Rent Information For Section 8 Participants
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How Section 8 Rents Work
How much rent will Section 8 approve?
There are no pre-set or maximum rents for Section 8 units. OHA will determine the market rent for the rental unit after the Move-in Inspection.
OHA approves market rents based upon comparables in the neighborhood where the unit is located. OHA will compare the rental unit to similar non-Section 8 units that have recently rented in the neighborhood (called comparables, or comps). OHA will take into consideration the size, condition, and amenities of the property when determining the rent. Keep in mind that OHA cannot approve a rent amount that is not supported by market comps.
What will my rent portion be?
You will pay between 30% and 40% of your household income toward the rent and utilities. Your rent portion will be re-determined once a year at your Annual Re-certification. OHA may recalculate your rent portion during the year if your income changes. You should pay your rent portion directly to the property owner or manager on time each month.
Learn how you can earn money through the FSS program.
Is there a cap on how much I can pay toward rent?
Under HUD regulations, you cannot pay more than 40% of your income toward rent and utilities during the initial lease term (usually one year). After OHA staff collect all your income information and determine whether the requested rent is comparable, they will let you know if the rent will be affordable to you. Depending on your income you may not be able to afford to rent a unit at a market rate rent, even with your housing subsidy. In such cases, OHA staff will tell you and the owner the maximum amount of rent you can afford. The owner will then decide if they will accept the lower rent. If they choose not to accept the lower rent, you will need to look for another place.
Can I pay more than my Section 8 rent portion?
You are not allowed to pay the landlord more than your rent portion. Making "on the side" payments is fraud and could cause you to lose your assistance and face civil and criminal charges.
Click here for information about OHAPD's Fraud Investigation Unit.
What will happen if I don't pay my rent portion?
Paying your rent portion is one of your most important participant obligations in the Section 8 program. You must pay all of your rent on time every month. If you do not pay your rent portion you could lose your Section 8 assistance and you could be evicted from your home.
If you are having difficulty paying your rent, click here for information on Rental Assistance Programs |
