Pinto Properties

Under Section 8 of the US Housing Act there is something called the Housing Choice Voucher program – a program that subsidizes rents for low income individuals and families who qualify.  This voucher program, amended in the early 80′s, is now the main program within Section 8.  Nowadays, when people use the term “Section 8″, it is usually in reference to this particular voucher program.

Qualifying voucher recipients pay up to thirty percent of their income towards rent, and the difference is subsidized by the government.  Vouchers are usually managed through local housing authorities who are regulated by the Fed.  Those having trouble affording rent might consider applying for the voucher assistance program.

There are project-based vouchers reserved for public housing (usually apartment type complexes) managed by the housing authority.  And then there are tenant-based vouchers that can be used anywhere in the private sector.  Voucher holders need to apply for a private rental like any other potential tenant, and private landlords are not obligated to take tenants just because they are in the program.

If landlords want get on the housing authority list of Section 8 approved rentals, they must submit an application form, pass a property inspection and agree to offer fair market rent set by the local housing authority (ie. Missoula Housing Authority).  The rental rates are typically at the lower end of the fair market scale to keep it affordable.  Some landlords are advocates of the program because they know they can rely on a good portion of the rent being paid every month.

For information about Section 8 housing and the voucher program, contact your local housing authority.

Missoula Housing Authority