The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by local Housing Authorities (HAs). Unlike Public Housing, the HCV program allows participants to choose their own rental unit in the private market — including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes — as long as the unit meets program requirements. Once a voucher is issued, the participant pays a portion of the rent (typically 30% of their adjusted monthly income) and the HA pays the remainder directly to the landlord via a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
All units must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection before the HA will approve the lease. The program operates under a three-party relationship: the tenant is responsible for their share of the rent and adhering to lease terms; the landlord is responsible for maintaining the unit; and the HA is responsible for making HAP payments and administering program compliance.