The amount of rent covered by Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, varies depending on several factors including your income, the total rent amount, and the local housing market. Here's a general overview of how it works:
Income Eligibility: To qualify for Section 8, your household income must typically be below 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which you choose to live. In some cases, priority is given to households with incomes below 30% of the median area income.
Payment Standard: Each local Public Housing Agency (PHA) establishes a Payment Standard, which is the maximum amount the agency will pay towards rent and utilities. This standard is based on the cost of living and rent in the local housing market and is meant to cover the cost of a moderately-priced rental home in the area.
Tenant's Payment: Generally, you are expected to pay about 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income towards rent and utilities. The Section 8 voucher would cover the difference between your payment and the actual rent, up to the local Payment Standard. If the rent is higher than the Payment Standard, you may be required to pay the additional amount, but this usually cannot exceed 40% of your monthly adjusted income when you first receive the voucher.
Utility Allowance: If utilities are not included in the rent, the PHA may provide a utility allowance, which is a deduction in your rent calculation to help cover utilities.
Rent Reasonableness: The PHA will also ensure that the rent charged by the landlord is reasonable compared to similar units in the area for non-Section 8 tenants.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the exact amount of rent covered by Section 8 can vary widely depending on local policies and the housing market in your area. For the most accurate and personalized information, it's best to contact your local Public Housing Agency. They can provide specific details based on your situation, including the Payment Standard applicable in your area and any additional requirements or options available to you.