How to Become a Section 8 Landlord: Step-by-Step Guide

Being a landlord means so much more than just owning properties and possibly renting them out. The property business comes with a lot of responsibilities and equal risks.

Landlords who are usually familiar with the responsibilities of running a rented property often realize it is not just about making profits but also about assisting people to get shelter over their heads.

In the United States, many low-income families are afforded housing assistance, which Section 8 is a type of housing program administrated by the federal government.

Becoming a Section 8 landlord involves registering with the Public Housing Authority (PHA) and ensuring your property meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS). This program connects landlords with low-income tenants who receive rent assistance. The Section 8 housing program is used to assist low-income tenants to find affordable housing around them.

This type of low income housing program is established and coordinated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Section 8 housing voucher allows tenants to pay a percentage of the agreed rental fee required by the landlord, which is then subsidized by the housing program, thereby making it affordable for low-income families.

How to get into the Section 8 housing program as a landlord

To become a landlord in the Section 8 housing program, there are a few steps that must be followed to have your property approved and payments deposited into your account.

The Section 8 program usually matches landlords with tenants, but the final screening and selection of tenants depends mainly on the landlord. Follow the below steps to get involved in the Section 8 housing program as a landlord.

• Advertise your property: Section 8 tenants can only rent your home if it is listed and advertised on their website or by the public housing authority. You can post and upload pictures with other specific details such as unit capacity, monthly rent, address, parking lot, etc., of your property on the section 8 websites.
• Prospective tenants must be screened: It is the landlord’s duty to select tenants provided by the public housing authority for the property. Then, when tenants begin to contact you, start the screening process, including background checks, to select the tenants for your property. The prospective tenants must go through the Local Public Housing Authority before contacting the landlord of their desired property.
• Inspection: After selecting the tenants for the property, there may be a scheduled inspection between the tenant and the landlord to check through the property before moving into it. The rental substitute, which will be taken care of by the public housing authorities, will start to be effective if the property has passed the inspection stage usually conducted by the public housing authority. In a case where the tenant moves into the property before the inspection is conducted or property approved, the tenant becomes responsible for the full rent payments for the unit.

Pros and Cons of Accepting Section 8 Tenants

Becoming a Section 8 landlord offers financial benefits but also comes with certain obligations. Here’s a breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Guaranteed rent payments – A portion of the rent is paid directly by the Public Housing Authority (PHA).	Strict property inspections – Rentals must meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS) before being approved.
Consistent demand for housing – Section 8 has long waitlists, ensuring a steady supply of potential tenants.	Delayed payments for first-time landlords – The first rent payment may take 30 to 60 days due to inspections and paperwork.
Reduced tenant turnover – Many voucher holders stay long-term to maintain their assistance.	Limited rent increases – The PHA must approve rent adjustments, which may not match market rates in high-demand areas.

For many landlords, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, especially if they own affordable rental units in high-demand areas.

Section 8 Landlord Application

In most states, landlords can choose whether to accept Section 8 vouchers. However, some states, including Washington, Oregon, and California, have source of income discrimination laws that require landlords to accept voucher holders. If you as a landlord are ready to accept this type of housing voucher, you may need to fill out an application with the Local Public Housing Agency (PHA) in your area. To get started, you can follow the brief steps below to get your property listed.

• Get in touch with your local housing authority: Visit your local housing authority and fill out an application form which would enable you to include details about your property, personal information, and address. This application form is usually used by the housing authority for inspection purposes.
• Complete an inspection of your rental property: a public housing authority staff member is usually assigned to visit your property, which you intend to list for the Section 8 program. It is important that your rental property passes certain requirements like electricity, water supply, sanitary facilities, and so on.
• Signing of documents: immediately after your rental property passes the inspection and is ready to be included in the Section 8 housing program, you will need to submit and exchange documents with the public housing authority, which will also be signed, and then the voucher monthly payments can be made possible once tenants are available.
• Stay in touch with the public housing authority: once your property has been approved and listed and a Section 8 tenant has been selected, it is the task of the landlord to stay in contact with the public housing authority. This is important should there be an issue between the landlord and tenant, or an intent to raise the rent, and so on. The landlord would need to consult the public housing authority first.

How Much Can a Section 8 Landlord Charge for Rent?

The rent amount for Section 8 tenants is determined by the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD. The PHA reviews local rental rates and must approve the amount before payments begin.

Factors that determine maximum rent:

1. Fair Market Rent (FMR) in your area – HUD updates FMR annually.
2. Property location and amenities – Homes in high-demand areas may qualify for higher rent allowances.
3. Tenant’s income and portion of rent – Tenants pay 30-40% of their income toward rent, with the PHA covering the rest.

Check Fair Market Rent in your area. If the PHA determines your rent is too high, you may need to lower it to qualify for Section 8 participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Section 8 and how does it benefit landlords?

Section 8, also called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is run by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to help low-income tenants afford rent. Landlords benefit from guaranteed payments (the PHA covers part of the rent) and a large pool of potential renters who often stay long-term.

How do I list my property for Section 8 tenants?

First, contact your local PHA and fill out any required forms. After a successful inspection that verifies your property meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards, your unit can be listed on Section 8 websites or the PHA’s database. Prospective voucher holders can then view and contact you about renting.

What are the main pros and cons of accepting Section 8 tenants?

Pros: Guaranteed rent payments, lower vacancy rates, and free listing through the PHA. Cons: Need to pass HUD inspections, potential delays for first payments, and approved rent limits based on Fair Market Rent. For more details, see how to become a Section 8 landlord .

What do I need to know about Section 8 property inspections?

Units must pass HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS) for safety, cleanliness, and habitability. The PHA schedules inspections before move-in and periodically thereafter. If the unit fails, you must make corrections before Section 8 rent subsidies begin or continue.

Am I required to accept Section 8 vouchers?

It depends on local laws. Some states (like Washington, Oregon, and California) ban discrimination based on source of income, requiring landlords to accept vouchers. In other areas, participation is voluntary. Check your state’s regulations to be sure.

How is rent pricing determined for Section 8 tenants?

Rent must align with local Fair Market Rent (FMR) guidelines set by HUD. Tenants pay 30-40% of their income, and Section 8 covers the rest up to the approved rent. If your asking price exceeds the PHA’s standards, you may need to lower it to qualify.

What steps should I follow to join the Section 8 program as a landlord?

1) Contact your local PHA and submit the landlord application. 2) Schedule an HQS inspection; fix any issues. 3) Sign the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract if approved. 4) List your property so voucher holders can apply. 5) Screen potential tenants (credit/criminal checks). 6) Once a lease is signed, PHA rent payments begin (after final approval).

Will Section 8 cover all of the rent if I list my property?

Not entirely. Tenants usually pay 30-40% of their income toward rent. The PHA covers the difference up to the approved level based on the local Fair Market Rent. If your rent is higher than what the PHA deems “reasonable,” the tenant may have to pay the difference, or you may need to lower your rent.

Conclusion

Being a Section 8 landlord has its pros and cons, but for many property owners, it’s a good way to secure steady rental income.

One big advantage is guaranteed rent payments. Since the Public Housing Authority (PHA) pays a portion of the rent directly, landlords don’t have to worry as much about tenants missing payments. There’s also high demand for Section 8 housing, so filling vacancies is often easier. Plus, landlords get free advertising through the PHA.

On the other hand, there are some rules to follow. Properties have to pass HUD inspections before approval, and rent prices are limited based on Fair Market Rent (FMR). For landlords with higher-end properties, this might mean earning less than what they could get from private renters.

Even with these challenges, many landlords find Section 8 worth it. The program offers reliable tenants, stable income, and fewer long-term vacancies. If your property qualifies and you don’t mind following the program’s rules, Section 8 can be a solid option.