Section 8 housing, now commonly known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federally funded rental assistance program in the United States designed to help eligible low-income individuals and families afford safe, quality housing in the private rental market. The program is administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs) under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
. Key features of Section 8 housing include:
- Eligible participants receive a voucher that subsidizes a portion of their rent. Typically, families pay about 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent, and the program pays the remainder directly to the landlord, up to a set limit based on local fair market rents
- Voucher holders can choose any housing that meets program requirements, including single-family homes, apartments, or townhouses, as long as the unit passes HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- There are two main types of vouchers: tenant-based (where the tenant can select housing in the private market) and project-based (where the voucher is tied to a specific housing complex)
- Participation by landlords is voluntary, though some states and municipalities have laws prohibiting discrimination against voucher holders. Landlords must accept reasonable rents and allow inspections to ensure housing quality
- The program prioritizes vulnerable populations, including seniors, disabled persons, and families with children
- Due to high demand, waiting lists for vouchers can be very long, sometimes spanning 10 to 20 years
In summary, Section 8 housing provides critical rental assistance to low- income households, enabling them to secure affordable, safe housing while paying a manageable portion of their income toward rent. The program is a key component of federal efforts to support housing stability and community development
