Who is responsible for what for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)?

Please note, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist is currently closed.
Please register on the HCV website to be notified when any Section 8 program in the state opens its waiting list.

When a family is approved for a Section 8 home, three main groups work together: the tenant, the landlord, and the Public Housing Agency (PHA).
The tenant and landlord sign a rental agreement. The landlord and PHA also sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract. These agreements explain what each person or agency must do.
Tenant's responsibilities
The tenant must:
Sign a rental agreement with the landlord, usually for at least one year.
Pay a security deposit if the landlord requires one. Section 8 does not pay the security deposit.
Pay their share of the rent on time.
Follow the rules in the rental agreement.
Keep the home clean and in good condition.
Follow the rules of the Section 8 program.
Tell the PHA about changes in income or family members, complete and submit all required documentation requested by the PHA in a timely manner.
After the first year, the landlord may offer a new lease or allow the family to stay month-to-month.
Landlord's responsibilities
The landlord must:
Provide a home that is safe, decent, and sanitary.
Charge a reasonable rent.
Make sure the home meets Section 8 housing quality standard rules.
Keep the home in good condition.
Provide the services promised in the rental agreement.
Follow the rules of the HAP contract with the PHA.
Complete and submit all required documentation requested by the PHA in a timely manner.
 
PHA's responsibilities
The PHA runs the Section 8 program in the local area.
The PHA must:
Help families use their vouchers to find suitable housing.
Pay housing assistance to the landlord on behalf of the family.
Check the family's income and household information at least once a year.
Inspect the home to make sure it meets housing quality standard rules.
Take action if the landlord does not follow the program rules.
Provide a review process if a family disagrees with a PHA decision.

HUD's responsibilities
HUD oversees the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
HUD:
Provides money to PHAs to help pay housing assistance.
Provides additional vouchers when funding is available.
Reviews how PHAs run the program.
Ensure that the PHAs follow federal Section 8 rules

More resources
How do I apply for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher?
What is a Section 8 HCV?
Learn more about the waiting list.
Learn more about Section 8 HCV. (link back to webpage)