What it means for a home to "take" Section 8

A home that takes Section 8 is one where the landlord has agreed to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program. This means the landlord will accept a voucher as payment for part or all of the rent, and the Public Housing Authority (PHA) will pay them directly. The tenant pays the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

Not all landlords participate. Some refuse vouchers entirely. Others accept them but have restrictions — they may not rent to voucher holders in certain units, or they may require higher income or credit scores from voucher tenants than from other renters. A home that "takes Section 8" is straightforward one where the landlord has chosen to work with the program.

The landlord's decision to participate is voluntary. They can stop accepting vouchers at any time, though they must give existing tenants notice and cannot evict someone solely because their voucher ends — the tenant has the right to stay and pay the difference out of pocket, or to move with their voucher to another unit.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PHA maintains a list of landlords who accept vouchers, though the list is often incomplete and landlords may have changed their policy since it was last updated.
  • You can search for units online through sites like Zillow and Craigslist by filtering for "Section 8 accepted," but you must verify the landlord's participation directly before explore.
  • Landlords who accept vouchers can still reject you for other reasons — credit, income, criminal history, or references — just as they would any other tenant.
  • The rent you pay out of pocket is capped at 30 percent of your income, but the total rent the landlord charges must fall within your voucher's payment standard for that area.

Getting the list from your Public Housing Authority

Your PHA keeps a list of landlords and properties that accept Section 8 vouchers. You can request this list in person, by phone, or sometimes online through the PHA's website. The list usually includes the landlord's name, address, phone number, and sometimes the number of units they have available.

Be aware that this list is often outdated. Landlords move, sell properties, or stop accepting vouchers without notifying the PHA when ready. A landlord on the list may no longer participate, or a landlord not on the list may have recently decided to accept vouchers. Always call the landlord directly to confirm they are currently accepting new voucher tenants before you spend time on an process.

Some PHAs have moved their lists online. You can search by neighborhood or landlord name on their website. Others only distribute printed lists. Contact your local PHA to find out how to get theirs.

Searching online for Section 8 landlords

Zillow, Craigslist, Apartments.com, and other rental sites let you filter for "Section 8 accepted" or "voucher friendly." This can be faster than calling through a PHA list, especially if you are looking in a specific neighborhood or price range. However, the same warning applies: the listing may be old, or the landlord's policy may have changed.

When you find a listing that says Section 8 is accepted, contact the landlord or property manager directly. Ask whether they are currently accepting new voucher tenants, what their income and credit requirements are, and whether there are any units available in your price range. Do not assume the listing is current.

Some landlords use these sites to advertise but do not actively manage them. If you cannot reach someone by phone or email, try looking up the property address on the county assessor's website to find the owner's contact information, or ask a local tenant organization for help locating the landlord.

What landlords can and cannot require from voucher tenants

A landlord who accepts Section 8 can still screen you the way they would any other tenant. They can require references from previous landlords, run a credit check, verify your income, and check your criminal history. They can reject you if your credit is poor, if you have an eviction on your record, or if a previous landlord reports problems.

What they cannot do is treat you differently because you hold a voucher. They cannot charge you a higher security deposit, require a co-signer, or demand a larger upfront payment just because you are a voucher tenant. They cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you use Section 8. If they do, that is discrimination, and you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Some landlords set income requirements that are higher than the PHA's limits. For example, they might require your income to be three times the rent, even though the PHA only requires it to be enough to cover your 30 percent share. This is legal. You will need to meet their standards to rent from them, even with a voucher.

Understanding rent limits and your voucher amount

Your voucher has a payment standard — the maximum amount the PHA will pay toward rent in your area. This amount varies by bedroom size and by neighborhood. A one-bedroom in one part of town might have a payment standard of $900, while a one-bedroom in another area might be $1,100.

The rent the landlord charges must not exceed the payment standard for that unit size and location. If the rent is $950 and your payment standard is $900, the landlord cannot charge you the difference. Instead, the PHA pays $900 and the landlord absorbs the extra $50, or the landlord must lower the rent.

You pay 30 percent of your income toward rent, and the PHA pays the rest, up to the payment standard. If your income is $1,500 per month, you pay $450, and the PHA pays up to $900 (or whatever your payment standard is). If the rent is lower than the payment standard, you pay less.

The inspection and approval process

Once you and the landlord agree on a unit, the PHA must inspect it before you can move in. The inspection checks that the unit meets housing quality standards — the roof does not leak, the plumbing works, there is adequate heat, the electrical system is safe, and so on. The landlord must fix any problems before the PHA approves the lease.

This inspection protects you. It ensures the unit is actually habitable and that the landlord cannot rent you a dangerous or neglected property just because you are a voucher tenant. If the landlord refuses to make repairs, the PHA will not approve the lease, and you can look for another unit.

The inspection and approval process usually takes two to four weeks. During this time, you should not move in or pay rent. Once the PHA approves the unit and the lease is signed, the voucher becomes active for that address.

What to do if you cannot find a landlord who accepts vouchers

In some neighborhoods, very few landlords accept Section 8. This is a real barrier, and it is not your fault. If you are struggling to find a unit, contact your PHA and ask whether they have a landlord recruitment program. Some PHAs actively work to bring new landlords into the program by explaining how it works and addressing their concerns.

You can also reach out to local tenant organizations, community action agencies, or housing nonprofits. They often know which landlords are accepting vouchers and can sometimes help you negotiate with a landlord who is hesitant. Some organizations offer landlord incentives — grants to cover repairs or damage, for example — which can make participation more attractive.

If you have been looking for a long time without success, ask your PHA about a reasonable accommodation request if you have a disability. The PHA may be able to adjust the payment standard or other rules to help you find housing. You can also ask about a search extension if your voucher is about to expire — the PHA can extend the time you have to find a unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord evict me if they stop accepting Section 8?

No. If you are already renting with a voucher, the landlord cannot evict you just because they decide to leave the program. You have the right to stay and either continue using your voucher (if the PHA approves) or pay the full rent yourself. The landlord must give you written notice of any changes to the lease terms.

What if the landlord says they accept Section 8 but then refuses to work with my PHA?

Contact your PHA and report what happened. The PHA can investigate and may remove the landlord from their list or take other action. You can also file a discrimination complaint with HUD if you believe the landlord is refusing to work with you because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Do I have to use my voucher at the first place that accepts it?

No. You can look at multiple units and choose the one that works best for you, as long as it meets the PHA's standards and the rent is within the payment standard. Take your time and find a place you want to live.

Can a landlord charge me more if I use Section 8?

No. The rent must be the same whether you pay with a voucher or with your own money. If a landlord quotes you a higher rent because you mentioned Section 8, that is discrimination. Report it to your PHA or to HUD.

What happens if the landlord's rent goes up after I move in?

The landlord can request a rent increase, but it must be reasonable and the new rent cannot exceed the payment standard for your area. The PHA must approve any increase before it takes effect. You cannot be forced to pay more than 30 percent of your income.