HUD’s New Rules for Section 8 Vouchers
Project-Specific Waiting Lists and Stronger Tenant Protections
HUD’s updates to Section 8 programs also include new measures to make it easier to get housing and keep tenants secure in their homes.
Local Project-Specific Waiting Lists
PHAs can now create project-specific waiting lists for certain affordable housing developments.
- How this benefits you:
- These lists can help families move into units faster.
- PHAs can prioritize local needs, focusing on specific communities or housing projects.
Not all PHAs will use project-specific lists, so it’s worth applying to multiple PHAs and checking what they offer. Search for and talk to housing staff in the area you’re interested in—they can explain the local process.
Enhanced Tenant Protections
HUD’s updates also introduce stronger protections for tenants.
- Key changes include:
- Safeguards against displacement, even if a property changes ownership or contracts end.
- Rules to prevent unnecessary or intrusive inspections by landlords.
- Special protections for tenants with disabilities, ensuring proper accommodations.
These changes offer peace of mind to tenants who may have felt vulnerable before. Maria, a voucher recipient, shared, “Knowing there’s more protection gives you a sense of security.”
