How to Apply for Section 8: Eligibility & Process Explained

May 9, 2025 - 14:51

If you're struggling with housing costs, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program can provide financial assistance to help you afford safe and decent housing. This federally funded program is administered by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and helps low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals pay for rent in privately owned homes.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Section 8 eligibility requirements
How to apply for Section 8
The waiting list process
How landlords participate in Section 8
The differences between Section 8, Section 21, and Section 13 evictions
What happens if you receive an eviction notice

What Is Section 8 Housing?

The Section 8 program provides rental assistance to eligible tenants, allowing them to pay only a portion of their income toward rent (usually 30%). The remaining rent is covered by the government through a voucher system.

Unlike public housing, where tenants live in government-owned properties, Section 8 allows participants to choose their own rental homes, including apartments, townhouses, or single-family homes, as long as the landlord accepts vouchers.

Section 8 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Section 8, applicants must meet certain criteria:

1. Income Limits

Your household income must be below 50% of the median income in your area. Priority is often given to:

Families earning less than 30% of the median income
Elderly or disabled individuals
Veterans or homeless individuals

2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.

3. Background Checks

PHAs will check for:

Criminal history (some felonies may disqualify you)
Past evictions (especially related to Section 8 eviction notice violations)
Rental history

4. Family Status

Preference may be given to families with children, pregnant women, or those displaced by natural disasters.

How to Apply for Section 8

Step 1: Find Your Local PHA

Each state and county has its own PHA. You can search for yours on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website.

Step 2: Check Waiting List Status

Due to high demand, many PHAs have long waiting lists. Some open applications periodically, while others keep them open indefinitely.

Step 3: Submit an Application

You’ll need:

Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
Social Security numbers for all household members
Identification (driver’s license, birth certificate)
Rental history

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Once approved, you’ll receive a voucher and must find a landlord who accepts Section 8.

How Landlords Participate in Section 8

Landlords who accept Section 8 tenants must:

Pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection
Agree to rent amounts set by the PHA
Follow fair housing laws

Benefits for landlords include:

Guaranteed rent payments (a portion comes directly from the government)
Lower tenant turnover (Section 8 tenants often stay longer)

However, some landlords avoid Section 8 due to strict regulations or concerns about Section 8 eviction notice difficulties.

Evictions Under Section 8: What Tenants & Landlords Should Know

Evictions in rental properties can happen under different legal frameworks, including Section 8 eviction notice, Section 21 eviction, and Section 13 eviction. Here’s how they differ:

1. Section 8 Eviction Notice

Landlords must follow strict rules when evicting a Section 8 tenant.
They must provide a valid reason (nonpayment, lease violations, property damage).
The PHA must be notified, and tenants may have additional protections.

2. Section 21 Eviction (UK Law – No-Fault Eviction)

In the UK, a Section 21 eviction allows landlords to remove tenants without giving a reason after the fixed-term lease ends.
Unlike Section 8, this is a "no-fault" eviction.

3. Section 13 Eviction (UK Law – Rent Increase Disputes)

A Section 13 notice is used when landlords want to increase rent, and tenants refuse.
If unresolved, it can lead to eviction proceedings.

What to Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice

Review the notice – Ensure it’s legally valid (correct time frame, proper reason).
Contact legal aid or a tenant eviction specialist – They can help negotiate or fight wrongful evictions.
Attend court hearings – Ignoring an eviction notice leads to automatic loss.

Tenant Eviction Specialists: Who They Are & How They Help

Tenant eviction specialists are legal professionals or property management experts who assist landlords or tenants in navigating eviction laws. They can:

Help landlords follow proper eviction procedures
Assist tenants in disputing wrongful evictions
Represent clients in housing court

If you’re facing an eviction under Section 8, Section 21, or Section 13, consulting a specialist can improve your chances of a fair outcome.

Common Challenges with Section 8 Housing

1. Long Waiting Lists

Some areas have waiting lists that last years. Applicants should apply to multiple PHAs if possible.

2. Finding Landlords Who Accept Vouchers

Discrimination against Section 8 tenants is illegal in some states, but many landlords still refuse.

3. Strict Compliance Rules

Tenants must:

Report income changes promptly
Avoid lease violations (no unauthorized occupants, no illegal activities)
Keep the property in good condition

Failure to comply can result in losing the voucher.

Conclusion: Is Section 8 Right for You?

The Section 8 program is a lifeline for low-income families, but the application process can be lengthy and competitive. Understanding eligibility, knowing how to apply, and being aware of eviction rules (such as Section 8 eviction notice, Section 21 eviction, and Section 13 eviction) can help tenants and landlords navigate the system effectively.

If you're struggling with housing costs, apply as soon as possible. If you're a landlord, consider participating in Section 8 to help your community while ensuring steady rental income.

For legal disputes, always consult tenant eviction specialists to protect your rights.

Would you like help finding your local PHA or understanding eviction notices? Let us know in the comments!