Understanding HUD Section 8 Housing: A Complete Guide to the Housing Choice Voucher Program
Finding affordable housing can be one of the greatest challenges for families and individuals with limited income. The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)—commonly referred to as Section 8 housing—is designed to help. This federal program provides rental subsidies in the form of vouchers that eligible participants can use toward housing costs.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program is administered locally by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). In Maryland, for example, PHAs operate at both the county and city level to oversee eligibility, process applications, manage waitlists, and ensure housing standards are met.
This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 Housing?
Eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher Program is based on income, household size, and other requirements:
Income limits: Families must meet HUD’s income guidelines, which vary by location. Generally, households must fall within the extremely low-income or very low-income categories.
Citizenship status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
Social Security number: The head of household must provide a valid Social Security number.
Background check: Certain criminal convictions may make an applicant ineligible. (See HUD’s HCV Guidebook for details.)
You can check current income limits for your area on HUD’s website.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing
To apply, you must submit an application through your local Public Housing Agency. Steps include:
Locate your PHA: Use HUD’s Public Housing Agency Directory or, in Maryland, check the Maryland Housing Choice Voucher contacts.
Submit documentation: This typically includes:
Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits statements, bank info)
Proof of citizenship or immigration status
Social Security cards for all household members
Other forms of assistance (SSI, SNAP, TANF, etc.)
Waitlist placement: Due to high demand, many PHAs maintain long waitlists. Some waitlists may be closed, so it is often wise to apply to multiple PHAs.
Stay updated: Keep your PHA informed of changes in your household, address, or phone number.
What Happens After You Apply
Once your application is reviewed and accepted:
Waitlist: Your name will be added to the waiting list. Wait times can vary from months to years, depending on availability.
Selection: When you reach the top of the list, your PHA will verify your eligibility and invite you to a voucher orientation session.
Voucher issued: You’ll be given a voucher, usually valid for 60–120 days, to search for a rental unit.
How the Voucher Works
The voucher helps cover a portion of your rent:
Tenant portion (Total Tenant Payment or TTP): Typically 30% of your adjusted monthly income (sometimes up to 40%).
PHA portion (Housing Assistance Payment or HAP): The PHA pays the remainder directly to the landlord, based on HUD’s local payment standards (which vary by location and unit size).
Rent reasonableness: The PHA ensures the rent charged is fair compared to similar units in the area.
Finding a Home with Section 8
Once you have your voucher, it’s your responsibility to find housing. Keep these tips in mind:
Where to search:
Ask your PHA for landlord listings
Use sites like AffordableHousing.com, Realtor.com, or Apartments.com
Check HUD’s Resource Locator for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties (these often accept vouchers)
Landlord education: If a landlord is unfamiliar with the program, direct them to HUD’s website for details.
Fair housing laws: Some states, including Maryland, prohibit landlords from discriminating against voucher holders.
Be prepared: Budget for application fees and security deposits, which are not typically covered by the voucher.
Inspections and Housing Standards
Before you move in, your chosen rental must pass a HUD housing quality standards inspection conducted by the PHA. Inspections cover:
Safe plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Adequate windows, doors, and ventilation
Compliance with lead-based paint rules
General health and safety conditions
PHAs also perform periodic inspections (every 1–2 years) and special inspections (if complaints arise).
What If You Can’t Find Housing in Time?
If you can’t find a unit within the voucher’s initial 60-day period, contact your PHA immediately to request an extension. PHAs may offer additional time if the rental market is especially tight.
Maryland Housing Choice Voucher Contacts
For Maryland residents, voucher administration varies by county and city. Below are some examples of contacts (full list available here):
Baltimore City: Housing Authority of Baltimore City – 443-984-3232
Montgomery County: Housing Opportunities Commission – 240-627-9400
Prince George’s County: Housing Authority – 301-883-5501
Anne Arundel County: Housing Commission – 410-222-6200
For counties such as Caroline, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester, Kent, Dorchester, Cambridge, and Elkton, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) directly administers the program.
Final Thoughts
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) offers a lifeline for families and individuals struggling with high housing costs. While the application process and wait times can be challenging, staying organized, applying to multiple PHAs, and communicating with your local housing agency will help you succeed.
If you are in Maryland, check the Maryland Housing Choice Voucher page for application details and local contacts. For residents outside Maryland, visit HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher information page.
With patience and persistence, Section 8 can provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for you and your family.