Section 8 Voucher Program

What is the Section 8 Voucher program?

Section 8 is a government-funded program that helps low-income households pay the rent on private, market-rate rental units.

How does it work?

After you receive a voucher, you search and find a unit (within certain requirements). The rent you will pay will be 30% to 40% of your household’s adjusted gross income. A housing authority will pay the other portion of the rent directly to the property. If you move, the voucher moves with you.

Do I qualify?

To qualify for a Section 8 voucher, you must fall within Minnesota’s income Iimits.

How do I apply?

Although the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) runs the Section 8 program, it is administered by local housing authorities or other affiliated organizations. Click on the housing authority for your area below, either on the map or the link. Contact information will be provided. Waiting lists for vouchers are often long or closed. Click here to check the status of the waiting lists in the metro area.

I have a voucher. How do I find a place that will accept it?

• You still have to apply for a unit at a rental property. Some properties may choose not to accept vouchers.
• Go to hList to begin searching for available units.
  1. Select the counties and/or cities in which you prefer to use your voucher.
  2. Click "Search".
  3. On the Search Results page, click on the "Section 8 Voucher Accepted" column heading.
  4. Contact the listings with the red checkmark that you’re interested in.
• The housing authority will give you guidelines that identify an eligible rent amount.
• Most properties will require a credit, criminal, and rental history check.
• The unit must pass an inspection before the subsidy payments can start.