Finding Affordable Housing through HUD: A Guide for Low-Income Renters

• Author: Margaret Hills
• Posted: 2023-11-15

For many low-income Americans, finding an affordable place to rent can feel like an impossible challenge. Rental costs have skyrocketed nationwide, far outpacing wage growth for average workers.

But the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers resources specifically aimed at making housing more accessible and affordable for those with limited means.

Here, we will explore the major HUD programs that provide rental assistance for low-income households and walk you through the steps to take advantage of these resources in your local area.

The centerpiece of HUD's affordable housing efforts is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. The Housing Choice Voucher program provides vouchers to subsidize rent for eligible low-income families, allowing them to pay 30-40 percent of their income toward rent with HUD covering the remainder.

HUD also funds Public Housing authorities that operate government-owned affordable housing units. In addition, HUD's Project-Based Rental Assistance program provides subsidies to private landlords who reserve some or all of their units for low-income tenants.

These major programs help over 5 million households nationwide afford decent, stable housing.

To apply for HUD rental assistance, contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). You can find your PHA's contact information on HUD's website.

Be prepared to provide documents verifying your household income, family size, and other eligibility criteria. The PHA will determine if you qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher program or public housing and maintain a waiting list if resources are limited. 

Even if waiting lists are long, HUD provides other useful resources for finding affordable housing:

• The HUD Rental Assistance Finder allows you to search for rental properties that accept Housing Choice Vouchers near you. 
• The Affordable Apartment Search Tool helps you locate affordable rentals based on your income, number of bedrooms, and location.
• Check with your local PHA for listings of affordable housing options in your area that may not advertise widely.

For those struggling with the high cost of rent, HUD programs and services provide critical lifelines. With the right resources and persistence, you can find an affordable place to call home.

This guide aims to help low-income renters start on the path to securing stable, subsidized housing through HUD.