Section 8 is a federal housing assistance program that provides rental subsidies to low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities through Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, is the federal government's largest rental assistance program. Authorized under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, it helps approximately 2.3 million low-income households afford safe, decent housing in the private market.
The program works by providing a subsidy — called a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) — directly to landlords on behalf of participating tenants. The tenant pays the difference between the actual rent and the subsidy amount, which is generally 30% of their adjusted gross income. This structure ensures that low-income families are not overburdened by housing costs.
Section 8 is administered locally by approximately 2,200 Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) across the country. Each PHA receives funding from HUD and manages its own waiting list, inspections, and landlord relationships. Eligibility is based primarily on household income — applicants must earn below 50% of the area median income (AMI), with 75% of new admissions reserved for households at or below 30% of AMI.
One of the key advantages of Section 8 is portability: voucher holders can use their assistance in any jurisdiction with a participating PHA, not just the area where they originally applied. This gives families more flexibility to choose housing near employment, schools, and community resources.
For landlords and real estate investors, Section 8 provides a reliable income stream backed by federal funding. Rents are set based on Fair Market Rent (FMR) levels, and the government portion of rent is paid directly and on time each month. Use FMR8.com to look up FMR rates and evaluate potential Section 8 rental income for any ZIP code.
Section 8 is a federal rental assistance program (officially the Housing Choice Voucher program) that helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market. The government pays a portion of rent directly to landlords.
Eligibility is based on household income, family size, and citizenship status. Generally, applicants must earn below 50% of the area median income. Priority is given to extremely low-income households (below 30% AMI). Each local Public Housing Authority manages its own waiting list.
Section 8 pays the difference between what a tenant can afford (generally 30% of their adjusted income) and the approved rent amount, up to the PHA's payment standard. Payment standards are based on Fair Market Rent (FMR) rates set by HUD.
Look up current Section 8 Fair Market Rent rates by ZIP code, city, or state.