Benefits of HCV/Section 8 Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance for very-low and low-income households. Rental assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual participants to private landlords. Program participants are responsible for choosing the type of housing they feel best suits their household. They can select a single-family home, townhouse or an apartment.

Once the participant has chosen their housing unit and the landlord is willing to accept the housing voucher towards the payment of rent, the housing authority will inspect it to assure that it meets the federal minimum housing quality standards and any local building codes. All rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by OHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount by the program.