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1. How do I apply for Housing Choice Voucher Program?

View or download the Section 8 Housing Application.

2. How long does it take to get a voucher after you apply?

The amount of time that an applicant waits for assistance is dependent on the following factors:

• The number of applications ranked higher than your application.
• Funding Availability – there must be funds available to issue vouchers to eligible families.

3. How can I check my position on the waiting list?

You can check your status online at www.waitlistcheck.com. You can also call the office on the third Wednesday and Thursday of the month between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4 PM.

The wait list is maintained by date and time of pre-application. Additional consideration will be given for applicants based on preferences.

4. What happens when I get to the top of the waiting list?

When you reach the top of the waiting list, you will be notified by mail that you have reached the top of the list and will be provided with a date and time to meet with a Housing Specialist for an eligibility interview.

5. When I get a voucher, how long do I have to use it?

The initial voucher term is 60 days.  You may request a 30-day extension however, no voucher may exceed 120 days.  An additional 30-day extension may be requested as a Reasonable Accommodation for persons with disabilities.

6. How much will I have to pay in rent?

The tenant rent portion is stated on the initial Housing Choice Voucher contract. Any changes to the portion will be stated on a “Notice of Change to Lease and Contract” letter which will be mailed to the tenant and landlord after every income or household change. Tenant rent portion is affected by family income and the contract rent for the unit. In the first year of the contract, the tenant portion is between 30 - 40% of the family’s monthly adjusted income, depending upon the rent amount. After the first year of the contract, the rent may exceed 40%, depending upon the rent amount.

7. How can I find rental units?

Check the classified section of local newspapers under Houses for Rent or Lease and Apartments for Rent or Lease.

Check with friends or neighbors. They may know of places available.

https://mdhousingsearch.org/

https://www.apartments.com/md/

https://www.gosection8.com/

8. After I locate a unit, when can I move into the unit?

You can move in after the following steps are complete

1. The landlord must agree to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
2. You and the landlord must complete a Request For Tenancy Approval (RFTA).
3. The Housing Authority must determine the proposed rent to be reasonable and the landlord must accept the rent approved by the Housing Authority
4. The unit is inspected and passes Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
5. You and the landlord sign a lease.
6. The landlord and the Housing Authority sign a Housing Assistance Payment Contract.
7. You pay the security deposit and move in.