Section 8 Rental Assistance Information

What is the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program?
The Section 8 Programs are Federal rental assistance programs administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and local housing authorities. 

What is the purpose of the program?
To make decent, safe and sanitary rental housing more affordable to low-income, elderly, and handicapped / disabled individuals and families. 

Who is eligible to participate?
Applicants must meet HUD eligibility requirements, and have incomes that do not exceed HUD-established area income limits. Potentially eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list until a housing subsidy can be issued. 

What happens when I am issued the housing subsidy? 
A participant will look for a suitable dwelling unit to rent. He/she is not obligated to move and may remain in his/her current dwelling if the unit is acceptable under the program and the landlord will agree to participate. To be acceptable under the program, a unit must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards and be available for rent within the limits of the program. 

How much rent will I pay in the Housing Choice Voucher Program? Under the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the Payment Standard (based on the Fair Market Rent) is the amount used to calculate the tenant’s housing assistance. The assistance portion is calculated by subtracting 30% of the family’s monthly adjusted income from the lesser of the payment standard or gross rent. The family share is calculated by subtracting the total subsidy from the gross rent. The family share is the amount the family pays toward rent and any tenant-supplied utilities. 

What are the advantages for owner/landlords?
Owners/landlords who participate in the Section 8 Existing Program are able to fill vacancies quickly; housing assistance payments are made by the housing authority directly to the landlord and the owner/landlord retains his/her right to screen and choose the tenant.

Pierce County Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan Revised March 27, 2014

Title Page (pdf)
Table of Contents (pdf)
Glossary (pdf)
Pierce County Housing Authority Administrative Plan (pdf)