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Finding Landlords Who Accept Section 8: Using AffordableHousing.com Safely
How to use AffordableHousing.com and similar listing sites to find rentals that accept Housing Choice Vouchers, plus tips for checking listings, working with landlords and spotting rental scams.
Receiving a Housing Choice Voucher is a big step, but it starts a second search: finding a landlord who will accept it, with a unit that meets program rules, before your search time runs out. Listing websites can help. AffordableHousing, a listing website formerly branded as GoSection8, is one of the sites HUD mentions in its guidance for voucher holders. This guide explains what the site is and how to use it carefully.
What the site is
AffordableHousing is run by a private company, not a government office. Property owners and managers post listings there, including apartments, houses and townhomes, and many say they accept vouchers. The site says registration is free for renters and offers tools such as saved searches, listing alerts and online applications. Owners can list for free, and some pay for more prominent placement, so the order of results is not a ranking of quality. HUD's tenant page names the site together with other general rental websites as places to look.
How to search effectively
- Know your numbers first. Ask your housing agency for the payment standard for your household's unit size so you can focus on realistic rents.
- Search by city or ZIP code and use the filters for voucher-friendly listings and bedroom count.
- Contact several owners quickly. Good units can go fast, and your voucher has a set search period.
- Ask key questions, such as whether utilities are included, whether pets are allowed and what fees or deposits apply.
- Visit in person when you can, and check for obvious repair problems that could fail an inspection.
Also ask your housing agency for its own list of participating landlords, and check HUD's map of affordable and tax credit properties. HUD notes that properties financed with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits are required to accept vouchers as a form of payment.
What happens after you find a unit
A listing is only the beginning. You and the landlord complete a Request for Tenancy Approval for your housing agency. The agency then inspects the unit for health and safety standards and checks that the rent is reasonable compared with similar homes nearby. Only after approval are the lease and the agency's contract with the landlord signed. If your search time is about to run out, ask your agency about an extension before it expires.
Know your rights
In some states and cities, it is illegal for landlords to refuse renters just because they use a voucher. These source-of-income protections vary by location, so check your local rules. Separately, the federal Fair Housing Act bans discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability. HUD accepts fair housing complaints online or by phone at 1-800-669-9777.
Avoid listing scams
Scammers sometimes copy real listings or invent homes that do not exist. Be cautious if someone:
- Asks for a deposit or first month's rent before you have seen the unit or signed a lease.
- Wants payment by wire transfer, gift card or prepaid card.
- Claims they can get your voucher approved faster for a fee.
Confirm the owner's identity, keep records of every payment and talk to your housing agency if something feels wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Is AffordableHousing.com run by HUD?
No. It is a private company. HUD's tenant guidance mentions it as one of several websites voucher holders can use to search for rentals.
Does a listing that says it accepts vouchers guarantee approval?
No. Your housing agency must still inspect the unit and approve the rent, and the landlord can screen you like any other applicant.
Can a landlord refuse my voucher?
It depends on where you live. Some states and cities ban source-of-income discrimination, while others do not, so check your local rules.
Sources
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.