VoucherMatch

How to find a landlord who accepts Section 8

Finding a voucher-friendly apartment is faster when you search where landlords already accept vouchers and you know your rights. Here is the process, step by step.

The hardest part of using a housing voucher is not qualifying for it, it is finding a landlord who accepts it before the search deadline runs out. These six steps help you spend your time only on landlords who say yes.

  1. 1

    Know your voucher details

    Before you search, confirm your voucher type (Section 8, CityFHEPS, FHEPS, HASA, or another), your approved bedroom size, and your payment standard, which is the most rent the program will cover for that size. Your voucher paperwork or your caseworker has these numbers.

  2. 2

    Search listings that already accept vouchers

    Instead of cold-calling generic rental sites, use a marketplace where every listing is voucher-friendly. On VoucherMatch, each listing shows exactly which vouchers the landlord accepts, so you never waste time on a landlord who will say no.

  3. 3

    Filter by what your voucher covers

    Filter by your voucher type, borough or city, bedroom size, and a rent at or below your payment standard. A unit priced within your standard is far more likely to pass the program rent review.

  4. 4

    Know your rights before you contact a landlord

    In New York City and New York State it is illegal for a landlord to reject you because you pay with a voucher. If a landlord refuses your voucher, that refusal may be unlawful source-of-income discrimination, and you can report it.

  5. 5

    Apply with your documents ready

    Have your voucher, photo ID, and income verification on hand. On VoucherMatch you upload your documents once and apply to any listing in a few clicks, and the landlord sees your complete application right away.

  6. 6

    Follow up and prepare for inspection

    After a landlord accepts you, the program schedules a unit inspection and sets up the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract before you sign the lease. Stay in touch with both the landlord and your caseworker to keep the process moving.

Frequently asked questions

Do landlords have to accept Section 8?

In New York City and New York State, yes. Source-of-income discrimination is illegal, so a landlord cannot reject you just because you pay with a Section 8 or city voucher. Protections in other states and cities vary by location.

Where can I find apartments that accept vouchers?

VoucherMatch is a marketplace where every landlord accepts housing vouchers, and each listing shows which voucher types are accepted. You can search by voucher type, location, bedrooms, and rent, and apply for free.

How long do I have to use my voucher?

Most vouchers give you a set search window (often 60 to 120 days) to find a unit, and you can usually request an extension from the issuing agency. Check the deadline on your voucher paperwork and start searching early.

More guides

Housing voucher programs explained

What Section 8, CityFHEPS, FHEPS, HASA, SOTA, and VASH are, who qualifies for each, and how they pay rent.

Do landlords have to accept Section 8?

Source-of-income discrimination law explained: where a landlord can legally refuse a housing voucher and where they cannot.

CityFHEPS vs Section 8: what is the difference?

A side-by-side comparison of CityFHEPS and Section 8: who runs each program, who qualifies, how much rent they pay, and how to use them in NYC.

Start your search now

Browse apartments from landlords who accept Section 8 and city vouchers. It is free to search and apply.

Browse voucher-friendly listings

New to vouchers? Read Housing voucher programs explained to see how much each program pays.