How are Section 8 vouchers used by landlords?

The program depends on private landlord participation, since voucher holders use their Section 8 rental assistance to lease apartments on the private market. Tenants pay 30% of their income for rent, with the local housing authority using HUD funds to pay the balance. Units must rent below the area Fair Market Rent, updated each year by HUD.

Why does the government pay for rent vouchers?

Because the federal government pays 70% of the rent, landlords can count on timely payments. Because the tenant contribution is tied to their income, they are more likely to make their payments on time as well. Voucher applicants are also pre-screened by the public housing authority. Tenants go through background checks and income certifications.

What to do if you are being scammed by a landlord?

Contact your state attorney general’s office. The office may explain your legal rights as a landlord. Also ask how to file a complaint against a renter or potential renter. Search your renter’s name and email address to see if others have flagged them as a scammer.

Where are landlords most likely to reject vouchers?

Between ⅔ and ¾ of landlords rejected voucher applicants in Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. In Newark, 31% of landlords refused to accept vouchers, and in DC, 11% of landlords would not take vouchers. The study also found that landlords were more likely to reject vouchers in low-poverty neighborhoods compared with high-poverty areas.

The program depends on private landlord participation, since voucher holders use their Section 8 rental assistance to lease apartments on the private market. Tenants pay 30% of their income for rent, with the local housing authority using HUD funds to pay the balance. Units must rent below the area Fair Market Rent, updated each year by HUD.

Because the federal government pays 70% of the rent, landlords can count on timely payments. Because the tenant contribution is tied to their income, they are more likely to make their payments on time as well. Voucher applicants are also pre-screened by the public housing authority. Tenants go through background checks and income certifications.

Between ⅔ and ¾ of landlords rejected voucher applicants in Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. In Newark, 31% of landlords refused to accept vouchers, and in DC, 11% of landlords would not take vouchers. The study also found that landlords were more likely to reject vouchers in low-poverty neighborhoods compared with high-poverty areas.

Contact your state attorney general’s office. The office may explain your legal rights as a landlord. Also ask how to file a complaint against a renter or potential renter. Search your renter’s name and email address to see if others have flagged them as a scammer.