Please note, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist is currently closed.
Please register on the HCV website to be notified when any Section 8 program in the state opens its waiting list.
When a family is approved for a Section 8 home, three main groups work together: the tenant, the landlord, and the Public Housing Agency (PHA).
The tenant and landlord sign a rental agreement. The landlord and PHA also sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract. These agreements explain what each person or agency must do.
Tenant's responsibilities
The tenant must:
- Sign a rental agreement with the landlord, usually for at least one year.
- Pay a security deposit if the landlord requires one. Section 8 does not pay the security deposit.
- Pay their share of the rent on time.
- Follow the rules in the rental agreement.
- Keep the home clean and in good condition.
- Follow the rules of the Section 8 program.
- Tell the PHA about changes in income or family members, complete and submit all required documentation requested by the PHA in a timely manner.
- After the first year, the landlord may offer a new lease or allow the family to stay month-to-month.
Landlord's responsibilities
The landlord must:
- Provide a home that is safe, decent, and sanitary.
- Charge a reasonable rent.
- Make sure the home meets Section 8 housing quality standard rules.
- Keep the home in good condition.
- Provide the services promised in the rental agreement.
- Follow the rules of the HAP contract with the PHA.
- Complete and submit all required documentation requested by the PHA in a timely manner.
PHA's responsibilities
The PHA runs the Section 8 program in the local area.
The PHA must:
- Help families use their vouchers to find suitable housing.
- Pay housing assistance to the landlord on behalf of the family.
- Check the family's income and household information at least once a year.
- Inspect the home to make sure it meets housing quality standard rules.
- Take action if the landlord does not follow the program rules.
- Provide a review process if a family disagrees with a PHA decision.
HUD's responsibilities
HUD oversees the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
HUD:
- Provides money to PHAs to help pay housing assistance.
- Provides additional vouchers when funding is available.
- Reviews how PHAs run the program.
- Ensure that the PHAs follow federal Section 8 rules