Program · often called Section 8

Housing Choice Voucher

Rent help for a home you choose in the private market. You find a place that passes inspection, we pay part of the rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest — generally about 30% of your adjusted income.

Apply for a voucher Waiting listsClosed Information for landlords

How the program works

You choose
Find a house or apartment from a private owner — in any neighborhood — that fits your family and your voucher size.
It passes inspection
We inspect the unit to HUD standards and check that the rent is reasonable compared with similar homes nearby.
We pay the owner
Under a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract we pay our share of the rent directly to the landlord every month.
You pay your share
Your share is generally 30% of your adjusted monthly income, and no more than 40% when you first move in.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and run locally by the housing authority. Assistance stays with the family, not the unit: after your first year you may move and keep your help.

How much we pay depends on your income, your household size and the payment standard for your voucher size. If the rent plus utilities is higher than the payment standard, you pay the difference — but at move-in your total share cannot be more than 40% of your adjusted monthly income.

From application to move-in

1
Apply
Submit a pre-application while the HCV waiting list is open.
2
Waiting list
Your name is placed on the list by preference and date and time, or by lottery when we say so in the opening notice.
3
Selection
When your name is reached we send a letter asking you to complete a full application. Keep your address and phone number current.
4
Eligibility interview
We verify income, assets, household members, citizenship status and screening.
5
Briefing
An orientation that explains how to search, family obligations, portability and your rights under fair housing law.
6
Voucher issued
You receive a voucher for your family’s size. It is valid for 120 days; extensions may be granted for good cause.
7
Search
Look for a unit with any owner willing to rent to you. Our landlord list is a starting point, not a limit.
8
Request for Tenancy Approval
When an owner agrees, you both complete the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) and return it to us.
9
Inspection
We inspect the unit and review the rent. Any failed items must be fixed before assistance can begin.
10
HAP contract and lease
You sign the lease with the owner and we sign the HAP contract. Payments to the owner start, and you move in.

Payment standards

The payment standard is the most we can use to calculate the subsidy for a unit of a given size. It is set between 90% and 110% of HUD’s Fair Market Rent and reviewed every year.

Payment standards
Voucher size	Payment standard	Effective
Studio	$1,380	Jan 1, 2026
1 bedroom	$1,520	Jan 1, 2026
2 bedrooms	$1,810	Jan 1, 2026
3 bedrooms	$2,280	Jan 1, 2026
4 bedrooms	$2,540	Jan 1, 2026

Your voucher size is based on household size under the subsidy standards in our Administrative Plan. The standard used is the lower of your voucher size and the unit size.

Utility allowances

If you pay utilities such as gas, electric or water yourself, part of your share is set aside for them. The figures below are typical totals for a unit where the tenant pays heat, cooking, electricity and hot water; the allowance for your unit depends on which utilities you pay and the type of building.

Utility allowances
Unit size	Typical monthly allowance
Studio	$62
1 bedroom	$84
2 bedrooms	$105
3 bedrooms	$129
4 bedrooms	$151

Full utility allowance schedule (PDF)

Moving with your voucher (portability)

Portability lets you use your voucher anywhere in the United States where there is a housing agency running a voucher program.
If you did not live in our jurisdiction when you applied, you must rent here for your first 12 months before moving elsewhere, unless we agree otherwise or you are protected under VAWA.
Tell us in writing before you move, and do not end your lease in violation of its terms. We contact the receiving agency and send your paperwork.
The receiving agency will apply its own payment standards and may re-screen your family.

Family obligations

Supply any information we or HUD ask for, and report changes in income or household members as required.
Allow the unit to be inspected at reasonable times and after notice.
Do not commit any serious or repeated violation of the lease.
Notify the owner and us in writing before moving out or ending the lease.
Use the unit as the family’s only residence, and get approval before adding anyone to the household.
Do not sublet, own or have any interest in the unit, or receive assistance for another unit at the same time.
Do not commit fraud, bribery or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with the program.
Do not engage in drug-related or violent criminal activity, or abuse alcohol in a way that threatens others.
Pay utilities and provide appliances that the owner is not required to provide, and do not damage the unit beyond normal wear and tear.

HCV contacts

For questions about your voucher, your annual review or a move, contact the Housing Choice Voucher office.