Housing Choice Vouchers
On August 9, 2009 Seattle Housing Authority announced that for the foreseeable future we are not going to be issuing new Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers. We took this action to make sure that we do not exceed the number of vouchers we are authorized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue.
At the time we suspended issuing new vouchers, we had sent application materials to household numbers 1 through 2,454 on our Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. When we are able to issue vouchers again, we will start the process where we left off, calling in number 2,455 first. Our best guess is that we will begin issuing vouchers again some time in 2010.
Within a year or two we do anticipate opening up our Section 8 waiting list again. We'll post information about this suspension and about the waiting list here on our website, and in the Porchlight Building lobby. We will also provide current information on our waiting list hotline (206-239-1674).
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) issues vouchers that cover part of the monthly rent for privately-owned apartments or homes. Seattle Housing Authority screens applicants and provides eligible households with a voucher (also known as a housing subsidy). Vouchers may be used to rent a unit from any landlord in Seattle willing and eligible to participate in the program.
Households in this program earn 30 percent of area median income or less to qualify, and pay the portion of rent and utilities not covered by the voucher—typically 30 to 40 percent of monthly income.
Please note that the eligibility requirements and application procedures for the Housing Choice Voucher Program differ from those of other programs.
Program Overview
A look at how the program works: how much tenants pay for rent and utilities, leasing, annual reviews and inspections, moving, terminating assistance, and disability accommodations.
Rights & Requirements
Details about the rights and requirements of tenants and landlords and the role Seattle Housing Authority plays in administering the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Eligibility
Information on tenant eligibility—including program income limits, criminal history, immigration status, and previous termination—and the eligibility of rental units and landlords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about applying to the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the waiting list, making changes to applications, and more.
Leasing
Once households receive a voucher they have 120 days to begin the seven-step leasing process and find a suitable rental unit that meets the agency's Housing Quality Standards.
Rental Listings
Seattle Housing Authority maintains lists of units available for rent by voucher-holders in Seattle. These lists are updated every Friday and are available both online and at the Porchlight Building.
Current Residents
Information for households receiving rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Contact this program
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Porchlight Building
907 NW Ballard Way, Suite 200
Seattle WA 98107-4637
Telephone: 206-239-1728
Fax: 206-239-1770
