In Practice
Section 8 refers to Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and the rental assistance programs built on it. People use the word for several things: the Housing Choice Voucher program, where a household takes a voucher to a private unit, and project-based assistance, where the subsidy stays with specific apartments in a building.
Which one applies changes your day-to-day work. For vouchers, you work with the housing agency on rent approval, inspections and a HAP contract. For project-based properties, the subsidy and rules come through a contract on the building, and recertifications, rent calculations and inspections are part of site operations. In both cases, the government pays part of the rent and the resident pays the rest.
Example: an applicant says they have Section 8. Your first step is to ask which form they have, a voucher or a unit in a project-based property, so you start the right process with the right agency.
The common mistakes are using the term loosely, treating all subsidized households the same and assuming federal law lets you refuse vouchers. Source of income protections in many states and cities make refusing them illegal. Check local law, the agency's rules and counsel.
Not to Be Confused With
Section 8 is rental assistance that pays part of a household's rent. LIHTC is a tax credit that helps build and operate affordable apartments.
Section 8: Common Questions
What does Section 8 mean?
It is the common name for federal rental assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based assistance, named for a section of the 1937 Housing Act.
Is Section 8 the same as public housing?
No. Public housing is owned by housing authorities. Section 8 helps pay rent in privately owned apartments.
How much rent does a Section 8 resident pay?
Generally about 30 percent of adjusted income toward rent and utilities, with the program paying the rest. The exact amount follows program rules.
