Once you are granted a housing choice voucher, you may use a Section 8 housing list in Arkansas to find a suitable place to rent in the state. When a public housing agency (PHA) issues your rental assistance, the organization can provide you with information on finding a rental that will suit your needs. Otherwise, you may find resources through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which oversees the Section 8 program at the federal level.

There are many low income apartments for rent in Arkansas, but it is important to remember that not all of them will accept Section 8. Read below to learn more about finding a unit to rent and find out what requirements your apartment will need to meet before you can move in.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Arkansas?

Your PHA may provide you with Arkansas Section 8 listings when you start receiving housing choice vouchers. In some cases, a housing agency will include information on available apartments on its website. Other times, local PHAs may direct you to find Section 8 approved housing for rent by using a third-party website.

Keep in mind that not all PHAs have the resources to maintain a list of suitable apartments. The rental market changes frequently, which makes it difficult for small organizations to help every beneficiary find an apartment.

If you do not receive an approved Section 8 housing list from your PHA, there are other official resources that you can use as well. First, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) is a government agency that provides potential Section 8 rental listings and other resources for finding an affordable place to live.

Second, HUD homes for rent listings can be another helpful starting place. Through HUD’s resources, you can locate various rental housing, such as:

• Single-family homes
• Units in multi-family apartment complexes
• Townhomes
• Duplexes

Note that some of these units may be located in public housing projects. As the recipient of a housing choice voucher, you are free to rent any unit on the open market. You are not limited to living in a public housing project.

Additionally, some units in HUD listings may have specific eligibility criteria. For example, your search results may include units in senior housing complexes. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria for each rental before you proceed with a lease application. Learn more about finding apartments for rent that accept Section 8 by reading our guide here.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Arkansas

Regardless of whether you receive apartment searching resources from your PHA, there are a variety of other ways to find affordable housing. For instance, there are numerous apartment for rent apps and websites that you can browse through.

Overall, many of these available tools include homes for rent that accept Section 8 in addition to other types of rentals. For example, GoSection8 active listings can be a useful resource.

Keep in mind that many of these websites will include listings that do not require you to hold a Section 8 voucher. This can mean that you are competing with a wider variety of applicants who are looking for an affordable rental.

Moreover, it is possible to find Arkansas Section 8 listings through other types of advertisements, such as local newspapers. Not all landlords will advertise their apartments using multiple methods, so it helps to broaden your search.

When looking for a Section 8 housing list from other sources, keep in mind that some listings may use different terminology. For example, some units will be described as “income-restricted.”

Generally, this means that you are allowed to use a Section 8 voucher. If you are unsure, it may be in your best interest to ask the landlord for clarification.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Arkansas

When browsing through Section 8 listings in Arkansas, it helps to be aware of the requirements your apartment must meet. Even if you find a unit on an official Section 8 housing list, it does not mean the rental will meet the health and safety requirements.

The HUD is responsible for setting these standards, while PHAs are in charge of inspecting units. Once you find a place you would like to rent, the housing authority that issued your voucher will look over the unit for issues with things such as:

• Doors and windows
• Floors, walls and ceilings
• Wiring and lighting fixtures
• Locks and latches
• Overall condition, including evidence of pests

A unit may not pass the inspection if any of the above items is not in good working order. Keep in mind that the PHA will perform this inspection each year that you choose to stay in the same unit.

Before you can sign a lease, you will have to ensure that the landlord will accept this type of voucher. There are many apartments for rent that accept Section 8, but not all landlords with low-income apartments will participate in the program.

Tips to Help You Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in Arkansas

Going through a Section 8 housing list can be overwhelming, but it is important that you find a unit to rent before your voucher expires. By law, PHAs are required to give you at least 60 days to use your rental assistance after it is issue to you.

Your local PHA may offer more time or allow you to apply for an extension, but the policies vary from one agency to the next. Unfortunately, you risk losing your voucher if you do not use it before it expires.

Generally, you can make your search go more quickly by taking a few steps. Consider following these tips to find an apartment that fits your needs:

• Have your application materials ready so you can apply for a lease as soon as you find a place you like.
• Search using multiple different resources so you do not miss out on any rental opportunities.
• Set up an account with alerts so you can be notified when new apartments are listed on your favorite search engines.