On AffordableHousing.com, you may see two different types of applications:
Housing assistance (including Section 8) waiting list applications
Rental applications for specific properties
These applications serve different purposes and are submitted to different organizations.
Section 8 Waiting List Applications
A Section 8 waiting list application is used to apply for housing assistance, not for a specific apartment or house.
Section 8 is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and managed by local Housing Agencies (also called PHAs).
If you are approved, the program issues you a housing voucher and helps pay part of your rent.
What happens when you apply
You apply to a Housing Agency waiting list.
If you qualify, your name is placed on the waiting list.
When your name reaches the top, the Housing Agency may offer you a housing voucher.
A voucher can help you rent housing where the landlord accepts vouchers.
Tip: For more details, read our FAQ on applying for housing assistance.
How to find Section 8 waiting lists
You can search for open waiting lists through the AffordableHousing.com waiting list directory.
To apply:
Find a waiting list in the table.
Click the waiting list name in the far left column.
This opens the waiting list details page.
Click “Apply Now.”
You are applying to a housing assistance program, not to a specific rental property.
Rental Applications for Properties
A rental application is used to apply to rent a specific apartment, house, or property.
This application is sent directly to the property owner or property manager.
What happens when you apply
You find a property listing on AffordableHousing.com.
You click on a property you like to open the property details page.
From that page, you submit a rental application for that specific property.
The landlord reviews your application and decides whether to approve your tenancy.
Tip: You can also send a message to the property owner from the property details page, asking for more information about the property or expressing your interest in renting the unit.
Landlords may review things like:
Income
Rental history
Credit history
Background checks
Important to Know
You can do both at the same time on AffordableHousing.com.
For example:
Join a Section 8 waiting list for future assistance.
Apply to rent available properties now.
Some landlords on AffordableHousing.com also accept housing vouchers, which may help when you receive assistance later.