Important: Homzora is a housing research publisher. It is not a housing agency, is not affiliated with HUD or any public housing agency, and is not a law firm, and nothing on this page is legal advice. Program rules, waiting lists, and payment amounts are set by HUD and your local housing agency and change over time. Always confirm details directly with the housing agency before you apply or sign a lease.
In the District of Columbia, about 189,800 of 324,500 occupied homes, or 58.5 percent, are rented, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey (Homzora Washington, D.C. dataset, Table B25003). The median gross rent is $1,954 a month (Homzora Washington, D.C. dataset, Table B25064). Of renter households with a computed ratio, 46.6 percent spend 30 percent or more of income on gross rent (Homzora Washington, D.C. dataset, Table B25070). For many of those households, the Housing Choice Voucher program, still widely called Section 8, is the largest source of help paying rent in the private market.
This guide explains how the voucher program works in Washington, D.C., who qualifies, how much a voucher holder pays, where to apply, and what to expect from waiting lists, inspections, and landlords.
Quick answers
- Where to apply in Washington, D.C.: DC Housing Authority.
- Who qualifies: generally families who are extremely low income or very low income, based on income and family size (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
- What you pay: usually 30 percent of adjusted monthly income, and sometimes up to 40 percent (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
- Who pays the rest: the housing agency pays a subsidy directly to the landlord (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
How the program works
HUD describes the Housing Choice Voucher program as one that helps low income families, elderly people, veterans, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market. It is run by local public housing agencies with funding from HUD, and part of the rent is covered by a subsidy paid directly to the landlord (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
Voucher holders find their own rental. The housing agency sets a payment standard, which HUD describes as the maximum amount the agency can pay toward rent and utilities for a unit, and notes is not a rent limit. The agency pays the difference between the payment standard and the family’s share of the rent directly to the landlord (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
Who qualifies
A family’s annual income and size determine eligibility, and families generally must be extremely low income or very low income to qualify. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens as defined by HUD, and the head of household must have a valid Social Security number (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants). HUD publishes income limits for each area, so ask the housing agency which limits apply in Washington, D.C..
How much a voucher holder pays
HUD says the family’s share is usually 30 percent of adjusted monthly income, though rent may be as high as 40 percent of adjusted monthly income (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants). The housing agency pays the rest up to its payment standard, directly to the landlord (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
Where to apply in Washington, D.C.
You must apply through your local public housing agency (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants). In Washington, D.C., that is DC Housing Authority. Because of high demand, HUD suggests applying to more than one housing agency’s waiting list (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants). Nearby agencies may run separate lists, so ask whether you can apply to others in the region.
Fair Market Rents in the area
HUD publishes Fair Market Rents for every metro area each year, and housing agencies use them in setting voucher payment standards (HUD User, Fair Market Rents). HUD’s fiscal year 2027 schedule lists these monthly Fair Market Rents for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HMFA (HUD, FY 2027 Schedule of Fair Market Rents):
| Unit size | Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,111 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,204 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,438 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,107 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,658 |
Fair Market Rents are not the same as the payment standard your agency uses, which can be higher or lower, so ask DC Housing Authority for its current payment standards.
Inspections
Before assistance starts, the housing agency contacts the landlord to schedule an inspection, and the property must meet health and safety standards (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
Moving with a voucher
HUD says new voucher holders may choose a unit anywhere in the United States, though in some cases a family must first lease within the housing agency’s jurisdiction for the first twelve months of assistance (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants). Ask the agency about its rules before you plan a move.
Your responsibilities
- Live in the home as your primary residence (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
- Allow only family members listed on your voucher to live with you (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
- Let inspectors check the home for safety and condition (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
- Complete a yearly review to confirm you still qualify (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
Fair housing
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in rental terms because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability (42 U.S.C. § 3604). HUD accepts complaints (HUD, File a Complaint).
How to apply, step by step
- Visit the housing agency’s website and check whether its voucher waiting list is open.
- Sign up for alerts or check often, since lists may open only for short periods.
- Gather identification, Social Security numbers, and proof of income for everyone in the household.
- Submit the application directly through the housing agency, and keep your confirmation.
- Report any change of address or phone number so you do not miss a letter about your place on the list.
Documents to have ready
- Photo identification for adults in the household.
- Social Security cards or numbers for household members.
- Birth certificates for children.
- Recent pay stubs, benefit award letters, or other proof of income.
- Bank statements and information about any assets.
- Your current lease and landlord contact information.
Waiting list tips
Waiting lists can be long. Apply to every list you are eligible for, keep a record of each application, and respond quickly to any letter or email. If you move or change phone numbers, update every housing agency where you applied. Missing a single notice can remove you from a list.
Beware of waiting list scams
Apply only through the housing agency’s official website or office. Be cautious of websites, social media posts, or callers that ask for a fee to sign you up, promise a voucher faster, or ask for your Social Security number outside the official application. If you are unsure, call the housing agency directly using the number on its official website.
Finding a landlord who accepts vouchers
Once you receive a voucher, you usually have a limited time to find a unit, so start looking right away. Ask the housing agency for any list of available units, tell landlords up front that you have a voucher, and keep a written record of every place you contact. If a landlord refuses because you use a voucher, ask the housing agency or a legal aid office whether local law protects you.
Preparing for the inspection
- Make sure smoke detectors work and windows open and lock.
- Check that the stove, refrigerator, heat, and hot water work.
- Look for peeling paint, leaks, exposed wires, and missing outlet covers.
- Ask the landlord to fix problems before the inspector arrives.
Keeping your voucher
Voucher holders must follow program rules to keep their assistance. Pay your share of the rent on time, report income and household changes as required, allow inspections, keep the home in good condition, and complete your yearly review. If you have trouble meeting a requirement, contact the housing agency before the deadline.
If you are on a waiting list now
While you wait, look into other help. Call 211 to ask about rental assistance and other local programs, check whether you qualify for public housing or income restricted apartments, and keep your current tenancy stable by paying rent on time and keeping records.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for Section 8 in Washington, D.C.?
Apply through DC Housing Authority, and consider other agencies’ waiting lists as well (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
How much rent will I pay with a voucher?
Usually 30 percent of adjusted monthly income, and sometimes up to 40 percent (HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants).
Is Section 8 the same as the Housing Choice Voucher program?
Yes. Section 8 is the name most people still use for the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Important notice
Homzora does not run any housing program, cannot place anyone on a waiting list, and does not provide legal advice. Information in this article comes from HUD and public housing agency websites at the time of writing. Contact your housing agency for current rules, and contact a legal aid office if you believe you were treated unfairly.
Sources
- Homzora Washington, D.C. dataset, Table B25003
- Homzora Washington, D.C. dataset, Table B25064
- Homzora Washington, D.C. dataset, Table B25070
- DC Housing Authority
- HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants
- HUD User, Fair Market Rents
- HUD, FY 2027 Schedule of Fair Market Rents
- 42 U.S.C. § 3604
- HUD, File a Complaint