How Does Subsidized Housing Work?

Determine Eligibility and Apply

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, provides low-income families an opportunity to live in suitable housing at a modest cost. Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to determine eligibility and complete the application process.

Find Suitable Housing

Once you have submitted your application and been approved for a housing voucher, you are ready to find a home that meets your needs. PHA may direct you to a specific community with known vacancies, or you may have the option to choose where you want to live.

Enter Lease Agreement

Notify PHA once you have found a suitable home so that an inspection can be performed. Once the inspector deems the home safe for dwelling, a lease agreement can be entered between the tenant, landlord and PHA.

The landlord sets his rental price, and the subsidy amount is based upon the Fair Market Rent of the respective area. The tenant is responsible for any difference between the monthly rental and the subsidized amount. That difference however, cannot exceed 30 percent of the tenant's household income. PHA subsidy payments will be made to the landlord directly.

Resources

• U.S. Housing and Urban Development site