How Long Do I Have To Use My Section 8 Voucher?
In this article, you will learn how long you have to use your Section 8 voucher. Once you are awarded Section 8 housing, you have a specific timeframe to find a Section 8 landlord.
In this article, you will learn about that timeframe and where you can look to find Section 8 housing.
Section 8 Voucher Deadline: How Long Do I Have To Use My Housing Voucher?
You will need to use your voucher within 60 days of receiving it. This means you will need to find a Section 8 property that is approved by HUD in less than 60 days.
While you do not need to move into your Section 8 apartment or house, you will need to at least have a Request for Tenancy Approval. This is the process of submitting a request to your housing authority to inspect and approve the Section 8 property you are interested in.
How To Find A Section 8 Landlord To Accept Your Voucher
If you need to find a landlord to accept your voucher in 60 days, places that you can look for Section 8 properties include:
- Your Local Housing Authority – They will likely have connections to Section 8 landlords in your city. You can find your local housing authority by visiting the HUD website.
- Affordable Housing – This was formerly the Go Section 8 website. Many landlords who accept housing post their property on this website.
- Affordable Housing Online – A different website from the one above that also offers listings of apartments that take Section 8 vouchers.
- Social Serve – This website also lists housing programs in your area that take Section 8 vouchers.
For more information about using each option above to find a Section 8 landlord see this resource guide we created.
What If I Cannot Find A Section 8 Property In 60 Days?
You will need to speak to the housing authority. In some cases, they can offer extensions to give you more time to search for a Section 8 apartment. There is no guarantee that you will get an extension, but housing authorities will consider your request for an extension on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusion
Once you are approved for Section 8, you will have 60 days to find a landlord that accepts housing. While you do not need to be moved into the Section 8 property, you will need to at least have submitted a Request for Tenancy Approval. This is the process of having HUD inspect and approve the Section 8 apartment you are wanting to move into.
If you do not believe that you can find a property in 60 days, speak to your housing case manager or someone else in the housing authority that you applied for benefits.
Similar Articles That May Interest You:
- What Is The Monthly Cost Of Section 8 Housing?
- How To Apply For Section 8 Housing
- Can You Apply For Housing In A Different City Than Where You Live?
- How To Get Section 8 Immediately (Relatively Unknown Strategy)
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
