How to Find the Rental Assistance You Need

The voucher covers a portion of rent, and the renter pays the remaining amount. HCVs are held by the tenant, rather than attached to a particular rental unit. If you’re looking for a rental property that accepts HCVs, your local PHA may have a list of units or properties that participate.

Eligibility is based on family size, citizenship status, and income, but exact requirements depend on the particular PHA. Generally, households may not make more than 50% of the county or metropolitan area’s median income. For more on eligibility, visit HUD’s fact sheet on vouchers. To find the specific requirements for your area, like income limits and family size, contact your local PHA.

To apply for a housing choice voucher, contact your local PHA. If you are eligible, but there are no vouchers currently available, you may be placed on a waiting list.

In some areas, landlords are not required by law to accept housing choice vouchers as a form of payment. Other places have what are known as source of income (SOI) laws, which do require landlords to accept housing choice vouchers as a form of rent payment.

The Poverty & Race Research Action Council provides a useful resource where you can search a list of jurisdictions with SOI protections.