How to Become a Landlord Who Accepts Section 8 Vouchers

What you need to do to rent to Section 8 tenants

To rent to someone using a Section 8 voucher, you register your property with your local Public Housing Authority (PHA), pass a housing inspection, and sign a lease that follows Section 8 rules. The PHA then pays a portion of the rent directly to you each month, and the tenant pays the rest. You are not required to accept Section 8 tenants — it is entirely your choice — but if you decide to participate, the process is straightforward and the rent payment is reliable.

The biggest difference from a standard rental is the inspection. Your unit must meet specific safety and maintenance standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Once you pass, you can rent to voucher holders, and the PHA handles income verification and tenant screening on their end. You still set the rent amount, but it cannot exceed the "payment standard" the PHA sets for your area.

Key Takeaways

You contact your local Public Housing Authority to express interest in becoming a Section 8 landlord, and they provide you with the registration process and current payment standards for your area.
Your property must pass a HUD housing inspection covering things like working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, and structural safety before you can rent to a voucher holder.
You set the rent amount, but it cannot be higher than the payment standard the PHA publishes for your neighborhood and unit size.
The PHA pays you a portion of rent each month and the tenant pays the remainder, and you sign a lease that includes Section 8 contract terms.
You retain the right to screen tenants, enforce lease rules, and evict for cause, just as you would with any other rental.

Finding and contacting your local Public Housing Authority

Every county or city has a Public Housing Authority that administers Section 8 vouchers in that area. You can find yours by searching "[your city or county] Public Housing Authority" online, or by visiting the HUD website and using their PHA locator tool. Call or visit their website to ask about becoming a Section 8 landlord.

When you contact them, tell them you own a rental property and want to know how to participate in the Section 8 program. They will send you an owner packet that explains the rules, the payment standards for your area (which tell you the maximum rent you can charge), and the steps to register your property. Some PHAs allow you to start the process online; others require you to come in person or mail forms back.

Understanding payment standards and rent limits

The PHA publishes a payment standard for each area, which is the maximum monthly rent they will help pay for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and larger units. This amount varies by neighborhood and changes annually. You can charge less than the payment standard, but not more.

For example, if the payment standard for a two-bedroom in your area is $1,200 per month, you can charge $1,200 or less. If you want to charge $1,300, you cannot rent to a Section 8 tenant at that price. The tenant's portion of the rent is calculated based on their income (usually 30 percent of what they earn), and the PHA pays the difference up to the payment standard. If you charge below the standard, the tenant pays less.

The housing inspection and what it covers

Before you can rent to a Section 8 tenant, a HUD inspector will visit your property and check that it meets safety and livability standards. This is not a pass-fail on cleanliness — it is a check for things that affect health and safety. The inspector looks for working heat, hot water, electricity, plumbing, and a roof that does not leak. They check that doors and windows lock, that there are no exposed wiring or lead paint hazards, and that the unit is structurally sound.

You will receive a list of any issues before the inspection, so you know what to expect. If the inspector finds problems, you have time to fix them and request a re-inspection. Once your property passes, you receive a certificate of inspection that is valid for a set period (usually one year). After that, the PHA may do annual inspections or inspections when a new tenant moves in.

Registering your property and signing the owner contract

After your property passes inspection, you register it with the PHA by completing their owner registration form. This form asks for your property address, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and your contact information. You will also sign an owner contract — a legal agreement between you and the PHA that spells out your rights and responsibilities.

The owner contract says you will maintain the property to Section 8 standards, charge rent no higher than the payment standard, and follow fair housing laws. It also says the PHA will pay you on time each month and that you can evict a tenant for lease violations just as you would in a regular rental. The contract is not permanent; you can stop participating at any time by giving notice, usually 30 days.

How rent payment works each month

Once you have a Section 8 tenant in place, rent payment happens in two parts. The PHA sends you their portion directly to your bank account or by check, usually on the first of the month or shortly after. The tenant pays you their share, which is their responsibility just like any other renter. If the tenant does not pay their portion, you can pursue eviction for non-payment, and the PHA will continue paying their share.

The rent split depends on the tenant's income. If a tenant earns $2,000 per month and their portion is set at 30 percent, they pay $600 and the PHA pays the rest (up to the payment standard). If the tenant's income changes, their portion may change, but the PHA will notify you of any adjustment. You do not have to renegotiate the lease; the change is automatic under Section 8 rules.

Your rights and responsibilities as a Section 8 landlord

You retain most of the same rights you have with any tenant. You can screen applicants, check references and credit, and choose which voucher holder to rent to. You can enforce your lease, charge late fees if your lease allows it, and evict for lease violations or non-payment. The PHA does not override your authority as a landlord.

Your main responsibility is to keep the property in Section 8 condition — meaning it must pass inspection standards throughout the tenancy. You cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. You must also accept the rent payment from the PHA without penalty; you cannot charge a higher rent to Section 8 tenants than to others, and you cannot refuse to rent to someone solely because they use a voucher.

Common reasons landlords choose to participate

Many landlords rent to Section 8 tenants because the PHA payment is reliable and on time. You do not have to chase down the tenant's portion from the PHA — they send it automatically. The tenant's portion is their responsibility, but if they do not pay, you can evict, and the PHA continues paying theirs. This makes the income predictable compared to a standard rental where you might have to pursue collection or eviction yourself.

Another reason is that the PHA screens tenants for you. They verify income, check references, and confirm the tenant's identity. You still do your own screening if you want to, but you are not starting from zero. Some landlords also find that Section 8 tenants stay longer because they have stable housing support, which can reduce turnover costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refuse to rent to someone with a Section 8 voucher?

Yes. You are not required to participate in Section 8. However, once you decide to rent to voucher holders, you cannot refuse to rent to someone solely because they use a voucher. You can still screen tenants based on credit, criminal history, references, and income — the same criteria you would use for any applicant.

What if a Section 8 tenant stops paying their share of the rent?

You can evict them for non-payment, just as you would any other tenant. The PHA will continue paying their portion even during an eviction. You follow your state's eviction process, which usually involves giving notice and filing in court. The PHA does not intervene in evictions.

Can I raise the rent on a Section 8 tenant?

You can raise the rent, but it cannot exceed the payment standard the PHA sets for your area. If you want to raise it, you typically give notice at lease renewal (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on your state). The tenant's portion may increase, decrease, or stay the same depending on their income at that time.

How often does the PHA inspect the property?

After the initial inspection, the PHA usually inspects annually or when a new tenant moves in. Some PHAs inspect less frequently if there are no complaints. You can also request an inspection if you make major repairs or upgrades. If the property fails inspection, you have time to fix the issues and request a re-inspection.

What happens if my property fails inspection?

You receive a list of what needs to be fixed. You have a set amount of time (usually 30 days) to make repairs and request a re-inspection. If you do not fix the problems, the PHA can remove your property from the program. Once you fix the issues, you can re-register and continue renting to voucher holders.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.