Section 8 Violations That Can Cause You To Forfeit Your Voucher

What does it take to get a Section 8 housing voucher? Here’s the process in a nutshell:

1. You get in touch with your local PHA (Public Housing Agency).
2. You begin the application process.
3. The PHA checks to ensure you meet eligibility requirements for income, citizenship, etc.
4. You get approved/rejected for a Housing Choice Voucher.
5. If approved, you get moved to a waiting list.
6. Once your spot comes up, you get your voucher.
7. You use your voucher to pay part of the rent at a property you choose.
8. You remain a tenant by abiding by the landlord’s and PHA’s rules.

As you can see, there are several steps in the Section 8 process. And the fifth one – sitting on the waiting list – can take the longest. Since a Housing Choice Voucher can pay the majority of your rent, such housing assistance is in high demand. Combine that with limited funds, and you could be sitting on a waiting list for a year or longer.

Does getting a voucher mean you’re 100 percent in the clear? No, because even if you’re patient and wait years to get it, you can lose it quickly. How? By committing any of these violations that can lead to the forfeiture of your voucher via the PHA:

Section 8 Violations to Avoid

1. Criminal activity, especially if it’s drug-related or violent.

Not much explanation is needed here.

2. Disturbances.

You’ll be expected to act as a good tenant and neighbor wherever you move with your voucher.
This expectation will likely be outlined in your lease with the landlord, as well as with the PHA and the Section 8 rules they’re responsible for enforcing.

3. Not obeying rules in your lease.

Disturbances are just one thing your lease will tell you to avoid. Whatever else is agreed upon between you and your landlord, you must stick to. If you don’t, the landlord could cause issues with the PHA that could lead them to stop assistance.

4. Damaging the property.

You’ll need to maintain the property in good condition. If you, household members, or guests damage the property, you’ll have to complete repairs in a timely fashion to avoid losing assistance.

5. Hiding income.

Section 8 housing vouchers are meant as a way to help low-income families. As such, you’ll need to disclose household income to initially qualify and maintain your voucher. If you hide your income, you could be guilty of fraud and lose your assistance.

6. Not reporting changes in family composition.

Income is just one thing you must disclose to the PHA. You’ll also need to update them on any changes to your household composition, whether it’s adding or subtracting family members. The composition can affect your voucher, which is why updates are a must if you wish to continue receiving assistance.

7. Failure to pay rent.

Each month, the PHA will pay your voucher’s portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You’re responsible for paying your portion. If you do not, you could lose your voucher.

8. Getting evicted.

If your landlord decides to evict you, the PHA could terminate your assistance. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to maintain a solid relationship with your landlord by paying rent on time, avoiding disturbances, etc.