How to Apply for Section 8 Housing (Housing Choice Voucher)
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent straight to a private landlord. You usually pay about 30% of your income toward rent. You apply through your local Public Housing Agency. Your income must be below 50% of your area's median. Most vouchers go to households below 30% (the lowest incomes). Waiting lists are often long or closed. So apply early. Apply to more than one agency if you can.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free to apply
- Total time:
- Months to years on waiting lists
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- hud.gov
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go 20 min
Find your local Public Housing Agency (PHA)
Vouchers are run locally, not by Washington. Use the HUD PHA directory to find every housing authority near you. You may apply to more than one. Each one keeps its own waiting list.
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- Before You Go 15 min
Check the income limits for your area
Eligibility is based on Area Median Income (AMI). Household income must be at or below 50% of AMI. By law, 75% of new vouchers go to 'extremely low income' households. These are at or below 30% of AMI. HUD publishes the limits for each county every year.
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- Fill / Prepare 1 hour
Apply while the waiting list is open
Many PHAs keep lists closed for years. They open them for a few days and give public notice. When a list is open, apply online or in person. List every household member. Some people get moved up the list. This includes veterans, elderly people, disabled people, homeless people, and local residents. Claim every preference you qualify for.
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- Wait months–years
Wait — and keep your application current
Waits of 1–5 years are normal in big cities. Tell the PHA right away if your address, income, or household size changes. Agencies remove people who do not respond from the list. They do not give a warning.
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- Go half day
Attend the eligibility interview and briefing
When your name reaches the top, the PHA checks your income. It runs background checks. It holds a briefing to explain how the voucher works. It covers the payment standard for your area. It covers your 30%-of-income share. It covers the 60–120 day window to find a unit that qualifies.
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- Go 1–4 months
Find a landlord and pass inspection
Any private landlord who wants to take part can qualify. The unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection. This checks safety, sanitation, and working utilities. The rent must be 'reasonable' compared with similar units. Then the PHA can approve the lease.
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- Receive —
Sign the lease and recertify yearly
You sign a one-year lease. The PHA pays its share straight to the landlord. You pay about 30% of monthly income. Report income or household changes fast. Recertify every year. If you do not report an increase, you can lose the voucher.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply in more than one city?
Yes. Each PHA runs its own list. So applying to several nearby agencies is smart and allowed. Keep every application updated. A missed letter from any of them can drop you from that list.
Do I need to be a US citizen?
At least one household member must be a citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status families can receive prorated assistance based on the eligible members.
Does a criminal record disqualify me?
Not on its own. PHAs must deny certain drug and sex-offense histories. But most other records are judged case by case. Many agencies look at how old the offense is. They also look at proof that you have changed.
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