New opportunities for Section 8 rental assistance plummeted by one-third in 2020.
Historically, getting on a waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program can be a challenge.
And when the COVID-19 pandemic began, the impacts made it even harder to access Section 8 vouchers nationwide. But the pandemic also motivated the adoption of more fair and inclusive policies that made it easier to apply for a voucher.
Affordable Housing Online analyzed Section 8 waiting list openings from 2016-2020. The data paints a picture of what renters face when applying for housing assistance, and how the pandemic affected their access.
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For any questions, please contact the authors at s8report@affordablehousingonline.com
Know your rights as a Section 8 tenant.
In many areas, private landlords with an available unit can refuse interested tenants who have a Section 8 voucher. Check your local laws.Hisini Davis says:
"I love Affordable Housing Online, it shows me what's open and also when waiting lists close."