Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) offered by Seattle Housing Authority
Operates the tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), which allows very low-income households to pay rent equal to 30-40% of monthly income, at units that participants select and rent independently from private landlords. Seattle Housing Authority pays the remainder of each month's rent to the landlord. Applicants on the voucher list will be chosen at random when vouchers are available. The number of applicants selected in each drawing will vary, depending on the number of vouchers available. The chance of being drawn is the same no matter when households apply. Random selection ensures that all applicants have an equal chance of being drawn at any time. The open application opportunity will be available for families and individuals whenever they wish to apply. SHA will review eligibility and verify income at the time applicants are selected from the list. Applicants who meet the voucher program eligibility requirements and meet the program preferences will be served. Rent amounts are subject to HUD limits. Each household must locate their own housing unit within 120 days of receipt of voucher. SHA may grant extensions beyond 120 days, but household must reach out to their issuing Certification Specialist for more information and have their request submitted in writing before the 120-day expiration date. Once housing is located, Seattle Housing Authority then will accept self-certification of inspection from the Landlord of the unit to ensure that it is maintained in a decent, safe and sanitary condition. To remain on the list, applicants must also check in monthly using Save My Spot in the SHA Portal.
Physical Address
101 Elliott Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119
Hours
M-F, 8am-5pm.
Voice
Application process
Register using the SHA Portal. Registration will take about 30 minutes. Call or email if applicant needs assistance applying online, wants a paper application, wants to apply in person, needs accommodation for a disability, or needs translation or an interpreter.
Fee
No fees for application. Clients pay 30-40% of adjusted income for monthly rent, with minimum of about $50 per month required.
Eligibility
At the time an applicant is called off the waitlist the total household income must be at or below 50% of Area Median Income. Preference will be given to households that are at or below 30% of Area Median Income. Successful applicants must use the voucher within Seattle city limits for one year, after which time they can relocate. Applicants must be 18 years or older, or an emancipated minor. Cannot serve households who owe money to SHA or another housing authority, until the debt is repaid in full. Cannot serve households if any member was terminated from the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for violating any specified program tenant obligation in the past five years. Cannot provide vouchers to applicants convicted of certain criminal offenses, including any sex offenses requiring sex offender registration. Eligibility for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) does not guarantee eligibility for any rental unit; landlords perform their own additional screenings.
Languages
Interpreter services
Agency info
Seattle Housing Authority
Administers subsidized, locally and federally funded public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs to provide low-cost rentals/housing throughout Seattle. Some properties are reserved for seniors and adults with disabilities.