What Go Section 8 Is and What It Is Not
Go Section 8 is a private website that lists landlords willing to rent to people using Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). It is not a government program, not a voucher issuer, and not a place to request a voucher. You must already hold a voucher from your local housing authority before Go Section 8 is useful to you.
The site functions as a searchable directory. Landlords post rental units they will accept with Section 8 payment. Tenants search by location, rent amount, and unit type, then contact landlords directly. Go Section 8 does not process applications, verify income, or issue vouchers — it only connects people who have vouchers with landlords who accept them.
Many housing authorities have their own landlord lists or referral systems. Go Section 8 is one private option among several. Some people find it useful; others work directly with their housing authority's list or use a combination of sources.
Key Takeaways
- Go Section 8 is a searchable website for finding rental units, not a government program or voucher issuer.
- You must already have a Section 8 voucher from your local housing authority before searching on Go Section 8.
- Landlords on the site have agreed to accept Section 8 payment, but you still negotiate lease terms and pass a background check with them.
- Your housing authority, not Go Section 8, determines whether a unit meets program rules and whether your voucher will cover the rent.
- Go Section 8 is free to use, but some landlords may charge process fees once you contact them directly.
How to Use Go Section 8 if You Already Have a Voucher
Start by creating a free account on the Go Section 8 website. You will enter your location, desired rent range, and unit preferences (bedroom count, pet policy, accessibility needs). The site then shows available listings from landlords in your area who accept Section 8.
When you find a unit that interests you, contact the landlord directly through the site or using the contact information provided. The landlord will ask for your voucher details, income verification, and references. You will also undergo a background and credit check, just as you would with any rental process.
Once you and the landlord agree on a unit, your housing authority must inspect it and approve the lease before any payment begins. This inspection step is separate from Go Section 8 — your housing authority handles it. The landlord cannot legally accept Section 8 payment until the housing authority has signed off.
What Your Housing Authority Does That Go Section 8 Cannot
Your local housing authority issues the voucher, sets the payment standard (the maximum rent they will cover in your area), and determines whether a specific unit and lease meet program rules. Go Section 8 shows you options, but your housing authority makes the final decision about whether to pay.
The housing authority also inspects the unit for safety and habitability before approving it. They verify that the rent amount does not exceed the payment standard for your area and that the lease complies with federal rules. If a unit fails inspection or the rent is too high, your housing authority will not process payment, even if you and the landlord have agreed.
Your housing authority also handles rent payment itself. Once everything is approved, the housing authority pays the landlord directly each month. You pay your portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income) to the landlord separately.
Landlord Participation and What It Means
Landlords who list on Go Section 8 have chosen to accept Section 8 tenants. This does not mean they are vetted by the government or by Go Section 8 itself. It means they have posted a listing and agreed to consider Section 8 applicants.
Some landlords use Go Section 8 actively and respond quickly. Others post listings but rarely update them, so a unit may no longer be available even though it appears on the site. Always confirm availability and current rent before investing time in an process.
Landlords can still reject you for legitimate reasons: failed background check, insufficient income, poor rental history, or straightforward choosing another applicant. Having a voucher does not override a landlord's right to screen tenants. Go Section 8 does not mediate disputes between tenants and landlords.
Common Confusion: Go Section 8 Versus Your Housing Authority
Many people confuse Go Section 8 with their housing authority because both relate to Section 8. The housing authority is the government body that issued your voucher and manages your case. Go Section 8 is a private website that lists rental options.
If you have questions about your voucher amount, your income recertification, or whether a unit meets program rules, contact your housing authority. If you have questions about how to search Go Section 8 or how to contact a landlord on the site, Go Section 8 customer support can help, but they cannot answer questions about your voucher itself.
Your housing authority can also provide you with a list of landlords who accept Section 8 in your area. Some housing authorities maintain their own databases. Comparing your housing authority's list with Go Section 8 may give you more options.
Costs and What to Watch For
Creating an account on Go Section 8 is free. Searching listings is free. However, once you contact a landlord and move toward an process, the landlord may charge an process fee (typically $25 to $75) to run a background and credit check. This is standard rental practice and is not specific to Section 8.
Be cautious of landlords who demand payment before you have seen the unit or signed a lease. Legitimate landlords do not ask for deposits or fees until after you have been approved. If a landlord asks for money upfront to "hold" a unit or to process your voucher, that is a red flag.
Some landlords may also charge a lease signing fee or require first month's rent and a security deposit, just as they would for any tenant. Your housing authority will review the lease terms and rent amount before approving payment, so you will know the full cost before you commit.
Alternatives to Go Section 8
Your housing authority's own landlord list or referral service is often the first place to look. Many housing authorities maintain databases of landlords who have worked with Section 8 tenants before and know the program rules.
You can also search general rental sites like Craigslist, Zillow, or Apartments.com and contact landlords directly to ask if they accept Section 8. Many do, even if they do not advertise it. Word of mouth from other Section 8 tenants in your area can also lead to available units.
Some nonprofits and community organizations help Section 8 tenants find housing. They may have landlord networks or can advise you on how to approach landlords in your area. Your housing authority can point you toward these resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Go Section 8 account to get a Section 8 voucher?
No. You request a voucher from your local housing authority, not from Go Section 8. Go Section 8 is only useful after you already have a voucher and are searching for a rental unit.
Can I use Go Section 8 if I am on the waiting list for a voucher?
No. You must hold an active voucher before landlords will consider you. Once you receive your voucher from your housing authority, then you can search Go Section 8.
What if a landlord on Go Section 8 says they will not accept my voucher amount?
Move on to another landlord. Your housing authority sets the payment standard for your area, and landlords who accept Section 8 should understand that limit. If a landlord demands rent above the payment standard, your housing authority will not pay the difference, and you cannot afford it yourself.
Does Go Section 8 may provide I will find a unit?
No. Go Section 8 is a search tool, not a may provide. Availability depends on your area, your voucher amount, and landlord willingness. In tight rental markets, finding a unit can take weeks or months, even with a voucher.
Can Go Section 8 help me if my landlord and I disagree about the lease?
No. Go Section 8 does not mediate landlord-tenant disputes. If you have a conflict with a landlord, contact your housing authority or a local tenant rights organization for guidance.