How does the Section 8 Program work?

In the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, participants have a limited time to find suitable housing offered by a private owner using a Voucher issued by the Housing Authority (HA). Any housing selected must meet local codes and federal standards called Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
Housing Choice Vouchers give family flexibility to pay more than 30 percent of their income for rent and utilities if they desire. However, families who are new admissions or move to a new unit cannot pay more than 40 percent of their income when they move in.
The subsidy is calculated by using the lower of the Voucher Payment Standard or the gross rent minus the total tenant payment.
All Voucher units must meet a rent reasonableness test, i.e., the rents cannot be higher than similar units in the area. This test is performed on each unit leased and when an owner requests a rent increase.
In the Section 8 Program, families pay their share of the rent directly to the property owner or manager.