Section 8 Landlord Guide — Payments & Requirements by State

Quick answer: Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) pays landlords a monthly Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) directly from the local Public Housing Authority. The amount depends on HUD's Fair Market Rent, the tenant's income, and the PHA's Payment Standard. Select your state below for exact figures.
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How Section 8 Payments Work for Landlords

When you rent to a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) holder, the Public Housing Authority (PHA) pays you the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) directly each month. The tenant pays their portion — 30% of their adjusted monthly income — directly to you. Together, the two payments cover the full rent.

The HAP is the lesser of (a) the actual rent minus the tenant's 30% share, or (b) the PHA's Payment Standard minus the tenant's 30% share. Payment Standards are set by each PHA at 90–110% of HUD's published Fair Market Rent for the area.

4 Steps to Accept Section 8

  1. Contact your local PHA — Use "Find My PHA" to locate the housing authority covering your property. Ask about their landlord outreach program and vacancy referral list.
  2. Pass the HQS inspection — A PHA inspector verifies your unit meets Housing Quality Standards: safe electrical, working heat, no lead hazards, pest-free, working smoke detectors.
  3. Set a reasonable rent — Rent must be comparable to similar unassisted units nearby. If your rent exceeds the Payment Standard, the tenant pays the difference (up to 40% of income).
  4. Sign the HAP contract — Once the unit passes and rent is approved, you sign the Housing Assistance Payments contract. The PHA begins paying on move-in.

Section 8 Payment Amounts by State

Select your state to see HUD Fair Market Rents, representative metro amounts, and the largest PHAs:

How do I become a Section 8 landlord?
No separate landlord certification is required. Your unit must pass an HQS inspection, rent must be reasonable, and you sign a HAP contract with the local PHA. Contact your PHA to get started.
Does Section 8 pay on time?
Yes — PHAs typically direct-deposit the HAP by the 1st of each month. The PHA payment is highly reliable; the tenant's 30% share follows the same rules as any tenancy.
Can I evict a Section 8 tenant?
Yes, for cause (non-payment, lease violations). You must follow your state's eviction process and notify the PHA of the action. The PHA stops the HAP when the tenancy ends.
Can I set my own rent?
Yes, but it must be "reasonable" compared to similar unassisted units in the area. If your rent is above the Payment Standard, the tenant pays the difference — but their total share cannot exceed 40% of their income initially.
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