Renter's Rights for Those on Section 8
Under federal law, low-income families who cannot otherwise afford housing may receive a housing subsidy from the Housing and Urban Development Department. HUD tenants are responsible for paying their part of the rent, following their leases and refraining from disturbing their neighbors. They have the same right to repairs, notice before entry and safe housing as do tenants who independently pay their entire rent.
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Right to Decent Housing
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The Housing and Urban Development Department gives Section 8 tenants the right to a clean, safe living environment. Prior to moving in, a HUD representative must inspect the apartment to ensure that it provides adequate space and meets safety standards. Section 8 tenants cannot live in apartments that contain lead paint, and these tenants have the same right to timely repairs if something in the apartment does not work correctly as any other tenant has.
Right to Organize
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Section 8 tenants may organize for the purpose of supporting one another, making sure all tenants' rights are protected and speaking up as a group if there is a grievance, as well as for any other legitimate purpose. Landlords cannot stop Section 8 tenants from using common areas of an apartment building for this purpose or to post fliers regarding tenant organization meetings or tenant rights in common areas. Section 8 tenants have the right to meet without the landlord or apartment manager being present if they so desire.
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Right to Be Free of Discrimination
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Landlords cannot forbid Section 8 tenants to participate in residential life, use common areas such as laundry rooms or meeting areas or discriminate against them when making rental decisions based on their race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or presence or absence of minor children. As of 2010, landlords are legally allowed to discriminate against Section 8 tenants, as well as other tenants, based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
If You Believe Your Rights Have Been Violated
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Contact your local HUD office to report violations such as landlords refusing to make repairs or interfering with you using common areas. Write down all conversations regarding the matter between you and the landlord as they occur, and save any letters or other correspondence so that you have evidence of your claim. If you believe the landlord illegally discriminated against you, you can call your local HUD Office of Fair and Equal Housing Opportunity.
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