before they can move to a different area. Also, priority for vouchers is often reserved for those who reside in the service area of that housing authority. In the past, Section 8 vouchers were often given to individuals who had a history of criminal behavior. In some cases, individuals’ criminal records prevented them from ever receiving housing assistance in the first place.

Section 8 housing is a form of public housing provided to eligible low-income households by the U.S. government. Some localities, PHA’s with Section 8 housing may have waitlists thousands of households long, that can have three to six-year waiting lists or be closed indefinitely to new applicants. The waitlists are often opened for just five days at a time, but sometimes as infrequently as every seven years. Some PHAs use a lottery system where there can be 100,000 applicants for 10,000 spots on the list and priority is sometimes given to local residents, disabled, veterans, and the elderly.

There is no guarantee that anyone will ever receive a spot on the waiting list for Section 8 Housing. In some states, the federal government has inserted itself into the local housing market, subsidizing the construction of low-income housing with federal money. The waiting list for Section 8 Housing is a competitive process, so local PHAs have the ability to place or remove applicants from the waiting list at their discretion.

Section 8 Housing Fair Market Rents

A “fair market rent” is the amount that a renter would reasonably have to pay for rented housing in the area of interest. The fair market rent varies from area to area. The Section 8 Housing Fair Market Rents for most metropolitan areas are available at HUD’s website: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) is the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a unit to be rented to a Section 8 voucher recipient. FMRs are determined by HUD and are gross rates of apartment rent and dictate the maximum rent to be agreed upon in a lease document.

The Fair Market Rent is based on the highest renting unit from Section 8 housing. Calculations include a standard quality rent from the five-year American Community Survey, as well as a recent mover adjustment, which is the relationship between the standard quality for five years and the one year’s recent mover rents. FMRs also include a CPI adjustment and a trend factor adjustment. The trend factor adjustment is how HUD expects rental rates to grow.

HUD calculates Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for Section 8 Housing. FMRs include major utilities (heat, electricity, etc.) but do not include telephone, cable, satellite television, or internet service. Utilities are included in FMRs whether the obligation of payment is under the tenant or the landlord. FMRs can be found using HUD’s Database.

Small Area Fair Market Rents

The SAFMRP program is designed to help low-income families who receive housing vouchers to move into higher opportunity neighborhoods. The program is intended to reduce the concentration of voucher holders in a particular area. The SAFMRP program is a nationwide initiative that aims to improve the quality of housing and neighborhoods for low-income families. The SAFMRP program provides financial assistance to eligible families in order to relocate to areas with a higher quality of housing and neighborhoods. This can be accomplished by a variety of means including the purchase of property, the acquisition of rental properties, or moving existing tenants into a higher opportunity area.

The program was initially designed to be mandatory for several cities, but after delays, it is now optional. The program includes public housing authorities such as the Housing Authority of the County Of Cook, the City of Long Beach, and the Chattanooga Housing Authority. The law was initially passed in 1982, and for the first time allowed local governments to purchase housing. In Colorado, the program is voluntary for communities that wish to participate. The Colorado Housing Finance Authority administers this program.

The program is very effective in some places but not others. Dallas was required by court order, and the program has lasted longer than all other cities. The benefits of the program change over time. Time series analysis is needed to determine the effectiveness of the program. The New York State Housing Finance Agency is designed to provide housing finance for the state, not just to local governments. It provides financing for low-income people and it depends on a formula that determines how much each municipality receives. This program has been criticized because it is difficult to obtain data.

Chattanooga was the lowest because most of the housing was already inaccessible areas. Most of the residents lived in low-opportunity neighborhoods. Voucher recipients didn’t have much more choice than non-recipients. There was a lot of social segregation within the city. Chattanooga had low public housing in the city. This study was a case study of the Tennessee Valley Authority. There are some federal programs that involve housing finance. The Housing Finance Agency provides a low-income housing tax credit to jurisdictions.

The government didn’t want to build anything because there were a lot of private developers that took the risk to build housing projects. The government created the Housing Partnership for Fair and Affordable Housing (HPF) to build public housing. There was a lot of public outcry against this because people thought that public housing would be built in high-opportunity areas.

Earned Income Disallowance

Disabled people should be encouraged to go back to work. People who receive government benefits should be forced to do something productive. In order to do this, the Earned Income Disallowance was created. This tax applies to income earned from work. It is also a deduction from earned income. The family became the center of the American dream. The American dream was to have a successful middle-class family. This idea is what shaped society, and it continues to influence Americans today. The family started to become the center of life for all Americans.

Studies About Section 8 Housing

In the early years of Section 8, there were many crimes committed in public housing projects. However, after the law was implemented, crime rates dropped dramatically. Crime rates rose again when the program ended.

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 was passed to prevent discrimination. This law protects the rights of all Americans regardless of race, creed, and color. The law also states that if an owner or landlord does not allow renters to live in their property, they must offer reasonable compensation. Section 8 was created to help the poor. However, there are many reasons why this program can be considered successful. The law was passed in 1968. However, the Act did not go into effect until April 26, 1974. The President at the time was Richard Nixon. In 1973, Congress passed a bill that would allow Section 8 tenants to make improvements on their properties.

The first success is the decrease in crime rates. Crime rates decreased dramatically after Section 8 was implemented. In a study conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, there was an 82% decrease in the rate of property crime.

The second success is that Section 8 has been very successful in helping individuals to become homeowners. In 1970, there were 10.1 million low-income renters in the United States. Out of these 10 million low-income renters, only 1% had been able to afford a house (Sassenfeld).

Rosin’s article attempts to place Memphis as just one particular city in a national trend. She claims that the rise in crime is because of Section 8 housing policies. However, she fails to make a convincing case for this claim. Instead, she places too much emphasis on the correlation between Section 8 housing programs and rising crime. She does not provide evidence that people receiving Section 8 housing are responsible for the increase in crime. Her article is full of inaccuracies and exaggerations. For instance, she states that the average rent for Section 8 housing is $1,000 per month. This is false. According to HUD, the average rent for Section 4 housing is $766 per month. The average rent for Section 8 is $836 per month. Furthermore, the median rent for Section 8 housing in 2013 was $769 per month.

Section 8 Housing Specialists

After the high-profile murder of a Section 8 tenant in South Minneapolis, housing specialists from across the state of Minnesota gathered at a press conference. One of them was Ms. Johnson.

Tenants’ rights activist and organizer for the Tenants Union for Racial Justice, Ms. Housing placement specialists are intermediaries between tenants and landlords that increase the mobility of Section 8 vouchers.

Housing placement specialists can help prevent landlords’ apprehension about renting to Section 8 voucher holders. Some landlords may feel that Section 8 voucher holders are lazy or irresponsible. This could lead them to reject applicants who are Section 8 voucher holders. However, this type of discrimination is illegal. In addition, landlords may also fear that they will lose money if they rent to Section 8 voucher holders because these people might cause damage to the property.

Some areas in which housing specialists help people include:

– Finding affordable homes

– Helping families get into better neighborhoods

– Making sure that families have enough money to pay for rent or mortgage payments

– Helping families avoid foreclosure – helping families avoid eviction

– Helping families find new homes if they have lost their old home to foreclosure

– Finding new homes for people who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.

Steps to Getting Section 8 Housing or Section Apartments:

The first step to getting housing assistance is to visit a HUD-approved housing agency or contact your local social services office. Your local social services office will help you find the steps for getting Section Housing or Section Apartments in your county. This is the first place you should go if you want to get help finding affordable housing. You can also use this site to find out how much rent you’ll pay for an apartment or house based on income.

Obtain an application for the section 8 housing choice voucher program. Applications for the housing choice voucher program are entirely free, but depending on the PHA you may need to pay a fee. Fill out and submit your application. Usually, the application will ask you for the following information: Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Gross Income of those applicable, Mailing Address, Email address, Housing History, Criminal History, Phone Numbers, etc. Follow all instructions when filling out the application to ensure it is processed correctly and efficiently.

When applying for housing, you should know your chances of being accepted by checking the waiting list status. You can check this information online. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a letter telling you when you can move into your new apartment. If you’re denied, you’ll get a letter explaining why.

Housing Authorities should provide confirmation of waiting list placement within 2 weeks.

You need to go to the website www.housingchoicevouchers.gov to get more information about this program.

Project-based voucher programs allow tenants to choose different types of housing depending on what type of neighborhood they want to live in. This program allows people who need help finding affordable housing to choose the type of housing they want to live in instead of being forced into certain neighborhoods.

Section 8 Housing Eligibility – Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers

Section 8 vouchers are available to low-income families who have been evicted from public housing. The program provides rental assistance for up to 16 months at a time.

The PHA will typically approve your application 60 days after you submit it. Families must provide information about their income, assets, and composition to get help paying rent. Families can apply for Section 8 housing vouchers in person, by phone, or online.

How Do I Apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is designed to match landlords with families in need of housing assistance.

The PHA will typically approve your application 60 days after you submit it. Families must provide information about their income, assets, and composition to get help paying rent.

Local PHAs may have preferences for certain groups of applicants. Be sure to tell the PHA if you fit into their preferred group. If not, your waiting list time could be extended.
Obtain an application for the section 8 housing choice voucher program. Applications for the Section 8 housing voucher program are entirely free, depending on the PHA. Complete all required parts and sections of the application. The application length may vary, but most will require the following information from applicants. Name, date of birth, social security number, gross income of those eligible, mailing address, email address, housing history, criminal background, phone numbers, and more complete. To ensure that an application is processed completely and efficiently be sure to follow all instructions given by the housing authority
Submit the application. Follow the PHAs’ instructions to submit the full applications and turn them in by the due dates or risk application rejections.
Wait for the PHAs to process the applications. It can take up several months to process the applications, but once they are processed, housing authorities will ask applicants to log into an online platform.

Section 8 Housing Waiting List

Section Waiting List requests are also utilized by PHAs to ensure that residents who are waiting for a unit have a place to live. The Section Waiting List is a list of individuals who have applied for, but were not accepted into the housing program of their choice. Families who need help should apply early. Housing vouchers will be issued if there are openings available.

How Does the Section 8 Housing Waiting List Work?

Housing assistance is needed more than there are vouchers available. Waiting lists are common. Some PHAS only accept Section 8 voucher applications during designated time periods. If your local PHS has a long or closed waitlist, you can apply for a voucher through multiple PHAs. You can get a list of locations where you can use your voucher from your PHA.

Families should be chosen based on need. If there is a waiting list, then families should be selected from that list. Families should be chosen based on need. For example, if there is a waiting list for families, then families should be chosen from that list. Families shouldn’t be chosen based on race, religion, gender, etc.
Homeless families are forced into substandard housing because of low incomes. They are involuntarily displaced from their homes. Their vouchers cover the cost of rent and utilities, but not the entire amount. They are required to pay 30% of their income or, at least $50 for rent and utility payments, whichever is higher.

A maximum of $2,200 per month is available to families who qualify for housing assistance. This includes the payment standard, which is based on the average rent in the area. Families must choose a home with a rent lower than or equal to this payment standard. Families may also choose a home with a higher rent, as long as the total rent does not exceed the payment standard. Families are required to pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards rent and utilities.

Section 8 Housing Eligibility Interview

A Section 8 housing eligibility for Missouri interview is required for all families applying for public housing. This interview allows the family to learn about their income, expenses, and assets. The family must also complete a home study that takes into account the space available in the unit and its location.

You must bring picture identification when you go to the housing office.

Social Security cards for all persons appearing in the application. Medicare and Medicaid cards.
Proof of Age and other documents related to household make up including
birth certificates,
divorce papers,
custody papers,
citizenship,
Immigration papers, etc.

Proof Of All Income Including A Letter From Social Security, Veterans Administration, Pensions, Employment, And Child Support Payments.
The Verification Of Social Security Benefits Must Be Requested Prior To The Applicant’s Scheduled Appointment.

Proof of assets such as bank account, life insurance policy, etc.
Your doctor’s name, address, and phone number. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least two people to contact in event of an emergency. Your last 3 landlords’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and copies of your last 3 utility bills.

Full-time students must be verified by bringing documentation of their enrollment in schools. Students under 17 must be verified by showing proof of their enrollment in schools, and parents must verify the medical expenses of any disabled adult.

A person with disabilities should be given reasonable accommodations when needed. To accommodate a disabled person, landlords need to fill out the Reasonable Accommodation Form. The landlord also needs to fill out the Landlords Reference Form. If the landlord denies the request, the person with disabilities can file an Informal Review Request.
Instructions are included inside the form, but there is no requirement to fill out the form if the person with disabilities does not want to pursue the matter further.

Income limits by family size and admissions income targeting requirements for the public housing, section 8, and moderate rehabilitation programs.

Voucher Value

In general, Section 8 voucher holders must pay 30% of their household incomes towards rent and utility bills. Their vouchers cover the remainder of these expenses. The payment standards vary depending on the city. Section 8 household income limits are set at 40% of the median income for their area. The federal government requires that the percentage of income limits be increased every year.

Using Section 8 Housing Vouchers

Payment for the Section 8 vouchers will be made directly to the landlord each month by the PHA. Then you’ll pay the difference between the rent actually charged by the landlord and what was paid using the voucher. Expenses not covered by the voucher include :

Utility bills
Vacancies and non-rent covered repairs.
Laundry and cleaning supplies etc.

In addition to the rent, Section 8 tenants will also pay some of their own utilities as part of the monthly rent. There are no additional costs for Section 8 tenants beyond their monthly rent payment. The PHA may require that you keep your utilities separate from your Section 8 housing.

Finding Section 8 Housing Using Your Voucher Workshop

This workshop is free and open to all current Section 8 Housing participants. The workshop helps participants learn how to use the Section 8 voucher system and where to find affordable housing.

Rent Ready Workshop – Open to all Voucher Holders

Rent Reasonableness – Understanding the Application Process

Inspection Process – Understand the Inspection Process

Obligations Once You Are Chosen for Section 8 Housing

A family must choose a house before moving into it.
The family must sign a minimum one-year rental agreement with the landlord.
The family must pay a security deposit before living there.
After the lease expires, the family may either renew the lease or move out.
The family must contribute to the Section 8 rent application.
The family must pay the government-subsidized portion of the rent and utilities for their house.
The family must pay a housing subsidy fee when they move in.

After the family moved into the apartment, they were expected to follow the rules set by the lease agreement.

They had to keep the apartment clean, maintain the appliances, and pay rent on time.
They also had to report any changes in income or new family members.
They could not be involved in any illegal activities while living there.
If a family member violated any of these rules, the landlord could evict them.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 Voucher Program

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, or “Section 8“, is a federal program providing rental assistance for low-income families who meet specific income requirements and are unable to find affordable housing in the private market.

You must be making enough money to pay your rent or house payment. You can get help paying your rent if you’re eligible for the Section 8 voucher program. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a public assistance program that assists low-income families in paying the rent.

Low-income families use vouchers to help them buy houses. The voucher program helps lift more than 1 million people out of poverty and reduces homelessness. Families also get a better education and development benefits. Low-income families use vouchers to help them buy houses.

Section 8 vouchers are given out by the government to low-income families. To get them, you need to prove that you’re poor enough to qualify. The government checks your income each year. If you make less than the poverty level, you can get a voucher.
People who get Section 8 housing assistance don’t have to pay most of the rent. Only a fraction of the rent is covered by your voucher. You still have to pay some money, but not as much as you would if you didn’t have housing assistance.

Section 8 Housing Family Definition

Families include A family with or with children. A child in temporary foster care and out of the home is a member of the family; an elderly family, which is a family whose household head is at least 62 years of age; or two or more persons who are at least 62 years of age; or at least one individual who is at least 62 years and living with at least one aide.

Displaced families are those in which all members have moved out due to government action, extensive damage to their homes, or whose home has suffered destruction by a natural disaster. Disabled families are those in which at least one member has a disability. Families in which all members are under the age of 18 are considered to be unaccompanied minors. Families are eligible for the benefit if they have lived together in the same household continuously in one of the following households:

A licensed foster home,
A licensed institution for the mentally retarded, or
A licensed group care facility.

The household is not eligible if any member has resided outside (such as temporary work or study) for a period of more than 30 days or there is

Single people are often considered odd or strange by others. They do not fit into any category. Single people often feel isolated and lonely. They may have trouble making friends because they do not fit into the social groups that others are in. A single person may be at a greater risk of abuse or neglect than their married counterparts.

Section 8 Housing Family Income Limits

The FMR is the amount of income a family of four must earn before they can qualify for housing assistance. The FMR is adjusted every year to account for changes in the cost of living. Federal rules are designed to make certain that vouchers go to families who really need them. Generally, a family’s income can’t exceed 50 percent of the area’s median household income.

A housing authority must provide 75 percent of its vouchers to recipients living in extremely low-income areas (households earning less than 30 percent of the area’s average median income, whichever is higher).
The remaining 25 percent of the vouchers are available to families earning up to twice the FMR.

Income Information You Need to Provide

Social security verification letter and proof of benefits.
Proof of income ( pay stubs, W2, tax returns).Bank statements.
Documentation of public aid benefits.
Information on any asset you own.

When you apply, your PWA will gather information on total household income, assets, and family composition. This information will be verified through local agencies, your employer, and your bank and used to determine eligibility and your payment amount. The PWA also uses data from the FAFSA to determine if you are eligible for need-based aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that must be completed by all U.S.

Choosing Affordable Housing Programs

Families can choose any housing, even if it isn’t in a subsidized project, as long as it meets the standards set by HUD. These standards include having a reasonable unit size and rent and being affordable.

Will advise you of housing requirements before looking for a home.

Overall cleanliness.
Sanitary bathroom.
Working kitchen and area.
Trash disposal.
Space and security.
Temperature control.
Lighting. Electricity.
Structure and materials.
Interior air quality.
Water availability and free of lead-based paint.
Access. Area.
Neighborhood.
Smoke detector.

Families should have at least 60 days to spend vouchers before they expire. The voucher can be used to pay rent in a family’s current home or a new home. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8 vouchers and your local PHAs must confirm that the home is suitable for families. You’ll also need to know what kind of housing is available in your area.

The PHA pays the voucher amount directly to the landlord. The family is responsible to pay the difference between the total rental cost and the voucher amount to the landlord directly.

Your Responsibilities for Section 8 Housing as a Tenant

Tenants must follow their lease terms.

Tenants agree to pay the rent in full and on time.
Tenants accept housing that is furnished by their landlord (includes furniture, appliances, etc.).
Tenants are responsible for paying utility bills and other household expenses. Tenants are responsible for keeping their units clean and free of the trash.
Tenants are responsible for maintaining their unit as a home.
Tenants agree to manage the property in a manner that is safe, sanitary, and in accordance with all applicable laws.

After a PHA approves a tenant’s home, the family signs a one-year lease. During this time the PHA and landlord enter into a housing assistance payment contract. Both parties have responsibilities under the Section 8 voucher program. These include the tenant-landlord, PHA, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Tenants must pay a security deposit equal to one months’ rent. Landlords may not charge more than one month’s rent as a security deposit. A one-year lease is required after the first year.

The family must follow the rules of the lease agreement. No family member may be involved in illegal activities.
All family members must pay rent on time. The family must maintain the property in good condition. The family must inform the PHA if there is an increase in income or a change in family composition.

Landlords are responsible for providing safe and decent housing to families who receive public assistance. They are required to provide housing units that meet HQS standards. They are also expected not to charge unreasonable rents or evict tenants without cause.

Housing authorities must provide housing vouchers to families. They must enter into contracts with landlords to make sure that they pay rent. They must conduct yearly inspections of homes to ensure they continue to meet minimum standards.

HUD’s role is to administer funds to the local PHAS. H U D also pays the PHAS a fee for the costs associated with administering the program. HUD also invites PHAs to apply to receive funds for additional housing vouchers.
HUD reviews the applications and awards funding on a competitive basis.
Finally, HUD oversees the PHAS administration of the program to make sure that the rules are being followed.

Continuing Section Benefits After a Move

Families who receive Section 8 vouchers are required to inform PHAs of their new address before moving. They are also responsible for ending their current lease within the terms of their lease agreement and finding housing meeting HUD standards wherever they move.

HUD will not pay the tenant’s current rent at their new address, but it may make arrangements for the tenant to continue receiving Section 8 benefits at their new address. HUD will also reimburse the tenant for any additional costs incurred due to their move (such as moving expenses).

New voucher recipients can pick housing any place in the US as long as the family lives within the service area of PHA issuing the voucher when they first apply for vouchers.

If a family does not live within the service areas of the PHA they apply with at the time of applying, they must lease a house in that service area for 1 year while receiving voucher assistance.

Families who want to move must contact their local PHA to confirm the procedure before moving. This will avoid losing or having lapses in benefits.

First-time home buyer. No family member has ever owned or partially owned their house for 3 years. No primary member has owned or partially owns the residential property for 3 years.

Minimum income requirement: qualified annual income of the homeowners should be greater than $2,000 times the hourly federal minimum wage.
Families who receive welfare benefits are not considered as part of the poverty line. This means that if you’re receiving government assistance, your family doesn’t qualify for any other services.

At least one homeowner is currently working full time. A homeowner must be employed full-time for at least one year before being eligible for assistance.

Owners and Landlords

If you’re a homeowner, you must be working full-time to qualify. The part-time work requirement has been waived for the first two years of ownership.

If you’re a landlord, you can work as little or as much as you want to. You don’t have to meet the full-time requirement. However, it is recommended that landlords be working full-time to qualify for assistance.

Contact the Section Customer Service Center

The OPIH’s customer service center is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Callers should be prepared to provide the following information when calling the customer service line:

Name and phone number of the tenant
Date of service request (month/day/year)

For further information:

Contact the Division of Rental Assistance at (617) 573-1150, or the local housing authority in a community of your choice.