What is Section 8?

Question

As I'm looking for a place to rent in Northern CA? But I have a question what do they mean with (Section 8 OK) is it some kind of prgram? Who qualifies for this program? How does it work? Thanks!!!

Answer 1

I am a social worker in NYC, section 8 is a government subsidized housing program. YOu have to be accepted by the city to be a recipient. An application is completed and sent in to the local section 8 office. You can find it on your local .gov website. It is based on income and resource levels and family size. If approved you receive a voucher and you are able to find a place of your own and the landlord has to accept the section 8 as well. It is different from public housing because you are able to find your own apt. Some private apt buildings accept section 8 or homeowner who rent out accept section 8. If a landlord requires 1200 rent, gov pays a percentage and you pay about 1/3 of the rent.

Answer 2

Section 8 is the Housing Choice Voucher Program from HUD. It's a rental payment assistance program for lower income people who can qualify for it. Since it is not mandatory for a landlord to accept a tenant who is using the Section 8 assistance program, apparently these landlords are advertising that they WILL accept such applicants.

Answer 3

Section 8 is a housing subsidy program by the government. In my neck of the woods, you generally want to avoid Section 8 housing. I think it's income/need based.

Answer 4

Basically, you have to qualify for government housing assistance by being low-income:

http://www.affordablehousingonline.com/section8housing.asp