How to Find Landlords Who Accept Section 8: 9 Ways That Work
You finally have your voucher. You call ten listings, and nine say “we don’t take Section 8.” The tenth never calls back. Meanwhile, the date on your voucher keeps getting closer.
Finding landlords who accept Section 8 is the hardest part of the program for many families. But some places are easier than others. Your housing authority must give you a landlord list. Tax credit buildings can’t turn you away only for having a voucher. And in many states and cities, “no Section 8” is illegal.
This guide gives you nine ways to find landlords who accept Section 8. It also covers what to say when you call and what to do when someone says no.
Do landlords have to accept Section 8?
Under federal law, most private landlords don’t have to accept Section 8. But many states and cities have source of income laws that make refusing a voucher illegal. HUD’s Inspector General counted 23 states plus Washington, D.C. with statewide laws, and 152 cities and counties with local laws, as of January 2025.
There are also two federal exceptions. Some buildings are funded by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). Their owners agree not to refuse a tenant for holding a voucher. That rule is in the federal tax code, 26 U.S.C. 42(h)(6)(B)(iv). Also, the Fair Housing Act bans refusing you for your race, disability, family status, or similar reasons.
| Where you live | Can a landlord refuse your voucher? |
|---|---|
| A state or city with a source of income law that covers vouchers | Usually no |
| A tax credit (LIHTC) building | No, not only because of the voucher |
| Anywhere else | Yes, under federal law |
| Anywhere, for race, disability, family status, or similar | No |
Source: HUD Office of Inspector General report 2025-BO-0003 (August 2025). Ask your housing authority if your area has a local law.
Takeaway: first find out whether the law in your area is on your side.
How do I find landlords who accept Section 8?
Start with your housing authority’s landlord list, then search voucher-friendly listing sites. Next, call tax credit buildings and property managers, and ask local groups for leads. Use several methods at once and keep a dated search log. One method alone is rarely enough, especially in a tight rental market with few vacancies.
Here are nine ways that work, from easiest to hardest:
- Ask your housing authority for its landlord list. Federal rules require it. See the next section.
- Search voucher-friendly listing sites. AffordableHousing.com and GoSection8 focus on voucher rentals. Zillow and other big sites let you search for listings that mention vouchers.
- Call tax credit (LIHTC) buildings. Owners can’t refuse you only because you have a voucher. Ask your agency or search “tax credit apartments” plus your city.
- Call property management companies. Some manage many units and already work with your agency.
- Try small, individual landlords. People on Reddit say a private owner is often easier to talk to than a big company.
- Ask local nonprofits. Housing counseling groups, shelters, and 211 often know voucher-friendly owners.
- Ask your network. Other voucher holders, churches, and community groups pass along good leads.
- Drive the neighborhoods you want. Some owners post “for rent” signs and never list online.
- Look in other areas. Check nearby towns or, if you qualify, move your voucher to another city.
Takeaway: the families who find units fastest use many methods at the same time.
Does my housing authority have to give me a list of landlords?
Yes. Under 24 CFR 982.301(b)(11), your briefing packet must include a landlord list. It names owners the agency knows who may rent to you. The list must also cover areas outside poverty or minority concentration. If you didn’t get one, ask your caseworker for it in writing and keep a copy.
HUD’s guidebook (Housing Search and Leasing, June 2025) lists other help an agency may offer:
| Help your agency may offer | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Listings of vacant units | “Do you have a current vacancy list?” |
| Search counseling | “Can someone help me with my search?” |
| Accessible unit list | “Do you have a list of accessible units?” |
| Transportation or neighborhood tours | “Do you offer rides to see units?” |
| Help with deposits or moving costs | “Do you know any groups that help with deposits?” |
Not every agency offers all of these. But the landlord list is required. Does someone in your household have a disability? HUD’s guidebook says the agency should include a list of accessible units it knows about.
Takeaway: your agency’s list of landlords who accept Section 8 is free, required, and often the best place to start.
What are the best websites to find Section 8 rentals?
AffordableHousing.com and GoSection8 are the best known sites that focus on voucher rentals. Big sites like Zillow also let you search for listings that mention vouchers. Many housing authorities post their own vacancy lists online. Always confirm by phone, because lists of landlords who accept Section 8 can be old or wrong.
| Where to look | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Your housing authority’s website | Owners already working with your agency | Lists may be out of date |
| AffordableHousing.com | Voucher-friendly listings | Not every listing is current |
| GoSection8 | Owners who chose to list for voucher tenants | Coverage varies by area |
| Zillow and other big sites | Many more listings | “Vouchers accepted” isn’t always true |
| Facebook groups and Nextdoor | Small private owners | Scams asking for money first |
Never pay an “application fee” or deposit before you see a unit and meet the owner. Scammers often target voucher holders who are short on time.
Takeaway: use websites to find leads, then confirm every lead by phone.
What should I say when I call a landlord?
Be short, friendly, and honest. Say you have a Housing Choice Voucher and ask whether the owner works with the program. Mention your bedroom size and that your agency pays most of the rent directly each month. Then ask about the rent, which utilities are included, and when the unit is free.
Here is a simple phone script:
“Hi, I’m calling about your [2-bedroom] on [street]. I have a Housing Choice Voucher from [agency name]. Do you accept vouchers?
If yes: What is the rent, and which utilities are included? When can I see it?
If they’re unsure: The housing authority pays its share directly to you each month. The unit needs to pass an inspection, and I can send you the agency’s landlord contact.”
Some owners worry more about the paperwork than about you. Have your agency’s landlord contact or landlord web page ready to share. Know your rent limit before you call, so you don’t waste time on units you can’t afford.
Takeaway: a calm, prepared call turns more “maybes” into showings.
Why do landlords refuse Section 8, and what can I do?
Common reasons are rent above the voucher limit and worry about inspections and paperwork. Slow first payments and bad past experiences matter too. You can’t fix all of them. But you can share your agency’s landlord contact and look for units within your rent limit. Good references from past landlords also help.
| What the landlord says | What you can do |
|---|---|
| “The rent is too high for Section 8.” | Ask your agency your payment standard and 40% limit first |
| “I don’t want inspections.” | Explain the unit must meet basic safety standards, then move on |
| “The paperwork takes too long.” | Share your agency’s landlord contact to speed things up |
| “Your credit is too low.” | Offer references from past landlords and proof of income |
| “We don’t take Section 8.” | Check if a local source of income law protects you |
Landlords can still screen you. Under 24 CFR 982.307, the owner is responsible for screening and choosing tenants. Your agency must give the owner your current and prior addresses. It must also share past landlords’ names and addresses if it has them. So a good rental history helps a lot.
If a disability means you need a costlier unit, ask your agency about a higher payment standard. Our reasonable accommodation letter guide has samples.
Takeaway: some refusals you can solve, and some are illegal.
What if a landlord says “no Section 8” where it’s illegal?
Save the proof, such as the ad, text, email, or a note of the call with the date. Then report it to your state or city civil rights agency, or a local fair housing group. Also tell your housing authority. HUD encourages agencies to tell families they can file with a fair housing group.
What to save:
- A screenshot of any ad that says “no Section 8” or “no vouchers.”
- Texts or emails where the owner refuses your voucher.
- A written note of each phone call: date, time, name, and what was said.
In New York City, call 311 and ask for “Human Rights.” Our CityFHEPS guide explains the city’s source of income law. If you were refused because of race, disability, or family status, you can file a complaint with HUD. Fair Housing Act complaints are due within one year.
Takeaway: a refusal can be a legal claim, so always keep proof.
How do I find a landlord before my voucher expires?
Start searching the day you get your voucher. Send a Request for Tenancy Approval as soon as you find a unit. Submitting it pauses your voucher clock until the agency decides. Short on time? Ask for an extension in writing two to three weeks before the deadline, and attach your search log.
- Day one: get your landlord list, payment standard, and 40% limit.
- Every week: call new leads and update your search log.
- When you find a unit: submit the Request for Tenancy Approval right away.
- Two to three weeks before the deadline: request a Section 8 voucher extension and attach your search log.
A dated search log shows your agency you’ve been trying. HUD’s guidebook calls it a helpful tool to track your search.
Takeaway: treat your search like a job, with a daily plan and a written log.
Myths vs facts about finding Section 8 landlords
Reddit, Quora and Facebook are full of advice about landlords who accept Section 8. Some of it is wrong. People say every landlord must take vouchers, or that no website lists them. We checked the most common claims against federal rules, the tax code, and HUD’s own reports. Use this table before you trust a stranger’s answer.
| What people say online | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| “All landlords must accept Section 8.” | Not under federal law. It depends on your state or city law. |
| “There’s no list of landlords anywhere.” | Your housing authority must give you one in your briefing packet. |
| “HUD approves apartments.” | Your local housing authority approves the unit, not HUD. |
| “Tax credit buildings can turn you down for a voucher.” | They can’t refuse you only because you hold a voucher. |
| “Landlords can’t check your credit if you have a voucher.” | The owner is responsible for screening tenants. |
| “Section 8 pays your security deposit.” | The voucher doesn’t pay deposits, but local groups may help. |
Takeaway: the rules give you more tools than most forum posts mention.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a landlord accepts Section 8?
Ask directly when you call or email about a unit. Some listings say “vouchers accepted,” but confirm that the information is current. Your housing authority’s landlord list also shows owners who may rent to voucher holders. In areas with source of income laws, most landlords can’t legally refuse.
Is there a list of landlords who accept Section 8 near me?
Yes. Your housing authority must give you a list of landlords who may be willing to rent to you. It’s part of your voucher briefing packet under federal rules. Many agencies also post vacancy lists online. Sites like AffordableHousing.com and GoSection8 list voucher-friendly rentals too.
Can a private landlord accept Section 8?
Yes. Any private owner can join the program if the unit passes inspection and the rent is approved. The owner signs a contract with your housing authority. The agency then pays its share directly to the owner each month, and you pay your share.
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 because of my credit?
Usually yes. The owner is responsible for screening and choosing tenants under federal rules. That can include rental history and paying rent on time. Offer references from past landlords and proof of income. Some local source of income laws limit how owners screen voucher holders.
Do apartment complexes have to accept Section 8?
Not under federal law. The exceptions are tax credit (LIHTC) properties and places with a source of income law. Tax credit owners agree not to refuse tenants only because they hold a voucher. Ask the leasing office whether the property has tax credits.
How long do I have to find a landlord with Section 8?
Your voucher gives you at least 60 days to submit a Request for Tenancy Approval. Your agency may offer extensions. The clock pauses while an RFTA is under review. If a disability slows your search, ask for more time as a reasonable accommodation.
Your next step
Call your housing authority today and ask for its landlord list, your payment standard, and your 40% limit. Then start your search log and make your first five calls. Running out of time? Read our voucher extension guide or what to do if your Section 8 voucher expired. Browse all our guides.
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state, city, and housing authority. Read how we check our facts, or report an error. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: 24 CFR 982.301, Information when family is selected (eCFR) | HUD OIG: Public Housing Authorities and Source of Income Discrimination (2025) | 26 U.S.C. 42, Low-income housing credit (Cornell LII) | Also cited: 24 CFR 982.307; HUD HCV Guidebook: Housing Search and Leasing (June 2025).
